We met at the bottom of a ski run and a little over a year later married at the top of the mountain. Part of the joys of our journey together has been discovering the parallels we have in our lives as well as the diversities. We are having fun exploring how we can now use these similarities and differences to support each other. For your enjoyment we have included pictures from our unique wedding celebration on an accompanying page.

We can also look at our relationship as similar to the development of a good working relationship with a horse. Clarification of communication and simple honest feedback go a long way. Both of us have found Centered Riding® to provide excellent tools for explaining how to attain a most-freedom-of-movement-with-least-effort style of riding on both the rider's and horse’s parts.

We enjoy traveling to teach and eventually would like to focus on teaching western / reining / dressage at own facility as well. (Of course we will need to find a location that combines riding with our active outdoor lifestyle - skiing both downhill and cross country, sea kayaking, snow shoeing, hiking, sailing - and our love of music.) 

Our mutual long term goals include teaching classically correct riding methods by using Centered Riding® techniques in both English and Western riding styles because this allows the horse’s movement to be as free as possible. 

Phil has special interest in horse conformation, bits and Western saddle fit. He likes to teach body awareness and body movement, which transition from his everyday life - walking, hiking, skiing, weight lifting - through additional techniques that harmonize with Centered Riding®. Phil is the founder of a bluegrass festival in the Tri-cities, WA area. Check out the Lewis and Clark Bluegrass Festival to see what he's put together.

Elaine is adamant that riders need to acknowledge their own successes, as verified through their horse's feedback, in order to truly grow and succeed. She likes to mirror her observations of horse and rider relations so that others can develop a better understanding of their horse's response to correct riding. Elaine enjoys writing and is comfortable in front of a camera so the future possibilities are exciting to consider. Elaine gives clinics and lectures worldwide. Go to the clinic schedule to see when and where.

For information on Services that Phil and Elaine currently offer, just run in with the herd...