Behind the Scenes!

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I'm so glad you are joining me for this ride!  

Raised in Blount County, TN, my mother's family instilled a love of horses from a young age.  Though I always found ways to ride throughout my life, it wasn't until college, and a working student position at a local barn, that I finally owned the first horse that was 100% my own.  It was this horse that taught me about saddle fit and how it can impact your riding, relationship and training progression.  I was hooked from the moment the gelding relaxed his back for the first time.

The saddler that came to my boarding barn invited me to his saddle fitting school and I was IMMEDIATLY onboard!  Could I make this a second job?  I signed up the next day!  My scientific nature craved the "Why?" behind how this magical process worked.  And yes, at that stage, I thought saddle fitters worked magic, and yes, when I see a rider's eyes light up when they feel the difference in their body and their partner, I feel like I'm creating magic :) So I went, and I soaked up every moment & scrap of knowledge.  I dove into anatomy and kinesiology, I began to understand lameness' and their causes, I began to cue into the horse's expressions and habits on the ground and while being ridden.  I also learned to ask questions from riders, trainers, farriers, veterinarians, and more to understand the issues AND the possible causes.  Many years later, here I am, reinvigorated by wonderful riders to help them reach their riding goals!  

I created 4Star Equine for my saddle fitting in 2007.  Now in 2023, we are rebranding to Rider's Emporium.  A small family business that provides multiple services - Saddle Fitting, Tack Cleaning, and Custom Embroidery - for everyone!  We want to help riders in ALL disciples and ALL skill levels.  I am an INDEPENDANT saddle fitter, meaning that I do not represent a saddle or pad company.  I remain independent in order to best serve customers in finding the right saddle at the right price.  I have connections with many tack shops to trial new and consignment saddles when needed.  

More about me personally:  I live on a beautiful small farm on the Cumberland Plateau with my husband and critters.  Our family farm focuses on cow/calf production.  I also have a backyard flock of chickens, cats & dogs.  After a multi-year hiatus, I became a horse owner again in 2022, adding 2 wonderful geldings from the Pitchfork Ranch Horse Sale (pitchforkhorsesale.com) in Wyoming.  JP and Skyler are both western/roping/ranching trained Quarter horses, but we think JP might have a second career in Western Dressage!  They are such cool guys and I am looking forward to more riding lessons with Cathy Fox and maybe doing some local ranch & dressage shows in 2023.  Until we get some photos from shows, get to know them through photos on Facebook & Insta!