About Kerstyn

I began riding horses at my grandparents’ farm as early as I can remember but my real journey started at the age of 8 years old with my first pony Darkstar. During my early riding years I did not have fancy or well trained horses so I learned to be resilient and goal oriented to achieve success. Along with the tricky horses, my mother Robbin influenced my riding career in more ways than one. She instilled a “mental toughness” that paved the way for my future. Before entering the show ring my mother would say to me “whether you think you can, or you can’t, you’re right.” 

As I developed my riding skills, focusing primarily on dressage, I noticed how many people struggled with the mental side of riding which led to my college degree. I graduated with a degree in psychology with an emphasis on sport pyschology. 

I have worked with many accomplished trainers but Amy Larson had the biggest impact on my early career. Amy taught me the fundamental basics that shaped me as a rider and trainer and ultimately led me to becoming Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel’s assistant trainer. Working for Felicitas, I honed my feel and understanding of biomechanics of horse and rider as well as bringing my personal horse, Veau up the levels.