Caitlin started riding as a child in Waimanalo, HI at
Hilltop Farm. It was this early introduction to Dressage
that sparked Caitlin’s interest in the sport. Caitlin
purchased her first horse (Keoni) at age 16 from an auction
farm in Massachusetts. She transformed Keoni from a nervous,
barely rideable horse to a solid Training and First level competitor, who has since taught many more young riders about sensitivity and patience. Later, at Oberlin College, Caitlin worked with dressage trainer Joanne White and had the wonderful opportunity to ride a number of Joanne’s schoolmasters. At Oberlin, Caitlin majored in Biology, minored in Psychology, and competed actively with the Equestrian Team.
Following graduation from Oberlin in 2004, Caitlin moved on to be a working student for Anneliese Vogt-Harber in Atlanta, GA. At Vogt Riding Academy she was given the ride on Advantige, Anneliese’s retired Grand Prix horse, and competed him at third and fourth level, winning high score awards and competing in the Region 3 Championships. She and Tige won year end GDCTA awards in 2005. Tige taught Caitlin the importance of “forward” in Dressage, refusing to move if the aids weren’t perfect. While in Atlanta Caitlin also taught countless private and group lessons to both children and adults, and was an integral part of the Riding Academy.
Caitlin then moved to California in 2006 to become a working student for Jan Ebeling for two years. At the Ebeling’s ranch, The Acres, she had the opportunity to ride many talented, well-trained horses of all levels, babies through Grand Prix schoolmasters. She was lucky enough to ride Jan’s top competition horses while there as well. In her two years with the Ebelings, Caitlin worked her way to the position of Assistant Trainer, teaching many of the clients when Jan was out of town, and riding their horses as well.
In February 2008 Caitlin started as Assistant Trainer at Fairwind Farm in Santa Rosa, CA working for Sue Curry Shaffer. At Fairwind Farm Caitlin was responsible for training and competing a number of premium young horses bred by Sue. She also trained and competed clients’ horses and taught lessons. Caitlin has had a great deal of success with Fairwind Farm’s horses, including numerous high score awards on Rudilov, Della, Alexander, Dalwhinnie’s Sandman, and Fairwind Farm’s famous Donnerschlag.
Caitlin has her USDF Bronze and Silver medals, and has competed through Intermediare 1.