Kristin Barreto
An Orange County native, Kristin started riding with her mom as a young child and began her show career at 7 years old. As a junior rider she competed successfully in the hunter and equitation divisions at shows throughout the state. She was an active member and competitor in Pony Club and Orange County IEL.
Kristin has competed successfully in the junior/adult amateur divisions. She then advanced into becoming a professional rider in 1999 and built a substantial show record at local and nationally ranked competitions. Kristin has worked with trainers such as Ali Nilforushan and Mandy Porter.
All of this experience helped build the skills and understanding of good horsemanship that enabled Kristin to become a trainer in her early 20s. At PepperTree Equestrian, Kristin works extensively with each of her clients to custom tailor a riding program that meets their ability and growth potential as a rider, as well as determining the abilities of their horse. This program is reviewed and adjusted at least quarterly to insure every rider’s success. Kristin not only looks at a rider’s progress in the ring or at a show, but she also identifies other growth-building programs such as the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program or clinics with well-known professional riders.
Additionally, Kristin feels that a well-mounted rider is critical to success and has the keen ability to find just the right horse for a perfect fit to the rider. She is very familiar with the international horse market and travels in the U.S. and Europe, purchasing top quality show horses that will be competitive in today’s show ring.
