The Full Color Story

My life’s passion and career have been based on my love and respect for animals.  I am profoundly thankful to have been personally mentored by internationally renowned Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. R.K. Anderson (1922-2012).  R.K.’s influence went far beyond using positive and humane training techniques for dogs – he taught me so much about compassion and respect for others, especially those we might disagree with.

For over 25 years I’ve immersed myself in all aspects of animal behavior, attending countless conferences, completing numerous educational courses, working with a variety of species, and traveling with scientists studying animals in the wild.  I feel so honored for the friendship, teaching and guidance I’ve received from dozens of leading behaviorists and training professionals around the world.  I consider myself a perpetual student, and devote significant ongoing time for continuing education opportunities and personal reading and research.

I am a self-confessed horse addict, and can’t remember a time when horses were not the greatest joy of my life.  My love for Classical riding was first awakened in my youth when I had the good fortune to ride upper level school-masters trained to highest collection with balance and lightness.  I’ve engaged in a wide range of activities with horses, including eventing, modern competitive dressage, trail obstacle competition, pleasure trail riding and breeding of gaited horses.  In the past few years I’ve renewed my pursuit of artistic/historic Classical riding, studying with Sr. Bruno Gonzalez and Tina Cristiani Veder (founders of The Baroque Equestrian Games & Institute), and attending the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez, Spain.

In 2012 I made the decision to transition my career to full-time horse behavior and training.  (Prior this, horses were my hobby, while dogs paid the bills.)  I earned my Certification as a Horse Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and became a Practitioner member of the International Society for Equitation Science.  I find great fulfillment in helping horses and their people resolve problems and discover more rewarding relationships.  I enjoy working with clients one-on-one, as well as conducting weekend workshops where horse owners can learn a bit about the scientific principles, as well as get their feet wet in trying out the techniques with their own horses.

I am especially dedicated to assisting veterinarians, farriers, trainers and other equine professionals.  Through basic understanding of the science of learning and behavior modification, and with an emphasis on positive reinforcement, professionals can increase safety and efficiency for themselves, and provide enhanced service and improved results for their clients.  Whether lecturing at veterinary colleges and conferences, riding along with vets or farriers, or offering wet-labs and workshops for small groups, I find great satisfaction in supporting these equine professionals.

I take a positive, practical, science-based approach to resolving behavior problems, on the ground or under saddle, from phobias to aggression, and everything in between.  My methods and techniques include functional behavioral analysis, ethological evaluation of management details, counter-conditioning, systematic desensitization, positive reinforcement training with a sound-marker (dog owners may be familiar with similar “clicker-training”), etc.   Just as importantly, I help the owner to understand how to maintain the improved behaviors and avoid recurrence of problems.

In 2016 we completed construction of our new 39-acre farm in Ocala, FL.  It includes a 14 stall barn, class/lecture room seating up to 50 learners, 20m x 60m covered arena with covered viewing area, two round pens, plus open riding and training areas.  We host a variety of educational events throughout the year:  behavior, Classical riding, health & hoof care, etc.  The farm is also home to our boutique breeding program, Silver Moon Iberians.  We use the most recent research and ethological information to guide management best-practices:  foal care and delayed weaning, stallion companionship and environmental enrichment, 24/7 access to forage, early cooperative-care education of young horses through positive reinforcement, and more.

Thank you so much for your interest.  Whether you own a single companion horse, or are a busy full-time equine professional, I look forward to hearing how I might help you achieve your goals.