THE FIRELIGHT STORY

MY PATH

I have always loved horses and jumped on every opportunity to ride as a little girl, bombarding my teachers with questions and begging to help pick hooves. While many things in life changed and evolved, horses were always the constant.

Throughout my school years, I spent my summers leading horse camps and volunteering at an Equine Therapy center and teaching riding lessons. After graduating from Luther College in 2013 with a BA in Psychology, I focused on my career as a teacher and administrator of a Therapeutic Preschool Program in St. Paul, but I missed the equine world deeply. Soon after, I rekindled my love of riding and had the privilege to teach at a variety of riding schools and equine facilities around the Midwest and work under several amazing trainers.

In 2019 I took on my first rescue horse, Flynn, an older Arabian gelding who was unhandled and fearful of human contact. Through the delicate and patient process of gently restarting Flynn and gaining his trust, I discovered how truly amazing it is to witness an animal reach their full potential. There will always be a special place in my heart for horses that have not had the start to life they deserve.

After always having worked under other trainers, I was inspired to create my own business that I could center around quality horsemanship and helping others form a deeper partnership with horses. I founded FireLight Horses, LLC in 2020 during the midst of the pandemic, and since then it has continued to grow and gain momentum. The business name comes from my first two horses, Flynn and Aurora, whose names mean 'fire' and 'light'. I strive to help my horses find purpose in becoming a teacher and partner to new and accomplished students alike.

PHILOSOPHY

FireLight Horses is centered around the philosophy that communicating effectively and kindly with each animal is not only helpful to increasing skills, but is the standard of quality horsemanship. My goal is to pass on a deep love and respect for each animal, and to share the gift that is true partnership with a horse.

I started my horse training journey working solely with trainers who, like myself, followed the Natural Horsemanship foundations, which has since evolved. I have found personal success in horse training through focusing on forming trust and earning a willing partner instead of forcing a power-based relationship. I believe that by taking the "long way" and using patience, a gentle hand, and positive reinforcement, we can build a stronger connection with our horses and have a lifelong partner.