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Although I am a US Citizen, I was born in England and traveled extensively throughout Europe and Canada as a child. I was first put on a horse when I was 2 years old. My sister, Alyson, who is 6 years older than me was already Pony Clubbing at that time. The first horse I was put on was her pony, Boots. I was immediately addicted. My father was in the Cavalry (The Royal Hussars), so from the onset, I rode the army horses and polo ponies. I also got to ride the famous horse, Sefton, who was terribly wounded by an IRA bomb in Hyde Park, London, UK. I started my riding "career" as a jumper - but a series of badly trained horses and terrible riding instructors dampened my enthusiasm. In 1998, I decided to switch to dressage - and have been hooked ever since!
I consequently purchased 6 dressage horses (from training level to Grand Prix) and I seriously competed each weekend throughout the entire season on all of my horses. I trained with a coach 5-6 x weekly and the time I was not riding, I studied!! I attended every convention I could and was a complete ' sponge' for more information. In 2003, I purchased a 10 acre equestrian center in Palm Beach ~ Journey's End Dressage. With incredible riders boarding their horses at my facility ~ and being trained by the best coaches, I had the priviledge of sitting ringside at my own farm and observing incredible talents such as Michelle Gibson, Sue Blinks, Jane Savoie, Betsy Steiner, Suzanne Dansby-Phelps et al at work! Unfortunately, my husband passed away suddenly and I lost the heart to continue our dream. I sold my best horses and I sent my two oldest horses to a wonderful retirement farm in New York (www.promiseskept.org).
In September 2007, I decided to blow the cobwebs off of my tack and bring my horses home to me. I quickly gathered my five horses together and we started training intensively together on a daily basis. My horses (and myself) responded quickly to the riding regime of schooling and trail riding and will be ready to commence showing again in 2008.
I have LIMITED openings for training horses or students at this time. I am also looking for a working student who is willing to work in exchange for lessons. I can also take on consigment horses for those owners with limited resources to sell their horses.
In addition to my work as a trainer/riding instructor ~ I am the marketing director at Gibson Truck World, a licensed realtor and a licensed mortgage broker, a real estate investor and a fitness instructor (holding 15 fitness examinations including Master Tutor/Examiner status). I have been recognized for the past ten years in 6 editions of Marquis Who's Who for my achievements thus far.
I worked as an actress and a model for 10 years, I served in the Women's Royal Air Force for 6 years .... and to top it all off, I also hold a diploma in parapsychology!!
How is that for a diverse background?!?
I am taking my ARICP (American Riding Instructor Certification Program) Level II and Dressage Speciality in November 2008.
Although I have spent 10 years living in the Wellington, Palm Beach area ~ due to my recent re-marriage to Yves Belanger, I am currently residing in the Central Florida area. My husband and I own "HORSES IN HARMONY" located at 36201 County Road 439, Eustis, FL 32736, USA.
Offering basic dressage instruction, horse training, horse consignment, sales and FULL DELUXE BOARD for retirement horses and lay ups. I also occasionally have a few select horses available for on-site lease. Please visit our site map for easier navigation of this extensive website.
Email Me!
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