Born in Russia, I was very fortunate to immigrate to America at 5 years old with my parents.  Soon after we arrived, my dad wanted to reward me for some good grades and took me on my very first trail ride.  I was hooked.

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At 10, I met a woman who would become my trainer and inspiration: Diane Slater.  In Diane's barn, we learned all about horse care and got to train/show in eventing, one of the most exciting disciplines!  I evented for years, and loved it.  I got to experience the beauty of dressage, the courage of cross country, and the suspense of show jumping.  The whole experience was thrilling.

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When I moved to the Western Slope of Colorado, eventing was challenging to pursue, so I focused on dressage.  I believe that dressage (done correctly) is beneficial for every horse.  After all, "dressage" is the french word for "training".  So, proper training is good for everyone!  I use principles of dressage for all my horses, no matter in what discipline they show.

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I found a lot of success with both Classical (English) Dressage and Western Dressage.  I wanted to see if same principles could be applied to my newest passion: Reined Cowhorse.  Similar to eventing in structure (both are triathlons) but so much more challenging because of the cow!  Cows expose all of your partnership's weaknesses.  And I'm all about turning weaknesses into strengths.

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I love to develop partnerships with horses and going out and showing off that unity.  I love to show!  Win or lose, I believe there is always a lesson to learn and ways to improve.  I love the whole process: the preparation, the moment in the spotlight, the critique afterwards.  Showing is my way of accomplishing my desire to be the best horsewoman that I can be.