Laura has always believed horses have a way of teaching far more than riding alone. For her, the barn has never just been about competition or ribbons—it’s about confidence, connection, patience, and learning to trust both yourself and your horse. Teaching combines two lifelong passions: education and horses, and she considers herself incredibly fortunate to build a career around both. 

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Her love for horses began early. As a child, she begged for pony rides everywhere she went and constantly asked for riding lessons. In 1990, that dream finally became reality when she began training with Karen Hemza of Sunrise Farms, starting a lifelong journey in the sport that continues to this day. 

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Laura’s background in education includes both a Master’s in Secondary Education and a Master’s in Special Education, experiences that continue to shape her thoughtful and individualized approach to teaching. She believes every rider learns differently and takes pride in helping students build confidence, overcome challenges, and recognize their own progress—both in and out of the saddle. 

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As both a rider and coach, Laura values growth above all else. Her philosophy centers on partnership, consistency, and the understanding that success is not measured solely by ribbons or jump heights, but by the relationship between horse and rider. She encourages her students to focus on personal progress, support their horses as teammates, and believe in their ability to accomplish difficult things. 

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Throughout her riding career, Laura has competed successfully in hunters, jumpers, and equitation at numerous rated horse shows. Her longtime partner, Raja, remains one of her proudest accomplishments. Together, they developed from a young green horse into an accomplished show team, earning multiple accolades, including USHJA Horse of the Year awards in both 2009 and 2021. 

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Laura has been part of DEC since 2004 and considers it home in every sense of the word. Over the past two decades, she has taught lessons, helped grow the lesson program, built lasting friendships, and watched generations of riders—and her own children—grow up at the barn. She values the welcoming, family-oriented culture that defines the program and feels grateful to be part of a community that means so much to her family. 

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At the heart of Laura’s teaching is a simple belief: horses have the power to help people grow into stronger, more confident versions of themselves—and there is nothing more rewarding than being part of that journey.