Meet Miriam
Hi, I’m Miriam!
I first sat on a horse when I was 14 and was instantly hooked. That early spark turned into a lifelong obsession—starting out as taking lessons then finding a spot as a working student, learning the ropes alongside a trainer at a horse rescue, and eventually heading off to Oregon for three years of immersive equine studies at Canyonview Equestrian College.
Canyonview gave me a solid foundation in everything from barn management and equine anatomy to the riding theory behind different disciplines. I earned my CHA instructor certification there in 2013 and gained hands-on experience in both English and Western work, including dressage, jumping, eventing, reining, cow work, and colt starting.
It was also where I completed a therapeutic riding internship that confirmed for me the incredible connection between horses and human healing. That experience was the confirmation that I wanted to get into Therapeutic riding. Most importantly, Canyonview taught me just how much there is to learn about horses—which is why I still continuously study horsemanship today.
After college, I spent five years coaching at a busy equestrian center. Beyond teaching group and private lessons across all age groups and running kids' summer camps, I helped manage a herd of 120 horses. Working closely with our veterinarians and handling daily rehabilitation and care schedules gave me a real-world, working knowledge of equine health, soundness issues, and rehab care. During those years, I guided students taking their first steps into schooling shows, helped match riders with the right lease horses to hit their competitive goals, and continued my own development in the show ring, competing up through Second Level dressage.
From there, I followed my heart into therapeutic horsemanship with SonRise Equestrian Foundation, earning my PATH CTRI certification in 2023. SonRise provides riding and ranch experiences for children with physical, social, and emotional special needs. That work profoundly shaped the way I teach. It taught me how to break down complex riding concepts into their most basic, digestible pieces, find creative workarounds when a student needs a different way of learning, and relentlessly focus on what a rider *can* do rather than what they can't. Giving those kids a taste of freedom, joy, and independence through horses remains one of the most rewarding parts of my life.
In 2025, I shifted gears to being a full-time mom and moved to Lodi. I love spending time with my darling girls, and they’re already learning the ropes at the barn! Having a flexible schedule allows me to travel directly to clients, which means you and your horse get to learn right where you’re most comfortable—without the stress, hassle, or expense of hauling out. When it comes to coaching, my style combines classical horsemanship with rider biomechanics. We focus on how small changes in your balance, posture, and cues make riding feel clearer, easier, and much more harmonious. Because I’ve navigated my own riding nerves over the years, I have a special place in my heart for timid or anxious riders who need a calm, encouraging space to rebuild confidence without pressure.
Whether you're starting from scratch, working through nerves, or polishing your skills, I’d love to help you and your horse build harmony together.
Quick Info
- • Based in Lodi, CA (travel within 30 minutes included; extended travel available)
• Fully Insured
• CHA Certified (2013) & PATH CTRI Certified (2023)
Why Nightingale Horsemanship
At first glance, a nightingale is a plain, unassuming little bird—nothing flashy, no bright feathers, easily overlooked. But when it sings, it produces one of the most intricate, breathtaking songs in the natural world. In horsemanship, it's easy to get caught up chasing fancy tricks or instant results, but the most rewarding rides are built on simple, honest elements: a balanced seat, soft cues, and quiet trust. When those basic building blocks come together, true harmony follows. That’s the heart of Nightingale Horsemanship—meeting you where you are to help you build the connection you’ve been striving for.