Pete has excelled at western dressage, and it has made him a more balanced horse. He was started as a two-year-old by reining horse trainer, Tom Pierson. 
I was Tom’s assistant for six years.
Tom is a true horseman. He is first and foremost a young horse trainer; never does he push a young horse to progress faster than they are ready to. I had many opportunities to take young horses through the long term training progression, maximizing their progress all the way to the show arena.
Pete was one of those youngsters. Mentally and physically, western dressage has given Pete new exercises to keep his training fresh. He has developed a much broader range of motion and can carry himself in many different frames. In 2014, we attended the WDAA World Show, riding two tests in level 3. He placed in the top five in both tests. We then drove to California to ride with friend and colleague, Jec Ballou. I received classical dressage instruction, and helped Jec promote western dressage in California.
Pete and I are striving to become well-rounded citizens! There are great things to come in the future. I recently accepted a job at Mardanza Farms in Micanopy, FL. It is partly a management position, in addition to my usual training and lesson program. Tom will also be working out of this new facility. It’s refreshing to have such a trustworthy horseman always watching.
I plan to be active in western dressage in Florida, and hope to take Pete to the 2015 World Show, perhaps with a level 3 freestyle this year! The ideals of western dressage parallel those of the horsemen that have mentored me, and I am thrilled to see the movements become part of the foundation for western horses. For Pete and I, that foundation couldn’t have come at a better time.