“I have had the pleasure of working with Kate Neily for a number of years, from the pony ring all the way through the Junior Jumpers and the big EQ. Kate is, in my opinion, one of the last ‘barn rat’ type students I know. She comes to the barn everyday, not afraid to get her hands dirty, or ride the newest young project pony. I believe that it is for that reason that Kate has excelled, even in the most difficult situations. Kate’s hunger for the sport is proven through her consistent results each year, and in my opinion she shines brightest when put on the spot. Kate’s hands on knowledge of the horses, ability to take instruction, and cool attitude under pressure make her a great asset to any team. “
~ Staisha Bejarano, Empire Show Stables Fairwin3@yahoo.com 941-234-6831
“Versatility, adaptability, grit and drive are not the terms most used to describe today’s youth, so when one comes across a young person who embodies all of these traits, one takes notice. I have had the pleasure of watching Kate Neily grow into the responsible, hard working young adult she now is and, in doing so, have also watched her foster an inherent talent and invest in her skill as a horsewoman.
From the days of riding ponies bareback in the field to qualified competition at the highest levels and on the most important stages, Kate has shown a determination that is unique to one who sees their life path early on, and steadfastly carves it into being. Kate has shown particular prowess in her ability to ride and read many types of horses. As the owner of a boutique import business, I have a steady stream of four and five year old jumper and eventing horses coming into the US. Over the past year, Kate has been the first to sit on them upon arrival, has been helping me to determine their proper career paths by discipline, has kept them fit and has helped to build their skills in the first few months after their arrival. Her innate ability to assess need, address gaps in training, and code switch in communication and riding style for a variety of horses is impressive and is evidence of the kind of rider who will be successful in a program wherein she is called upon to ride a wide variety of horses. She is self motivated, disciplined, and able to create and follow a training plan specific to each animal. Kate would be an asset to any program that values horsemanship, integrity and character, and that is also looking for someone who can “bring home some blues”.
~ Crissa Gillette, President – Terranova Equestrian Center / Owner – Trio Sporthorses, Sarasota, FL c.gillette@hotmail.com 386.965.9364