Katie Haugh is a USDF Certified Instructor, a USDF Bronze and Silver medalist, and a Virginia State Certified teacher.
Katie’s love of horses started at a very young age. She took weekly lessons at a small local hunter jumper barn. Her family purchased their first horse when Katie was 8 years old. Soon after she joined her local Pony Club where she eventually earned her C-3 rating. During her time in Pony Club Katie gained experience in a variety of disciplines- eventing, jumpers, combined test, and dressage. In her twenties Katie changed her focus to dressage, and traveled to Etten-Leur, Holland to complete a working student internship.
After working abroad Katie returned to complete her education at Shepherd University and received a Bachelors in Education. She was then hired by LCPS as a third grade teacher, but kept riding and training horses party time. In addition to riding for clients, Katie also ran a successful summer camp at Grey Goose Farm for young children, as well as, a small lesson program.
Throughout Katie’s career, she has trained with some of the most noted names in the equestrian community, including:
- FEI Rider/Trainer/Writer, Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel
- Biomechanic Specialist, Isabelle von Neumann-Cosel
- USDF Gold Medalist, Mary Flood
- German FEI “I” Judge, Christoph Hess
- Danish Olympian, Lars Peterson
- The former head of the Spanish Riding School, Monolo Mendez
- Europe at Dressuurstal Van Bedaf in Etten-Leur Holland with Grand Prix Rider Hans van Bedaf
- British Olympian, Jeremy Beale
Her diverse background allows her to incorporate different training techniques into a well rounded program that is individualised for each client. Katie is a thoughtful trainer who takes the time to tune in to the horse, find the best approach, and incorporate the most effective method to communicate with each individual horse. In addition, her patient and methodical teaching style allows her to bring he equestrian expertise she holds to all of her training clients.
Katie has extensive experience competing and her competitive spirit gives her presence in the show ring. Some of her Career Highlights Include:
- 2013- Dressage at Devon: Wiecor VA/ Katie Haugh
- Fourth Level 6th place finish
- Fourth Level Test of Choice 6th place finish
- 2013- BLM Championships: Wiecor VA/ Katie Haugh
- Third Level BLM Reserve Champions
- Third Level BLM Freestyle Champions
- Fourth Level BLM Champions
- High Score Musical Freestyle of the show 76.333%
- 2014- USDF FINALS: Wiecor VA/ Katie Haugh- 4th Level Musical Freestyle 68.889% 5th place
- 2014- USDF/Adquean Year End Final Standings 4th Level Musical freestyle Top TEN out of 72 riders with an average score of 71.333%
- 2015- PVDA Ride For Life FEI Musical Freestyle Challenge Second Place
- 2015- Dressage at Lexington FEI Musical Freestyle Challenge Third Place
- 2018- Dressage at Lexington:
- 1st place Maiden Mare
- Reserve Champion Mare
- Reserve Champion Mature Horse
- High Score US Bred Mare
- 2018- Dressage At Devon: 4 year old and older Maiden Mare 5th place
- 2018- High Score Award Compass Rose- October
- 2018- VADA/NOVA Schooling Show Champion, and Reserve Champion
- High Score Winner of the Show