"Horses are expensive, addictive and will impair your ability to use common sense."

[A teenage version of myself, showing my paint gelding, Tuff Stuff.]

I am now a staff contributor to Horse Junkies United, an International horse blog covering every inch of the equestrian sports world. It took a minute for me to find the joy in writing about business related topics once I made the jump from crime reporter to biz reporter, and writing without pressure for this blog helped me rediscover why I do what I do.

Horses have played a large part of my life since I was child. From growing up owning them, to competing on my college teams, and facing the loss of not only a pet but an athletic partner, I am completely devoted to the sport. As a young professional, riding is my outlet --I look forward to getting dirty and sweaty at the barn when I leave this cubicle everyday.

In St. Augustine, I was able to find a niche for myself exercising a barn full of horses and giving lessons to young riders. It turned into a profitable part time position, one which taught me more about being a role model for young girls and testing my knowledge about horses than I ever thought possible. But man, was it hard work.

Although I have found some great horses to ride and train in Fort Lauderdale, I'm excited to see where this blogging experience may take me. Living in South Florida, I am in the hub of the professional Hunter/Jumper circuit, and have the opportunity to cover the Winter Equestrian Festival as a writer for HJU. It's been a lot of fun so far and I'm looking forward to the future I have with the blog.

Here are some of the stories I've written so far:

Riding on the beach is no exception for disaster

Being young and loving horses... then University comes and messes it all up

Don't be a selfish horse owner

Therapeutic Riding - How horses help change lives