Experience

I am a third generation horsewoman with a lifelong experience with horses of many breeds and disciplines. I was born into a horse breeding family and I was sitting on a horse before I could walk. My first show experience was the Leadline Class at The Devon Horse Show (PA). My experience as a young rider included children’s hunters, equitation, combined training (schooling through Intermediate) and Dressage. Throughout high school I was a summer working student for Kathleen Womack (USET event rider) in Boulder, CO.

In addition to riding, I acquired working knowledge of equine health care by assisting my step-father, a large animal veterinarian specializing in equine reproduction. I continue to work closely with veterinary professionals in the course of my work as a trainer and consultant.

While attending Washington State University, I stabled my horse at a Dressage barn, schooling through fourth level, and also started, trained and sold horses to cover my horse expenses during that time. Upon graduating in 2002 (BS, Psychology), I was hired as Head Trainer of Mears Morgans, an 80 horse Morgan breeding and showing facility in Laramie, WY. I successfully trained and showed Morgans on the national level and won regional and national championship titles, including the Reserve World Championship Jumper title in 2003 and 2004. I moved to Vashon, WA, in 2005 where I opened my own training facility, B. Kate Stables.

As a trainer I specialize in starting horses under saddle, correcting behavioral issues, and building a conscious relationship between horse and rider to achieve a successful partnership, whatever the discipline. My work gives me an opportunity to work with different breeds and different disciplines. I am still starting, training and selling family-bred Hanoverian horses, which have gone on to show successfully on the “A” Hunter-Jumper circuit, and I am currently showing Andalusian horses in the U.S. and Canada. This background provides me the foundation to conduct professional accurate fact based equine appraisals to meet your needs.

Please contact me if I can assist you with your equine service needs.

Kate Shook, CEA
BKS Equine Appraisals