Born in 1973, I had to wait an additional 11 years till my parents were convinced that my love for horses was not a passing phase and so they finally agreed to pay for regular riding lessons. Thank you, guys! I still recall that very first lesson on a cold November afternoon on a chestnut mare called Piroschka. With only one lesson per week, my greed to learn was by far not fulfilled, so I helped with barn chores to earn additional riding and vaulting lessons. Some years later I was asked to substitute teach children's and beginner's group lessons and soon the first training of green horses followed. The stable also worked with a disabled group providing therapeutic riding, which was a great experience and enrichment, both personally and professionally.

Since the basic training in Germany includes Dressage and Jumping, I competed in both disciplines at first, although soon leaving the jumper world behind. At the age of 19, however, I decided to stop showing all together and focussed on training only.

After my move to Berlin, I continued training horses in Dressage for a private stable.

In 2003 during a travel across the USA I met my life partner, who was the reason to get married, move to Arizona and have a child (what a man, that can cause so many big changes!). Thinking that I will never see an English saddle again I resigned myself to learn how to ride western-style and was ready to look for an instructor. Fortunately I was wrong...

I hung up a flyer in local feed stores and vet offices hoping to be lucky and find a student or two. The need for more Dressage instructors and trainers became obvious: within three weeks the calendar was full. What a great signal. Dressage is growing even here in the remote western areas of the US so much that a group of horse friends founded the DRESSAGE DESPERADOS in October 2007 in order to offer more schooling shows and provide more opportunities - in addition to the great 4 shows per year that the NAC puts on - here in the Tri-City-Area for people to get their horses out and practise and learn about this sport.

Currently I am lucky to work with several wonderful private students as an instructor and coach. Due to my second pregnancy I am unable to train at the moment but will be available for training again in Spring 2009. :)