In 2016 I took on the role of the inaugural coach of the University of Florida Eventing Team. Over the past seven years, I have loved working with the students and offering an off-campus haven for them at my farm in Ocala, FL. I strongly believe in supporting riders both in and out of the classroom, and I love mentoring this age group.
Over the seven years that I have been coach, the team has grown and evolved. Riders have gone on to professional lives, graduate school, and many have been accepted at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and will stay in the equine industry. As a team, we have also attended five Intercollegiate Championships – at The Virginia Horse Center twice, Chattahoochee Hills twice, and once at Tryon Equestrian Center. Many of my personal horses have been a part of the UF Eventing Team, including my retired 3* horse Monte Carlo, who has attended all five Intercollegiate Championships with UF and placed individually every time, my retired 4* mare FireFly, and my homebred Remington 500.
As much as I have loved my time with the UF Eventing Team, I have decided to step down as coach after this year’s championships at Tryon Equestrian Center to focus on my new role as Area III Young Rider coach. I am handing the reins over to the very capable Michelle Mercier, who is an advanced level event rider who already coaches the UF Dressage Team. Thank you for all of the great memories and lasting friendships, UF Eventing Team! Go Gators!
