Creekside Riding Academy and Stables 2359 Lewisburg Pike Franklin TN 37064 Located on Hwy 431 at Duplex Road Near Spring Hill and Thompson's Station To contact us: Phone: 615-595-7547   E-mail: info@creeksideridingstables.com Driving Directions from Nashville: South on I-65, (4 exits past Cool Springs Galleria) Exit #59-B (Hwy 840 W, local traffic only) Exit #30, Hwy 431 (very 1st exit) Turn Right at bottom of ramp onto Hwy 431 Go 5.5 miles towards Lewisburg Turn Left into driveway of Creekside, 2359 marked on mailbox              (Black horseshoe driveway and sign out front)

About Kate Watkins:  The Top Trainer and Instructor at Creekside:

A native of Rockaway, NJ, Kate joined Creekside in the fall of 2005 as a boarder with her Thoroughbred gelding Scoobie Doo. At the time she was employed as a certified dog trainer and a field technician at Invisible Fence Company, pet containment system. In July of 2006 she was offered an incredible opportunity to teach at the summer horse camp as well as instruct some riding students. She jumped at the offer of a lifetime and became Creekside’s riding instructor and horse trainer.

There were many reasons she was drawn to Creekside, but her instant attraction was Kris’s eagerness to teach the principles of horsemanship for a good foundation. Collaboratively, Kris and Kate developed a teaching style to accommodate an all purpose education while creating an extremely positive experience.

Kate’s foundation started in 1992 when she became a member of a local 4-H called the Oxbow Raiders. Clubbers would learn horse care, stable management, riding techniques as well public speaking and volunteering. At a young age she would teach the new clubbers what it takes to muck a stall or just the simple task of staying on the horse. As her knowledge of the horse expanded, she developed a passion of the sport of eventing and began competing with many different types of horses such as thoroughbreds, Arabians, and quarter horses. Fortunate for Kate, she had the chance to have some of the best teachers like Cathy Morelli Grand Prix Dressage medalist, and even some Olympic medalist as well. She often rode “broken” horses from auction of off the track thoroughbreds which under a close eye and soft hands realized training through trust came naturally. This is evident in her traditional yet contemporary teaching style.

No matter the experience, Kate has transformed some of her good riders to excellent riders. She believes that no matter the discipline every rider needs to have a balanced seat, knowledge of the horse, and patience for the horse and rider. As a teacher she has understanding that being a horseman is not for everyone, but by being educated helps the student understand the horse.

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