Katie Barnes

Katie Barnes
Instructor ~ Guide

Katie has been part of the Bramblewood Stables community since 2018. Even before she worked at the barn, Katie spent her summers helping with camps and her weekends volunteering, drawn in by the sense of grounding and belonging she found here.

Bramblewood became a place where Katie could slow down and be fully present. During the early days of the pandemic, when much of the outside world came to a halt, the barn became her second home and her extended family. Time spent here deepened her connection not only to the horses, but to herself.

Like many riders, Katie moved through a period where her confidence on horseback began to waver. Around that same time, Bramblewood’s teaching was shifting toward a deeper emphasis on connection over riding goals, and Katie became one of the early students learning in the pastures rather than the ring. Through months of observation, groundwork, and listening without an agenda, her understanding of horsemanship changed. She came to see that she hadn’t lost confidence—she had lost connection. Rebuilding that relationship transformed everything. Riding became a partnership again, and the groundwork became a place of constant communication and learning.

Much of Katie’s time with horses is now spent listening closely and responding thoughtfully. That way of working with the herd naturally drew her toward teaching. As she assisted with camps, she found herself helping children learn how to slow down, tune in, and truly see the horse in front of them.

Horses have a way of teaching presence, awareness, patience, and honesty in ways words rarely can.

In 2024, Katie began working more formally in the barn, caring for the horses daily and building deeper relationships with each one. Knowing their individual personalities, preferences, and needs shaped how she teaches and how she guides others. Alongside Kim, she worked with camp kids in an instructor role, witnessing confidence take root as children learned to listen, connect, and trust themselves through their relationships with horses.

Later that year, Katie left for college and stepped away from daily barn life, carrying Bramblewood with her even from a distance. When the transition proved difficult and she felt unsure of her direction, she reached back toward the place that had always felt like home. She was met, once again, with openness and support.

In 2025, Katie officially stepped into her role as an instructor at Bramblewood Stables. Today, she teaches riders and participants of all ages who are seeking more than time in the saddle. Her goal is to help people build confidence through connection, develop meaningful relationships with horses, and experience the same sense of grounding and belonging that first called her here.