My Story
I grew up in the competition ring; from sports to dogs shows, and horses shows. It would be fair to say a competitive streak runs in my veins, my dad being an athlete and my mom being a world traveled dog show judge. I competed in ASCA showing Australian Shepherds, APHA showing paint horses in the all around events, and playing basketball and Volleyball.
Fast forward to this decade and I have competed in various different disciplines of riding, as well as coaching riders to get out to the show ring in hunter jumper, working equitation, and dressage. I have found my passion in Coaching competitors to a realistic, achievable, progression-based competition season that will grow their confidence as they water their character and self-esteem. This season of my life has shown me back to my original roots of showing dogs and horses. I am tackling the Obedience and Rally ring with my dog Stuart, as well as bringing along my gorgeous Andalusian gelding , Xateo.
The past 2 years have also seen a big change in myself as I have completed a certification program called Touched By a Horse. As a gestaltist, I have learned a way of focusing on the present, while living my most confident and whole life. My understanding of who I am and how I walk through life have grown into an understanding of self that I never dreamed possible.
My confidence and passion have also grown through my journey in Touched By a Horse, and I cant wait to help you "Find your Joy" too.
Life outside of coaching
I have a very active son that loves riding and hiking, as well as a supportive and wonderful husband. I have been very fortunate to have family that helps be spread my wings and indulges in my various goals and interests . We run a large horse boarding and training facility that allows us to share in our passion of horses together as a family. We can be found at horse shows, team ropings, and up in the mountains camping and hiking. I have an Aussie that I am currently working on his titles in Rally and Obedience with my sights set on qualifying to be a judge in ASCA.
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"You either take control of your life or it takes control of you. It’s that simple."
Who is JoyRidge named after?
Meet Joy, the horse that changed it all.
My mom bought Joy for me to show and be competitive with as my last few years of youth were coming to a close. Joy had the talent of all my previous horses combined, and potentially an ego to match. I remember fondly being dragged across the arena while lunging Joy, only to stand up with a face full of dirt. I also remember stepping out of the trailer knowing I have one of the nicer horses at the show, there's my ego at play too, and being bucked off in the warm up pen because my cue was more then she was use to and Joy became offended. I was allowed to be a stupid teenager, and that is where Joy shined the most. Bareback and bridle-less trail rides, tarps tied around my neck as a cape dragging a flag... she loved living a silly and adventurous. While Joy could be an oxymoron, she changed my life and outlook on competition forever. As the tears are flowing remembering all the times Joy reminded me what humility was, the smile in my heart will never be wiped away. Joy gifted me with patience, humility, compassion, love, joy (yes, joy when my pants weren't filled with arena sand), and most of all; Joy taught me to compete for the right reasons.
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I knew joy had the talent trainers dream of having in their barn, but she also had a spirit like nothing I've ever seen. To say she was funny would be an understatement, she had a clown-like sense of humor. She loved like no other animal, and would call me out if I became too big for my britches.
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We lost Joy to a severe colic in 2016, and to this day, I still have her hoofprints on my heart.
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To Joy: you were the horse of a lifetime, you silly girl. I cry to this day thinking of what authenticity you brought to the table every single day and knowing I wont ever hug you again. You are my little light, and I believe you were in horse heaven picking Xateo to send down to me. Thank you for the lessons you taught me. Thank you for humbling me. I love you forever. Rest In Peace, and run through those green fields in heaven you slobbery princess.
My Mission
My mission is to help people find the Joy. Allowing the freedom to authentically explore the world with clarity from outside- expectations and find the reason for your "why". Training can be one of the most rewarding and reassuring experiences in a persons life, training can also be a baseball bat to our self-esteem. The meaning of confidence is different to each individual, making it unique. Confidence can be gained, and it can be lost. Confidence can grow, and confidence can change. There is Value in training, growth, and competition. I help people find, develop, grow, and shine in their own shoes free of past traumas, limiting beliefs, and negativity. We get to walk a miles every single day, why not walk with confidence?
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Joy-Ridge helps guide people to a better why, through the more confident how.
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Have you ever asked yourself where is your Joy?
Find the Joy
