about ari

Early Years: Gymkhana and Colt Starting

Throughout her youth, Ari competed extensively in gymkhana, refining her skills in speed events and precision riding. At the age of 13, she broke out her first colt, an experience that set the stage for her future in training young and challenging horses.

Competitive Success: Regional and National Achievements

As a competitor, Ari excelled on both regional and national stages, achieving success in the Appaloosa Horse Club all-around events. During high school, she served as the captain of the Inter-Lakes Equestrian Team, competing in New Hampshire High School Equestrian Teams (NHHSET) events. Her dedication and skill earned her multiple state titles across various disciplines, further fueling her passion for competition.

Higher Education and Expanding Horizons

Ari’s dedication to horses led her to the University of New Hampshire, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Equine Studies in 2016. During her college years, she returned to her English riding roots, focusing on dressage and show jumping, even competing in show jumping for the first time. Summers and semester breaks were spent mastering reining, cutting, and versatility, earning her first buckles and checks in these events.

A New Chapter: Mustangs and All-Around Western Riding

During her time at UNH, Ari welcomed her first mustang, sparking a deep appreciation for America’s wild horses. After graduation, she continued to expand her expertise by training mustangs, colts, and problem horses as a side hustle, honing her skills as a well-rounded horsewoman.

In 2017, Ari discovered cowboy mounted shooting and ranch riding, disciplines that quickly became her niche. These events allowed her to combine precision, speed, and versatility, deepening her love for the all-around solid Western horse.

Passion for Teaching and Training

Ari is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping others grow in their horsemanship journey. She enjoys teaching groundwork to new horse lovers, emphasizing the importance of trust and connection between horse and rider. For new horses, she focuses on teaching them to “park” both on the ground and under saddle—a valuable skill that enhances their manners and trainability.

Looking Ahead

Horse showing and competing across multiple events remain a driving force in Ari’s life, and she is excited to see where her show career will take her next. Whether in the arena, on the trail, or in the training pen, Ari is dedicated to advancing her horsemanship and helping others succeed along the way.