About Me

Hi! My name is Sue. I’m a dressage rider from Northern Illinois. I’ve been riding since 2011 and h

ave fallen in love with this sport – it’s more than a hobby, it’s a passion.

I was lucky enough to find my heart horse in my first-ever horse, Carter – who I lost in 2019 to DSLD. We made it to earning our scores for our USDF Bronze medal, but missed the goal as the scores were from the same judge. We were fortunate enough to compete at the USDF 2013 Regional Championships for Region 2, finishing in the top 30 of the region. We trained with Charles DeKunffy, JJ Tate, and Brad Cutshall and our full-time trainer, Laura Roesing who inspired us to go as far as we could, together!

I’m continuing my journey with Beckett. He’s a 2010 OTTB with a TON of personality and as much try as he has cuteness. He’s smart as a whip and is already schooling fourth level. He’s been with me since spring 2019 — which was awesome to have both he and Carter for the time we had together. I’ve found that learning a new horse — especially one who has had 10 years of a prior role — is challenging, rewarding; requires patience, and trust, and and overall persistence to forgive and reward.

In 2018 I was diagnosed with Stage 1 ER+/PR- breast cancer — in what my family and I’ve coined the “tic tac” — it was about the size of it. As I learned about the process of moving through cancer and how emotions, environment, past trauma and a healthy lifestyle all play a major role in healing, I decided on an integrated approach to my journey. I enlisted the support of my surgeon, my oncologist, and my family to take a more natural path – declining hormone suppressing medications for a more natural healing. I found a naturopathic practitioner who helped identify DNA issues that were causing me to retain things I didn’t need, improperly process grains/gluten, and identified a healthy balance forward. I also researched rain forest herbs that complemented my health plan and have been NED since with support and encouragement from my team!

Of course, I still have a LONG way to go to reach my goals. I’m learning more every day — both in the saddle and out. So, this is my way of sharing my journey. It is a collection of musings, experiences, and dreams as I continue on my journey in life, dressage, horsemanship, and equine crazy. I hope you enjoy the ride as much as I do.

I’m open to reviewing dressage/equine related products. I’m also a blogger for Horse Junkies United so you’re product will get double time play! Contact me to discuss!