2007 Pan American Gold Medalist
Kate Poulin has lived a life shaped by horses. Raised on a working farm in Maine with parents Michael and Sharon Poulin — both respected trainers, competitors, instructors, and judges — Kate learned early the values of hard work, horsemanship, and dedication. Her childhood was filled with ponies, school horses, and local shows, building a foundation in showmanship, equitation, jumping, and dressage. Over the years, Kate developed deep expertise in every aspect of the equestrian world: stable management, farm maintenance, veterinary and farrier care, breeding, and the classical principles of dressage that guide her work today.
A Career Built on Excellence
Kate’s competitive record includes:
- USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals with distinction
- Four NAYRC teams with two Gold Medals
- Member of the USEF Developing Riders List since 2006
- 2007 Pan American Games Gold Medalist
- USDF Certified Instructor through Fourth Level
She has trained a wide range of breeds and personalities, from young horses to seasoned FEI partners, always with correctness, patience, and classical principles at the forefront.
Her first pony, Grey’s Flag, was originally purchased at a slaughter auction and quickly trained to be a children’s jumper. Grey’s Flag and Kate went on to win numerous Regional and National awards through the levels. As a team they also received the Balcarres Trophy for the open Third level division at the Ox Ridge show in Darien, Conn. In 1995, Kate was given the opportunity to ride Herb Commander, a sensitive thoroughbred that earned the name of “Professor”. With Herby, Kate earned her USDF Silver and Gold Medals, two Gold Medals at NAYRC and numerous Regional and National titles throughout their 15 year relationship.
Brilliant Too (“Zuel”)
Kate’s most accomplished partner is Brilliant Too. A 15.1h KWPN/TB gelding bred and raised by the Poulin family. Affectionately known as “Zuel” in the barn, they have truly been champions at every level. They were USDF HOY First level freestyle champions. Placing in the top four standings for USDF HOY at First,Third,Fourth, Prix St. George, Intermediare I and freestyle levels. They have won the Zada Cup, Edar Hotz Trophy, Regional champion at Third, Fourth and Grand Prix levels. They were the 2006 Intermediate I reserve Champion at the “Festival of Champions” and a 2007 Pan American Games Gold Medalist. Kate and Zuel have also appeared on the cover of Practical Horseman in 2006. Zuel is currently enjoying retirement in sunny Florida.
Belisario Interagro (“Rio”)
Trained by Kate from the start and shown successfully from Training Level to Grand Prix. Consistently ranked #1 in the country for IALHA year‑end awards and winner of multiple Grand Prix classes during the 2018 winter season. Rio is now a "professor" and is teaching the next generation.
Teacher, Trainer, and Demonstration Rider
Kate has served as a demonstration rider for USEF Judges Forums, the North American Dressage Trainers Club, and the New England Dressage Association. She has participated in elite programs such as:
- USDF Judges Forums
- The Dressage Foundation’s Young Rider Olympic Dream Program
- Hilltop Farm’s Young Horse Trainers Symposium
- The European Young Rider Scholarship Program (as a chaperone)
Her training has been shaped by world‑class mentors including Sharon & Michael Poulin, Natalie Lamping, Franz Rochowansky, Dr. Volker Moritz, Mariette Withages, Jean Bemelmans, Ingrid Klimke, Debbie McDonald, Christoph Hess, Ali Brock and Klaus Balkenhol.
Today Kate trains and teaches in Northeast Ohio, developing horses from young prospects to FEI competitors and helping riders achieve USDF medals, regional titles, and stronger partnerships with their horses. She is regularly invited to teach clinics across the country and is known for her work ethic, classical correctness, and deep respect for the horse.