Upper level Eventing rider and trainer, Kristen Orton of KO Eventing, spent many years working and riding under the tutelage of French certified trainer Valerie Bertoli, learning every aspect of horsemanship – from the care and maintenance of the horses to starting and training horses of all types and all levels.
After producing a few young ponies through the lower levels of Eventing, Kristen got her first 3yo OTTB at age 13 and under Valerie’s meticulous guidance she produced him to the CCI2*-L level. Kristen continued producing several more of her own horses (mostly thoroughbreds with a few warmbloods and even a “super pony” mixed in) through the upper levels of Eventing and has competed up to the Advanced/CCI3*-S level.
Kristen has also had the opportunity to regularly train and clinic with some of the best riders and trainers in the business, such as: 1996 French Olympian Jacques Dulcy, Ian Stark, Leslie Law, Jimmy Wofford, Eicke von Veltheim, Lilo Fore, and Linda Allen.
In the 25 years that she has been starting young horses and retraining off track thoroughbreds, she has developed a very successful system with young horses. Several breeders and thoroughbred rehab and retraining organizations have utilized her skill set and expertise over the years to start and train for both pleasure and performance homes.
Kristen has always loved helping others find ways to grow as horsemen and riders. She strives to help students develop correct riding and training techniques while building an understanding of how to use these techniques to help improve a horse’s emotional, physical, and mental state. Kristen teaches her students how to develop a mentally peaceful, emotionally balanced, and mutually respectful partnership with their horse to achieve their goals!