Katie has more than 17 years experience riding, training, and showing horses of all breeds and disciplines.  She is  a CHA and NARHA certified instructor who focuses on Dressage here at NWNHC and works with students who are interested in competitive pursuits. 

She competed in AQHA, Zone, USDF and IHSA in disciplines including Western Pleasure, Dressage, Reining, Jumping, Huntseat, Equitation, Showmanship, and Halter.  She then became Captain of the Western Washington University Equestrian Team in 2004 & 2005.  Katie has won titles including IHSA Regional Champion in 2003 and in 2004 for both Huntseat Equitation and Western Horsemanship. 

Katie began sharing her knowledge of horses in 1998 as a private riding instructor at Stevenson Stables in Mercer Island, WA.  Later she became head instructor at the Northwest Therapeutic Riding Center in Bellingham, WA.  This experience motivated her to earn a degree in Pre-Physical Therapy and she plans to attend graduate school to receive her PhD in PT in order to continue working in equine therapy for the disabled. She recently began her journey in Parelli Natural Horsemanship and now includes the NW Natural Horsemanship Center as a regular lesson venue.

Katie's vast knowledge of horses and extensive experience teaching riders of all ages, disciplines, and skill levels has given her the ability to teach from the ground up in a way that emphasizes true connection and communication between horse and rider.