Why Idlewood?

When I was a young kid, my parents couldn’t afford more than 1 lesson a week. As a horse crazy kid this wasn’t enough for me, and I desperately craved being around horses more. I sent letters to every house in my part of town that had horses on their property asking if anyone would be interested in letting me ride in exchange for barn work. I quickly received a reply back from a woman named Sandy who offered to let me ride Morgan mare for free to help keep her in shape.

Belle at Westbrook Hunt Club’s Fall Classic

This 15hh trail horse, Belle, ended up taking me from walk trot to competing in the high children’s jumpers on the circuit and consequently created immense opportunities for me along the way. Even today, she still lives a mile away from my childhood home and is my heart horse.

Belle competing taking me around my first time in the meter jumpers.

I truly believe my success as a rider and trainer can largely be contributed to this horse and this opportunity.  Sandy’s generosity with her horses and her property were an absolutely integral part of my life and development as a horse person. Her property was lovingly called Idlewood Farm, which I wanted to pay homage to in the naming of the foundation.