A Life in the Saddle: Bridgid’s Equestrian Journey 

Some horses shape us. Others reflect the strength, discipline, and dreams we've carried since childhood. For Bridgid, it’s been both.

A Passion Ignited at Nine

Bridgid’s love of horses began at age 9 with her first riding lesson—a spark that never faded. That early passion eventually led her to Shrimpy (Karina Sandra TF), a Dutch Warmblood she discovered as a yearling at Timbach Farm in Indiana. Bridgid was just 19 and in college when she took on the responsibility of breaking and training Shrimpy herself.

From Kentucky to Germany: A Rider’s Evolution

After graduating from the University of Kentucky, Bridgid moved to Wellington, Florida, where she began working for Shannon Stevens and Marcus Orlob at Elite Expression Dressage. Starting as a working student and rising to assistant trainer, Bridgid spent a year and a half sharpening her skills before making an ambitious leap—moving to Germany.

There, she trained under Dorothee Schneider, a rider on the German Olympic Dressage Team, at Gestüt St. Stephan. Bridgid credits Dorothee as a transformative teacher who refined her seat and elevated her approach to riding.

Her Growing Herd

 Bridgid’s heart horse Shrimpy now shares the pasture with two other beloved equines:

• Templeton Flaire – A 3-year-old Westfalen Warmblood mare bred by Gina Miller of Templeton Farm in California. Flaire was a recent addition, joining the herd in March.

• Chocolate – A charming Craigslist mini pony rescue, chosen to keep Shrimpy company. Sweet, cute, and full of heart, he’s a treasured part of the family.

Support, Mentorship, and the Road to Grand Prix

Back in Nashville, Bridgid balances her professional life in medical sales with a dedication to the sport she loves. She’s currently competing at the Intermediaire I level with scores in the upper 60s and is actively training toward Grand Prix movements.

Her journey has been shaped by incredible mentors like Angela Jackson of Rhine River Farm in Henderson, KY—a dear friend and guiding force—and Shirley McQuillan of Touchstone Farm, where Bridgid rode eight horses a day while juggling college full time.

None of it would be possible, she says, without the unwavering support of her parents and her willingness to work hard, take chances, and follow the calling she felt as a little girl in the saddle.