Cindy grew up in a military family where moving frequently was a reality. In Germany she started taking riding lessons. When her family moved back to the states she purchased her first horse at age 15. He was a big appendix quarter horse that needed a good bit of training. The pair worked hard and Cindy went on to win many titles in Gymkhana events such as barrel racing and pole-bending.
Cindy continued to take lessons in horsemanship, attend clinics, apprenticeships and schools to continue her education. At Wilson college she majored in equestrian studies. The program involved equine psychology, anatomy, training philosophies, and teaching principles for instructing lessons. She started Whoa Nellie Equine Services during an entrepreneurship class in college.
Cindy holds a Bachelors of Science in Equine Management and a minor in small business and Entrepreneurship. In addition, she also has a Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate and a master’s degree in special education.
Since 2003, Cindy has been training riders and horses on a professional level. Accolades include numerous East Coast wins and top fives, Champion Western Pleasure at the 2018 Egyptian Event and Region 15 USEF Horse of the Year Western pleasure Champion. She continues to show Arabian horses at USEF shows as well as teach riding lessons.