Natalie began riding at 4 years old at Maybury State Park.  Over the next 14 years she rode many disciplines including western, hunt, saddleseat, and gymkhana, while attending 4H, open, MIHA and class A  Arabian shows.  She also spent many hours trail riding with her family, including  weekend trips exploring northern Michigan on the Shore to Shore trails. After high school, she began pursuing dressage with her purebred Arabian gelding “Scotti”.   Through dedicated practice and under the guidance of talented instructors, including George Michael  (now at Twelve Oaks Farm) and Maryal Barnett (USEF “S”), she successfully competed at Arabian and Open USDF/USEF shows.  She continues her pursuit of harmonious riding and training by participating in clinics with classical trainer and author, Erik F. Herbermann.   

Natalie graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2002.  In addition to teaching, riding, and training, she also works as a Paralegal at a Law Office in Ypsilanti.