About Brittany
A keen and artistic eye. A nuanced musical ear.
Exquisite production quality. A fresh approach. And the firm belief that all horses and riders can dance!
Musical + Technical Credentials
I took my first piano lesson at age 5, and haven’t stopped playing, singing, listening, and learning new instruments ever since. My musical resumé includes:
Multi-talented instrumentalist: Violin, viola, cello, electric bass, piano/keyboard, percussion (next I want to learn irish flute!).
Extensive classical ensemble experience, including string quartets, playing the viola in top-tier regional youth orchestras throughout middle and high school.
Over a decade spent teaching private violin, viola, and cello lessons
Hobbyist musical composer and arranger…haven’t published yet but it’s on the bucket list! I have a strong sense of sound, an ability to hear something in my head and make it happen.
Many years spent as a church musician: leading bands, arranging music, and mixing sound to create emotionally engaging and musically excellent experiences.
Extensive, eclectic music listening habits. I’m always looking for creative arrangements, interesting artists, and engaging sounds, from pop and rock to classic, ambient and everything in between.
My day job is leading a software programming company, meaning I need to keep up with the latest trends in technology. For my freestyles, this means my sound production quality is always top-notch and my delivery is free from hassles or technical defects. No matter where you’re riding, you’re going to be able to hear your music, and it’s going to sound great.
Dressage Credentials
I wasn’t born in the barn…but I got there as fast as I could! My lifelong desire to become an equestrian finally became reality when I took my first riding lesson on my 20th birthday…a gift to myself as I entered a new decade of life. From there, I bought my first horse a year later. Jezebelle has been one of my greatest teachers, in riding and in life. We eventually took up dressage and made it to second level before she needed to retire at age 21 due to hock arthritis and kissing spines. Today she is a fat, happy trail horse and my dressage journey continues with my gelding HF Starbuck, aka “Max”.
I created my first Musical Freestyle for my horse Jezebelle in 2017, and debuted it at USDF recognized shows that same year, receiving 64% from both Janet Foy and Gary Rockwell. Not bad for a first time out! From there, I began creating freestyles for my coach and barnmates. My creations consistently score in the 70% and high 60% range.
I have extensive experience competing as an adult amateur at USDF recognized shows, GMO shows, and Arabian shows. I’m active in my local dressage community and continuously learning. I’m thankful to have spent many years working with the same coach, building my instincts for riding and competing within a consistent framework and philosophy. My riding resumé includes:
Auditing and riding as a Training / First level demo rider in the 2023-2024 USDF Region II Judges L Education Program
Twice-weekly lessons with my coach USDF Bronze Medalist Kimberly Dunlap
Participating in twice-yearly clinics with USDF Gold Medalist Katie Hiller and biomechanics specialist Suzanne Galdun
2022 2nd Level Dressage Half-Arabian Reserve Champion, USDF All-Breed Awards with Chanting Jezebelle
2019 USDF Region 2 Championships: 6th place, Adult Amateur Equitation Finals. Also competed in AA First Level Championship, and AA First Level Musical Freestyle, with Chanting Jezebelle.
USDF Rider Performance awards at First Level & Training Level
Many GMO year-end championship awards over the last decade
2013 placed Top 5 at Region 13 Arabian Sport Horse Championships
Having lots of fun with my horses!
