I grew up on a horse farm. My mother was a passionate equestrian and I was involved in pony club, fox hunting, and eventing throughout my childhood and teen years. I competed through the preliminary level on an amazingly talented Percheron/thoroughbred mare named Ellie.

In college, I joined the equestrian team and went to hunter shows throughout the semester. After a riding hiatus in graduate school, I purchased my off the track thoroughbred, Ketch, and began competing in eventing again, this time at the Training level. I also rediscovered the joys of fox hunting and found myself another off the track thoroughbred, Ben. He was the absolute best hunt horse and we enjoyed 4 seasons hunting first flight with Elkridge Harford Hounds. He now hunts in Tennessee and I hear is doing exceptionally well. 

Motherhood meant my riding time became more restricted and I was less interested in jumping hedges than in having relaxed trail rides on a safe horse my kids could also enjoy. That's when I discovered the Icelandic horse. 

When I interviewed Nancy Marie Brown about how Icelanders believe in elves, I also learned about her beloved Icelandic horses. They seemed like the perfect family horse - small (usually no more than 14 hands) but steady and strong enough to carry an adult (even my 6'2 husband!). So eventually, we found our own Icelandic horse. He arrived from Iceland in June 2024 and when I tried him in Vermont it was my first time "tolting" - the unique smooth gait Icelandic horses are famous for. I was smitten. 

Tango has been patient, safe, kind, and the perfect horse for this season of my life. I grow increasingly passionate about the breed and would love to become more involved in the small but active groups of Icelandic riders throughout the U.S. 

Learn more about the export journey and unique history of the “Viking Horse” here.

In 2020, my husband took over an interior plant design and landscaping company, Foliage Interiors, Inc. and we are always looking for ways to creatively bring nature into office spaces and residential buildings.

We have lived on our 6 acres since 2018, but in 2024 my father purchased the 100 acres directly across from us. This has opened up possibilities for us re. larger scale farming, homesteading, horse riding, etc. and while everything is very much an experiment and a dream right now, I will share any farming endeavors/sales here!