Kristin Kallsen
We are happy to announce the return of Kristin Kallsen to Salado Creek Riding Club! She is coming back as a new Riding Instructor at SCRC. Kristen has an extensive background in Western and English riding and coaching. She is coming in from Highlander Ranch at McLennan Community College in Waco where she had a large and successful student roster. Kristin also has had superb mentor ships working with Whit Watkins, Claire Darnell and others. She will be available for lessons starting January 2022. Welcome back Kristen!
Biography
Kristin Kallsen grew up on a farm and rode horses from the time she could sit up. She worked cattle and entered play day events for fun until she left for college, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in microbiology. After college while working full time in the pharmaceutical industry, she renewed her interest in horses and riding. A mentor introduced Kristin to the equine discipline of dressage, and she discovered a love for the precise communication between horse and rider. Later, Kristin decided to take a break from working in an office and began working for Whit Watkins, an internationally recognized dressage rider. She had opportunities to ride expertly trained horses and develop her understanding of dressage training and riding. Now that she is involved in formal riding instruction, she is focused on teaching riders correct position and solid fundamentals so that they can learn effective horsemanship in English or Western discipline in a safe and encouraging manner.
Testimonial
Kristin Kallsen is an excellent riding instructor and has a wealth of experience. She consistently demonstrates characteristics that positively influence her students. She is an intuitive teacher; she recognizes the rider’s skill level and adjusts her instruction to that level. Kristin teaches and explains the fundamental skills of riding clearly; this is very important because the most advanced dressage movements are rooted in the fundamentals. She creates trust in the relationship and helps her students feel confident, comfortable and relaxed. One of my favorite aspects of Kristin’s teaching style is how she picks out the things I am doing right and praises me for those things. She also helps me recognize and appreciate the progress I have made as a rider. She gives constructive criticism empathetically and without judgement, helping me to adjust what is necessary to improve my riding. Kristin puts safety above all else, and makes the well-being of the horse paramount. She knows how to challenge me without pushing me too hard or too fast. Her enthusiasm and love for the sport are contagious; I look forward to each lesson with her. SPB
