Introducing The HorseGrooms’ Guide to Finance

I’m like you. I get your struggles.

I started as a groom and rider. My first job was grooming eight horses for Jeanette Sassoon in the Los Angeles Equestrian Center (LAEC). As a side gig, I braided horses starting at 2am most days at horse shows so I could afford to compete in those same shows. Grooming and training paid my way to the 1986 North American Youth Championships, where I was part of California’s first gold medal winning team, riding Unguarded, a horse I borrowed from my trainer.

After college, I moved to Seattle to pursue my riding, while working a regular job as a paralegal.  

Then my mom died, and I moved back to San Diego where I worked as a dressage trainer for 2 years. My own trainer and life guide, Dietrich von Hopffgarten, told me at age 25 that I would not have the same set of choices at age 35, and I should apply to grad school, face my opportunities, and if I still wanted to be a horse trainer he would support me.

The beginning of my financial career

I had been investing on the side since age 16, taught by my dad.

I went to grad school and decided to be a professional investor to become my own sponsor.  I wasn’t sure my body would hold up to being a full time horse trainer. Also, the likelihood of getting a fantastic sponsor was low, so I chose to be my own.

5 years after grad school, I was co-running the #1 Fund in the world, up 493% in 1999.

My career: 25 years as an institutional investor, specializing in technology stocks. Then 7 years in corporate and startup operations. I am an advisor and investor in public companies and private companies.  

And horses?  

I was 9th in the 2005 World Cup trials, 2 years #1 USDF Adult Amateur at Grand Prix Dressage, numerous regional championships at FEI levels, competed in Germany at Lingen and Horses & Dreams, and more. Then won a team penning championship in California. Now I ride hunter-jumpers.

Like you, I started as a groom and/or rider. I transitioned to finance. I had been an investor, but needed to take remedial math prior to entering my MBA at USC. I learned to code at age 51.  

I am proof that you can learn anything you want, at any age!

Who I’m NOT

I am NOT a financial advisor, NOT a lawyer, NOT a tax expert, and NOT an investment advisor. Anything I write is for educational purposes only. It is not advice. Why isn’t it advice?  First, I don’t have the licenses necessary to advise you. Second, I don’t know your specific situation, which I would need to know in order to advise you (if I had the licenses, which I do not).  

Let these blogs serve as a starting point in your education, not as an end answer. Only you can find your answers to your specific situation.

Why am I contributing to HorseGrooms?

I love this horse community, especially the parts that come together to celebrate the majesty and generosity of the spirit of horses. I want to provide a starting point for you to learn and empower yourself with financial knowledge, and map your perfect journey through life.

Featured photo by Kind Media