Get To Know Our Passionate Trainer

Hello, I am Kara the trainer at Arrowleaf Acres

My journey with horses began before I can even remember. I grew up riding Western, competing in junior rodeo, and spending nearly every waking moment in the saddle. I received my first pony in first grade, and by the age of 12 I was entrusted with my first "problem pony" to train. Even before then, my parents often relied on me to help start young horses because I was fearless, patient, and light enough to make the process easier for them.

That first training project ignited a lifelong passion. I continued training horses throughout my teens, but life took an unexpected turn when I was 16. An unstable home environment forced me to earn my GED early and begin supporting myself through the horse industry. What could have been a setback instead became an opportunity to immerse myself in a wide range of disciplines and learn from remarkable horsemen and horsewomen.

I worked conditioning horses for cow horse and reining programs before discovering my passion for dressage while working as a student for Anne-Marie Murdock. Later, I earned the opportunity to work for accomplished dressage trainer Gwen Blake, where I refined my understanding of biomechanics, precision, and classical Dressage. During that time, I had the privilege of meeting Olympian Stephen Peters and receiving guidance that profoundly influenced the way I think about horse training.

I also spent time working for Jennifer Williams, another accomplished dressage professional, before returning to Anne-Marie's program while Jennifer traveled to continue her own education. Every experience deepened my appreciation for thoughtful, systematic training built on communication rather than force.

Eventually, my path led me to California, where I was introduced to the sport of eventing. It immediately felt like home. Combining dressage, jumping, and cross-country, it challenged every aspect of horsemanship and embodied everything I loved about riding. I sought every opportunity to continue learning, participating in clinics and educational experiences with some of the sport's most respected names, including Tamie Smith and Philip Dutton.

I later accepted a position as assistant trainer at a prestigious hunter/jumper facility, where I rode exceptional horses and further developed my skills in jumping, young horse development, and producing confident equine athletes. After decades spent in both Western and English disciplines, I realized I don't fit neatly into either camp. Instead, my philosophy blends the strengths of both traditions while leaving behind what I believe no longer serves the horse.

At Arrowleaf Acres, there is no single formula that applies to every horse. Every individual arrives with unique experiences, emotions, strengths, and challenges. I believe successful training begins by listening carefully to what the horse is communicating while also recognizing that what a horse wants in the moment is not always what it needs for long-term confidence, safety, and well-being.

My priority is always the horse's physical and mental health. Some horses flourish with an exceptionally gentle approach, while others benefit from clearer boundaries and firmer guidance. Good horsemanship isn't about rigid adherence to one method—it's about understanding the individual standing in front of you and responding with fairness, consistency, and empathy.

I am especially passionate about proper saddle fit and whole-horse wellness. Across both Western and English disciplines, I believe there is still significant room for improvement in recognizing how equipment, management, nutrition, and training practices affect a horse's comfort and performance.

Ultimately, my goal extends beyond creating obedient horses. I strive to produce willing, confident partners who trust their people because they have been treated with patience, respect, and understanding. Through liberty work and foundation training, I work toward developing horses that are so connected and responsive they could be ridden with nothing more than a rope around their neck—not because they have to obey, but because they genuinely choose to.