Kate Doohan Equestrian
Having fun and building skills as a hunter/jumper competitor with Elvenstar National trainers — rounds, results, and the lessons behind them.
KATE'S STORY
photo: Captured Moment Photography
Nine years old, and already walking and planning courses like a pro.
Kate started riding at just five years old, in Mommy and Me classes at Elvenstar Academy. From there, it was walk-trot, then walk, trot, canter, and her first leased pony and crossrails competitions, followed not long after by 2' jumps.Kate's parents hit pause and took a year off early on, wanting to be sure this is something truly important to Kate. About eight months in, she started asking to go back to the barn. Again and again and again.... She hasn't looked back since.Kate began with schooling shows, moved up to regional competition, and now tests herself against some of the most accomplished ponies and riders at the national level, preparing and competing with her Elvenstar National trainers.It hasn't all been easy. There have been perfect rides and scary falls, tears of joy, and tears of fear or disappointment. Through it all, Kate's love for horses and equestrian sport has never wavered.She and her pony, Honey (show name Land's End Bit of Honey), have become a great pair. Win or lose, the lessons Kate learns on and off her pony will carry into every part of her life: resilience, courage, grit, and responsibility.We're immensely grateful that Kate gets to do this, and even more thrilled to watch her grow.
KATE'S PONY PARTNER
Meet Land's End Bit of Honey
Land's End Bit of Honey — "Honey" for short — is a 14.2h Welsh/Thoroughbred mare, born in 2013. Before partnering with Kate, Honey built an accomplished career on the national hunter circuit, competing at some of the sport's biggest venues, including Wellington's WEF, Tryon International, HITS on the Hudson, and the USEF Pony Finals in Kentucky. Along the way, she earned numerous championship titles and blue ribbons in the Large Pony Hunter and Children's Pony Hunter divisions.Since pairing with Kate in April 2026, Honey has continued to be a rockstar. They've earned each other's trust, and Honey has carried Kate to championship finishes and top placings across California's national show circuit, including Temecula Valley National, Pacific Ridge, and The Oaks.Kate credits Honey with teaching her how to be firm yet gentle as a rider and to have the confidence to go for it every time they enter the show ring.
RECENT RESULTS
The Ribbon Rail
ON COURSE
Latest Round
PARTNERS
For sponsors, trainers, & press
Kate Doohan Equestrian - Parent managed site
select photo credits: Captured Moment Photography