About kataluna horse Rescue

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Katie Berman is one of the most natural horsewomen I know. Inherently gentle in her approach and deeply kind, horses seem magnetically drawn to her presence. I will never forget the day I watched a wild mustang approach her in the wild after only 30 or so minutes of Katie winning his trust. Horses have a way of knowing your true intention and essence, and he undoubtedly saw something very special within her – I think it’s obvious to all who meet her. 

Katie is a natural at understanding horses, but has also had her own experiences moving through the traditional equestrian world and its downfalls. Because of this and her innately compassionate nature, she is a wonderful teacher who truly understands the struggles that sometimes arise when working with horses and searching for a kinder way of working with them. She’s been there and knows how to move through obstacles with grace. 

She is a kind and supportive teacher of both horses and humans whose judgment I trust wholeheartedly. She is a wonderful horsewoman and a true advocate for the horse. She has the ability to guide horse and human to something beyond just training – she will help you transform your relationship into something deeply nourishing and fulfilling for both involved, and she will guide you in a supportive and gentle manner that puts everyone at ease.

In the two years that I have been learning from Katie, my life has changed in every way. Through her compassion, selflessness, understanding, and love, I have been able to form a bond with my horses that I had never even fathomed could be real. As a teenager entering the horse world, I was filled with unease at the things that were being demanded of me. Words like “tell”, “demand”, and “make” were being shouted at me from every direction and I had no knowledge that there was another way to do things. 

I intuitively felt that there was a better way, a kinder way, to be with horses; I just had no idea where to begin. I immediately reached out to Katie and set up a time to come out. The shift from working AGAINST my horses to working WITH my horses was not easy, it never is, but having Katie there to guide me is what made it possible at all. Not only will being a student of Katie’s change your life with horses, but it will also simply change you. 

Being exposed to Katie’s spirit reawakened a part of my soul that I did not even know I had suppressed. It was through seeing the world from her point of view, and being shown her unconditional positiveness and love that I was able to liberate MYSELF, and therefore my horses. She is there to ensure things end on a good note with you and your horse, and she is beyond amazing at her job. Now, two years later, I can say without a doubt that Katie has changed my life. I know I would not have grown into the horsewoman (and, truly, just the woman) I am today if it had not been for Katie’s devotion to my success and guidance. In every situation, Katie will put the horse first. Over tricks, over pride, over ego. Whether it is her horse or yours, she is there to gently lead you in the right direction. There is truly no greater honor than being a student of Katie’s. She is kind and gentle and has the kind of connection with horses you think only exists in the movies, until you see her in action. You will be truly transformed after watching Katie communicate with horses as she does. Once she helps you open that connection with your horse, there is no going back. And you can count on her to be there every step of the way.

I adopted a 4 year old Appy mare (Penny) for my daughter last Friday, let me tell you I was very impressed with how well-mannered Penny is, with every interaction I had with Penny I grew more and more impressed, I was able to halter her and load her without one hint of issue, when I got to my layover point, I had no issues unloading her, she took well to her run, wasn’t jumpy or skittish, she traveled well came running to the gate when I called her, stood there to halter and load right back up. Penny has intrigued well with the other horses in the pasture now at her new home and is just as easy to handle. The care and compassion that Katie puts into these horses shows threw 10-fold, I cannot stress it enough how pleased I am, thank you again Katie!

Working with Katie and her horses has been a truly life changing experience! There is so much love and peace in their sessions, and Katie does a great job sharing her knowledge and is an excellent advocate for her rescues and their needs. Katie is one of the kindest people I know, and has done amazing things for the rescues that come through Kataluna. Katie is also amazing with my 5-year-old son and gives great and fun age-appropriate lessons!