My Story
I’ve been horse crazy since I could walk—and riding for nearly as long. But somewhere along the way, confidence started to slip through the cracks.
In my twenties, I changed disciplines… twice. Each shift made me a beginner again, and that was humbling. I realized that the fierce confidence I had as a teenager didn’t just follow me into adulthood. I had to rebuild it—with intention, study, and a lot of honesty.
That journey led me to Touched By a Horse®. A friend nudged me toward it, and my first experience was nothing short of life-changing. I left a lot of tears in that arena—and a lot of old fear and trauma, too. I walked away feeling like a completely different person. Right then, I knew I had to learn how to offer that kind of transformation to others.
Now, as a certified Equine Gestaltist®, I help riders reclaim the confidence they thought they’d lost—and I support barn owners who are burned out from always giving and rarely receiving. My approach is grounded, real, and shaped by both professional training and the school of hard knocks.
Whether you’re in the saddle or running the whole show, confidence is not a luxury—it’s your foundation. I’m here to help you find it again.
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
At Joy Ridge Coaching, my mission is to help riders and barn owners rediscover their confidence, reconnect with their truth, and build a life—on and off the horse—that feels powerful and grounded.
Through the transformational work of Equine Gestalt Coaching, I create a space where old stories can be released, new clarity can emerge, and clients can move forward with purpose. Whether you’re rebuilding your trust in the saddle or finding your way back to joy in a demanding barn life, I’m here to walk beside you—without judgment, and with a whole lot of heart.
Have you ever asked yourself where is your Joy?
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