- W
- D
- J
Thank you for your support!
Hello! I am Katie Ferencik, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, a very proud member of the Army Reserve and a dressage competitor. My goal is to reach the international level of competition with the purpose and hope of eventually competing professionally on behalf of the U.S. Army. This is not an official request for donations on behalf of the Army. This is a personal campaign, as all costs are incurred personally.
Why do I want to do this?
The dream of working professionally with horses is one I've held since childhood, and recently, I've found a chance for me to make it a reality.
A little history behind horses and the military: Equine (horse) sports, prior to the 1952 Olympics, were only open to the military. When the equine mounted cavalry was disbanded in 1948, in favor of a mechanized one, sports such as Dressage, Eventing and Show jumping were open to civilians (and women!).
Horses have always played a major role in the military, and my intention is to honor that role through reaching a status of professional, and perhaps creating a military team of equestrians!
Once I reach the international level, competing at CDI events, the Army will sponsor me fully as a professional athlete, and I will be paving the way for other military equestrians to also reach their full potential. I currently work with the Army Recruiters, connecting with people through horses, and sharing my story.
In addition to my own personal goal, a small group of veterans and horse lovers are working behind the scenes to make this dream of each of ours into a reality for all of us. Stay tuned for more information on this group as it forms!
How will I reach my goal?
I've already spent a few months with the amazing Moody sisters in England, spending time with some incredible athletes that ride with them. Additionally, I've spent the past three years working exclusively with Barbro Ask-Upmark, one of the few 5* rated riders/trainers listed on Centerline Scores, as well as cliniced with the amazing David Hunt - President of the International Trainer's Club and major FEI influencer.
This year, Horatio and I have won the 3rd level championship at the prestigious Westworld Arabian show, against tough competition, and would love the opportunity to show off at a National level!
If we can make it to Nationals, we will be able to present the U.S. Flag as part of a ceremony there as well - which would be a great honor.
I'm currently riding and competing my partner and prospect, Horatio (a 10yo Trakehner Gelding). We are schooling PSG, and competing at 3rd level at the moment. I am on the search for an FEI prospect to compete at CDIs with, and am open to possiblities with owners.
In order to reach this goal, I need your support!
How is the money spent?
Rest assured, I am working in addition to riding, and will be covering my personal expenses and stretching my dollars as far as they will go:
Round-trip transportation from AZ to NC, along with hotel and show fees.
Follow my progress!
To learn more about horses in the military, and to follow my progress, please like my Facebook page, Katie Ferencik U.S. Army Dressage, or on Instagram/Twitter: USArmyDressage.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my cause, and helping me reach it! Please share this page with your friends and family. I truly appreciate each of you and your encouragement.
Want to know more about me?
My husband is active duty Army, and has served for 28 years. We met on our deployment to Iraq in 2003, and are about to celebrate our 10th anniversary!
I have been in the Army Reserve since 2001, and have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as worked state-side in support of mobilization operations.
While in the Army, I worked both within personnel and as a Master Driver, teaching others how to drive military vehicles.
In addition to this, I am an expert shot with an M16 rifle and M9 pistol, and enjoy teaching others to shoot. I was invited to try out for the Army Marksmanship team, but chose to follow my dream of riding professionally instead!
Hello! I am Katie Ferencik, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, a very proud member of the Army Reserve and a dressage competitor. My goal is to reach the international level of competition with the purpose and hope of eventually competing professionally on behalf of the U.S. Army. This is not an official request for donations on behalf of the Army. This is a personal campaign, as all costs are incurred personally.
Why do I want to do this?
The dream of working professionally with horses is one I've held since childhood, and recently, I've found a chance for me to make it a reality.
A little history behind horses and the military: Equine (horse) sports, prior to the 1952 Olympics, were only open to the military. When the equine mounted cavalry was disbanded in 1948, in favor of a mechanized one, sports such as Dressage, Eventing and Show jumping were open to civilians (and women!).
Horses have always played a major role in the military, and my intention is to honor that role through reaching a status of professional, and perhaps creating a military team of equestrians!
Once I reach the international level, competing at CDI events, the Army will sponsor me fully as a professional athlete, and I will be paving the way for other military equestrians to also reach their full potential. I currently work with the Army Recruiters, connecting with people through horses, and sharing my story.
In addition to my own personal goal, a small group of veterans and horse lovers are working behind the scenes to make this dream of each of ours into a reality for all of us. Stay tuned for more information on this group as it forms!
How will I reach my goal?
I've already spent a few months with the amazing Moody sisters in England, spending time with some incredible athletes that ride with them. Additionally, I've spent the past three years working exclusively with Barbro Ask-Upmark, one of the few 5* rated riders/trainers listed on Centerline Scores, as well as cliniced with the amazing David Hunt - President of the International Trainer's Club and major FEI influencer.
This year, Horatio and I have won the 3rd level championship at the prestigious Westworld Arabian show, against tough competition, and would love the opportunity to show off at a National level!
If we can make it to Nationals, we will be able to present the U.S. Flag as part of a ceremony there as well - which would be a great honor.
I'm currently riding and competing my partner and prospect, Horatio (a 10yo Trakehner Gelding). We are schooling PSG, and competing at 3rd level at the moment. I am on the search for an FEI prospect to compete at CDIs with, and am open to possiblities with owners.
In order to reach this goal, I need your support!
How is the money spent?
Rest assured, I am working in addition to riding, and will be covering my personal expenses and stretching my dollars as far as they will go:
Round-trip transportation from AZ to NC, along with hotel and show fees.
Follow my progress!
To learn more about horses in the military, and to follow my progress, please like my Facebook page, Katie Ferencik U.S. Army Dressage, or on Instagram/Twitter: USArmyDressage.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my cause, and helping me reach it! Please share this page with your friends and family. I truly appreciate each of you and your encouragement.
Want to know more about me?
My husband is active duty Army, and has served for 28 years. We met on our deployment to Iraq in 2003, and are about to celebrate our 10th anniversary!
I have been in the Army Reserve since 2001, and have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as worked state-side in support of mobilization operations.
While in the Army, I worked both within personnel and as a Master Driver, teaching others how to drive military vehicles.
In addition to this, I am an expert shot with an M16 rifle and M9 pistol, and enjoy teaching others to shoot. I was invited to try out for the Army Marksmanship team, but chose to follow my dream of riding professionally instead!