About

Andrea has been exposed to many unworkable methods and has seen the result of horses who were rushed through training, trained using harsh methods or equipment, and horses who were literally dangerous to humans. She is blunt and outspoken, and can often spot potentially dangerous situations and reactions before they happen.

Andrea follows several clinicians and riders in her efforts to learn more about training and communication including: Buck Brannaman, Nuno Olievera, Tristan Tucker, Chris Cox, Manolo Mendez, Craig Cameron, and Warwick Schiller. She has been to multiple clinics and plans to continue her education for the rest of her life.

Andrea firmly believes that those in the horse industry should support each other, while also speaking up when injustices are observed, and that we are ALL responsible for learning to be better stewards of these wonderful animals. She hopes that the horse community always tries to become better with the way they treat their horses, and with the way they treat each other.

Andrea fell in love with horses when she was 2 years old. Her dad thought she would grow out of it, but her mom knew that would never happen.

Andrea has been riding since she was about 11 years old. Not focused on competing, Andrea spent her early riding years playing in all sorts of disciplines, and learning from clinicians and trainers who exhibited the level of mastery and communication she would like to reach with her horses. Her primary focus has been understanding “how it all works”, from tack to medical issues to communication, and wants to know the “best practices” for everything related to horses.

Andrea rides both English and Western disciplines, and is currently starting to look into Working Equitation. Other disciplines she participates in include: trails, posse work, endurance, dressage, jumping, cattle work, archery, and skijoring.

Andrea founded Dragonfly Equestrian Center in 2021 to support and expand the equestrian community in the Thief River Falls Area. She hopes to be able to assist many people and their horses in their quest for communication and success, and to help guide the next generation of horse addicts into better knowledge and practices while also maintaining the good traditions and history.