Meet the team

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Boulder is an 18-year-old registered AQHA. When I was 16, I got my first real job and saved up to buy him. Boulder and I have accomplished so much together—he is truly my heart horse.

Over the years, we've competed in WAHSET (my high school equestrian team), spent a summer ranching in Montana, learned mounted shooting, competed on the ICHA college team, and even rode for a PRCA rodeo drill team (Sunsation). We later moved to Tennessee, where he helped me run a horse training and lesson program, including teaching cow sorting clinics. We were also part of mounted patrol for concerts.

Eventually, we made the journey back across the country to Washington. Today, we lead trail rides for the Olympic Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen.

Come ride with us!

Lloyd joined the herd in 2022. He arrived severely underweight and malnourished, but after a few months of rehabilitation, he began his career as a lesson horse in my program. He taught all kinds of kids and adults how to groom, tack, and ride.

Lloyd is incredibly patient, gentle, and trustworthy. When a student is learning to lope, he’ll walk to the other side of the arena, and when cued, he lopes in a straight line right toward me, stopping as soon as he reaches me. This helps students get comfortable with loping without having to worry too much about steering or speed.

Now that we’re back in Washington, Lloyd is enjoying semi-retirement with high-quality hay, grain, and plenty of cookies. He’s loved on by my friend’s kids and is still exceptional for the occasional pony ride.

Jade was found on the streets of California, pregnant, in 2019. After giving birth to her puppies, who were all adopted, she ended up in a kill shelter. 

Thankfully, my aunt's friend, who runs a rescue, saved Jade. My aunt then gifted her to me as a college graduation present.

Jade made the move with me to Tennessee, and now back to Washington.

When I got Jade six years ago, her estimated age was between four and six years old, which puts her at around 10–12 years old now—a number that makes sense. She’s slowed down this past year and can no longer join me on trail rides with the horses.

These days, Jade enjoys trips to the barn, rides in the back seat of the truck, and sleeping on her orthopedic bed for 23 hours a day.

Jade is so loyal and devoted, I often say I should have named her Shadow, because she truly is my shadow. Most people worry about their dog running off—but Jade worries about me running off. I’ve never experienced a more loyal companion, and I’m not sure I ever will again.

Following the gem/rock theme, Ruby came to us via Craigslist in Yakima. She joined the family at a very young age and was the tiniest of kittens. Ruby lives life to the fullest as both an indoor and outdoor cat. She enjoys hunting, climbing trees, and lounging on the roof. But she also appreciates the finer things, like lying by the fireplace, chasing Christmas ornaments, and sleeping with me every night.

I’m convinced Ruby identifies as a dog (she was raised alongside a German Shepherd puppy). She comes when called, sits for treats, begs, and—while she dislikes other cats—she’s fantastic with dogs!

Ruby loves our daily routine of feeding the horses and is often found supervising any project happening on the property. She’s moved multiple times with me and even made the trip to and from Tennessee.

Despite her small size, she’s still a bit of a threat to Jade. Jade is constantly on guard, worried Ruby will steal her food—even though Ruby is a fraction of her size. Their daily interactions, grooming, and cuddling bring me joy.

Sometimes, I wonder how anyone doesn't like cats.