Cathleen Dobson started her career with horses at the age of nine, riding borrowed horses and showing in the local and 4-H circuit in Snohomish Washington. At this time Cathleen learned to ride and compete in Western and English events, including jumping as well as reining. After purchasing a paint mare she started showing on the Paint and Pinto circuits, quickly earning Region of Merits and Regions of Excellence in Western Pleasure, Western Riding, Trail, Showmanship, Reining, English Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, as well a Youth Championship, a National title and a top 10 national ranking in 1996.

After graduating from high school Cathleen took a job as a groom at a breeding facility in Shelton Washington, specializing in Paint halter horses. During that time she honed her skills as a groom and learned the art of fitting up young halter prospects.

Leaving the halter world behind Cathleen pursued an interest in reining, and took lessons with Mark Deforest, a World Champion reining trainer. Here she expanded her scope of abilities as well as an appreciation for the integration of dressage techniques into a western horses’ training.

Currently Cathleen is a student at the University of Montana pursuing a degree in Sociology with an emphasis in rural and environmental change. Look for her on the local show circuit with her four year old PMU rescue horse Cooper.