Katie Hoefs is an accomplished dressage rider and trainer based in Northern California’s Gilroy at Woodmyst Farms. The facility features large stalls, small and large paddocks, three outdoor arenas and one covered arena, all with lights. Katie offers lessons (stabled or haul-in), full training, and half training and competes throughout the year.
At 9 years old Katie started her equestrian career and competed hunter/jumpers for nine years with some overlap in eventing, which opened her eyes to dressage. “I really liked the intricacies of dressage,” she says. “How everything flows and there is always so much room for improvement and the attention to the horse’s development.”
She has since earned her USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals, as well as her USDF Gold Bar for I-1 and Grand Prix Freestyles. USDF Region 7 championships at 4th level, Prix St. Georges and I-1 are other highlights on Katie’s resume.


Katie is currently competing Grand Prix on her gelding Winergy (Hanoverian, World Cup I x Grande). Describing Winergy, Katie says, “Vinnie is a fantastic partner. He’s always steady and he has really helped me build my confidence as a rider and trainer. He has so much heart and confidence in himself, and he’s always happy to see me.”
Katie is also busy preparing Keur mare Tasha (6 yr, Dutch, Olympic Ferro x Rampal) to debut at Prix St. Georges when she is ready. She’s had Tasha since she the mare was 2 years old and has worked with her from the beginning. “Tasha has been fun because she’s been a clean slate to work with and a fun challenge because she’s a mare and very smart—always thinking. She always keeps me on my toes. She also has a lot of ‘try’ but with a wild twist.”
As a rider and trainer, Katie focuses on achieving what she calls a happy horse/rider combination. “I really enjoy seeing horses and riders working together and making progress from the beginning through the levels in training and competition,” she explains.
Sustained willingness and interest are qualities Katie seeks in the horse half of the partnership. “I try to make things easy. If the horse is resistant or struggling, my first assumption is that he does not understand. Instead of forcing an issue, I break it down to find where the problem is. It’s so important to work with the horse instead of against him.”
Different Strokes
Building confidence in training and competition is another aspect that Katie focuses on with her horses. “It’s important to keep things interesting,” she says. “You don’t want them to get bored, so I try to avoid drilling and instead do a lot of cross-training. Things like trail riding, poles, riding in a different arena, and getting out of the arena all together.”
Part of Katie’s key to success is thinking of different ways to help horses and people learn. “I try to be creative with my training and approach it like a game,” says Katie. “You can make it fun for the horse and ‘play’ with the movements. You don’t have to force them.”
The trainer emphasizes fun with her students, too, especially for adult amateurs with stressful day jobs. She encourages a mix of empathy, compassion and understanding of the horse. “I like to think of the horse as an athletic partner.”
As with her horses, Katie is always thinking of different ways for her students to learn. “People understand different things in different ways,” she says. “You have to be creative in your instruction to be successful.”
Fitness is another training element Katie advocates, and Pilates is a favorite means to that end.
Katie is a proponent of education for both herself and her students, including clinics and continuing education seminars. “For example, I work with Pam Nelson on a regular basis and will take my clients or client’s horses to ride with her. It’s always good to have a fresh perspective. There is always more to learn.” Katie is also currently enrolled in USDF learner “L” judging program and plans to continue for a “small r” judging card.
Katie enjoys working with different breeds, different levels (beginner to Grand Prix), and most especially young horses. “You really get a chance to start with a clean slate with young horses and bring them up through the levels,” Katie explains. “Working with a fresh mind, I have the opportunity to build their confidence while maintaining willingness and enjoyment through the training process.”
Off To A Good Start
Katie often partners with horseman Tom Swan, who works with young horses from ground manners to backing them and basic training, in addition to problem horses. His key to success is knowing how far to push a horse to progress without making it afraid. Tom starts horses with a western frame of mind, exposing them as much to what’s outside the arena as to what is in the arena.
Tom knows the ultimate goal is dressage, so he does not make the horses too light in the bridle. “Every horse I get on that Tom has worked with, I feel safe, not worried that I’m about to be launched through the air,” says Katie. “The horse has good manners on the ground and when being ridden. All of them feel like I could ride them through a Training level test.
“Training with Tom has been a huge asset,” Katie continues. “It creates a very smooth transition from backing a horse to dressage training. We work together to give young horses the best possible start.”
In keeping with her balanced approach to training, Katie has interests outside of horses when she can find the time. She holds a degree in computer science and a minor in marine biology, earned a black belt in Tang Soo Do and teaches kickboxing.
Katie Hoefs can be reached at 650-714-7526 or katiehoefs@sbcglobal.net or www.khoefsdressage.com.