Patty, Cassie, & Connection

I was first introduced to Mary Beth in 1996 in Eastern Washington. At that time I was a diehard hunter-rider who had not a clue how difficult the transition to dressage would prove to be.

Initially I would have to travel 150 miles roundtrip to take lessons from Mary Beth. So, between work schedules and weather concerns, I would be lucky to ride with her five times a year. Or in the summer she would have an adult camp and I would get two lessons a day for four days — whoopee!

Five years ago I retired, and I had two goals: to get past first level, and to stay fit enough to ride into my 90s. I moved my horse (Cassie) to Seattle, bought a second home and have been commuting from Eastern Washington ever since. Two years ago I bought a second horse (Connection), an Oldenburg gelding. He was a physical wreck and emotionally depressed. With Mary Beth's guidance he is now a beautiful example of his heritage and a very happy horse.

Mary Beth's training takes no shortcuts which are stressful or painful for the horse. She is patient, knowing, expert, and passionate in her approach. She doesn't merely instruct; she involves herself in the horse's health, including nutrition, proper shoeing, biomechanics, and mind/body work. The horse is always her priority — the rider secondary. So, please leave your ego at the door.

Those "aha" moments come frequently, but sometimes they slip away as well. Mary Beth patiently figures a way to show you another way to recreate those moments. She sees potential in both the horse and rider that is often far beyond what the student herself can see. Hey, I am even starting to believe that I will still be riding at 100 years!

Thank you Mary Beth for having the patience and the endurance to stand in the corner of the arena one more day, for sharing your knowledge, for your smile and sense of humor and for your unending dedication to the horses who come to you.

Patty, Cassie & Connection

Patty & Cassie

Connection when he was first purchased

Connection now!

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