About Kathleen

Training Philosophy

My approach to training involves tailoring a unique program for each individual horse and rider.  My love of horses and dressage has drawn me to work with all disciplines to promote a correct foundation of horsemanship.  I'm especially comfortable using Natural Horsemanship techniques to supplement a horse and rider's education as needed.

Bio

Instructor & Trainer

I have been giving lessons and training since 2000.  I enjoy teaching students of all levels.  I enjoy sharing the benefits of dressage with riders of other disciplines such as western riding.  I currently work out of Saddle Ridge Farm in Loveland, CO.

Work with International & National Clinicians

In Holland I studied dressage with Alex van Silfhout. Alex is on Holland's international A-team.  Locally, I work regularly with "S" Judge Debbie Riehl-Rodriguez and Karen Whitman, a local trainer.  I have clinic-ed with Kathleen Raine, Steffan Peters, and Jan Ebling--all of whom have represented the United States in International competion.

Show Record

In Colorado, I have shown my own horses as well as clients' horses at Training Level through Intermediare 1, winning both USDF Regional and Rocky Mountain Dressage Society Championships.

Medals

I have earned USDF bronze and silver medals for scores over 60% at First, Second, Third, Fourth Levels and Prix St. Georges.

North American Young Rider Championships

This is the junior Olympics of dressage...qualified in 1995, 1997 and 1998 and rode for the Region 5 team in 1998.

Judge

I am a graduate of the United States Dressage Federation "Learner" judge program. Graduates may judge schooling and Rocky Mountain Dressage Society recognized shows through Second Level.

Editor

From 2004-2006 I served as editor of Centaur, the monthly newsletter of the Rocky Mountain Dressage Society.

Freelance Writer

I write articles for local and national dressage publications from the Colorado-based Horse Connection to the popular monthly magazine Dressage Today.