KATIE'S EQUINE BACKGROUND
2020 - USEF 'r' Dressage Judge, Licensed Official
2019 - USEA Future Event Horse/ Young Event Horse (FEH/YEH) Judge
2017 - Present - Owner, Trainer & Instructor of Dragonfly Farm, Williston, FL
2012 - USHJA (Untied States Hunter/Jumper Association), Certified Trainer
2012 - USDF Silver Medalist
2010-2012 - Head Trainer Far Meadow Farm Morris, CT (Facility closing May 31,2012)
2004 - United States Eventing Association certified instructor Level III, (through Preliminary CIC*).
2004 - Massachusetts licensed instructor #4510. Fully insured.
2004 - 2006 - Consultant for the reconstruction and development of barns & cross-country courses, for Town Hill Farm in Lakeville, CT. Organizer of their USEA schooling and sanctioned competitions
2000 - Present - Owner, Trainer & Instructor of Dragonfly Farm, Sandisfield, MA
1997 - Chelsea Equestrian Center New York, NY. Responsible for the evaluation and purchasing of 34 horses of varied levels and disciplines for Chelsea's school horse program.
1993 - Graduated with Distinction From the United States Dressage Federation "L" Judging program. 2009 & 2014 Revisited "L" program.
1989 - Present- Shannon Equine Imports, Importation and sales of Quality Irish Sport Horses. Partner Linda Downes-Creegh Kilrush, County Clare Ireland
1983 - 1997 - Owner,Instructor,Trainer & Manager of Still River Farm, Winsted, CT 24-Horse Dressage & Eventing facility, offering training, boarding and instruction. Competed in Dressage through Prix St. Georges, schooled through Grand Prix. Founded Mad River Pony Club. Joint D.C. Lakeville Pony Club.
1981 - 1983 - Manager/Trainer of Mountain Valley Ranch, Sharon, CT (division of Mountain Valley Equestrian Centre, South Britain, CT). Responsible for the care, training and showing of young Hunter/Jumper prospects. Managed the breeding and foaling of Thoroughbred and Warmblood mares as well as handling and breaking of foals.
1980 - Present - Freelance instructor, Trainer & Judge (USDF"L"). Several students have gone on to the USCTA Young Riders, USDF Junior Young Riders Championships, United States Pony Club through upper levels, as well as many adult riders beginner- FEI.
1979 - 1981 - Operated lesson/training facility in Ashley Falls, MA, specializing in Dressage & Eventing.
1973 - 1979 - Member of the Whip & Willow Pony Club, Great Barrington, MA. USPC "B", Competed through Preliminary level in Eventing.
1968 - 1973 - Student of Emerson Burr at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, Fairfield, CT
Equitation divisions: Short Stirrup through Mini Medal.
ABOUT KATIE ROCCO
With over 50 years of experience, Katie specializes in Dressage and Eventing, dedicated to helping horse and rider combinations across all disciplines. Her approach fosters positive connections and strong partnerships rather than dictatorships, all within an encouraging and enjoyable teaching environment. Using classical Dressage techniques and systematic exercises, Katie helps riders and their horses achieve correct balance and harmony.
No matter your riding goals, Katie is committed to helping you develop better connection and feel by removing confusion, frustration, tension, and resistance. She tailors her training methods to meet the needs of each horse and rider.
Katie began her equestrian journey on a Shetland pony more than 50 years ago. She moved on to compete in equitation and hunter shows, joined Pony Club, and began eventing as a teenager. By the late '70s and early '80s, Katie managed several equine facilities, overseeing mare foaling, breaking, training, and showing young horses, as well as instructing students.
Building a Legacy in Dressage and Eventing
In 1983, Katie and her husband Doug bought their first farm in Colebrook, Connecticut. Together, they built the farm from the ground up, offering boarding, training, and lessons in Dressage and Eventing. Katie traveled throughout the Northeast, competing in Dressage shows and events with her students. By the mid-1980s, she became deeply involved in Dressage, competing up to Prix St. Georges and training through Grand Prix. Several of her students have gone on to win at Dressage and Eventing championships.
In 1993, Katie and her family moved to Dragonfly Farm in Sandisfield, Massachusetts. This 95-acre farm features an all-weather outdoor rubber Dressage arena, cross-country schooling fences, a show-jumping field, and miles of trails for conditioning and pleasure riding. Dragonfly Farm also hosts workshops and clinics for juniors and adults, offering a universal teaching system that bridges the gaps between riding disciplines.
Accomplishments and Certifications
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USDF L Graduate with Distinction (1993)
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Passed the USEF 'r' program to become a Licensed Official (2020)
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USEA ICP Level III Certified Instructor (2004) with the United States Eventing Association (Preliminary CIC*)
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USHJA Certified Trainer (2011) with the United States Hunter Jumper Association
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Achieved the USDF Silver Medal in 2012 with her Dutch Warmblood mare La Kennedy
Katie continues to offer lessons, clinics, and coaching at local Dressage shows and events, helping riders achieve success at all levels.
