Katie Dwiggins - Owner

Background:

Katie Dwiggins has spent her entire life around horses. She started riding when she was 6-years-old, and started competing shortly after. As a junior, Katie rode with internationally known trainer, Mary Morrison, at Ivy Gate Farm in Southern California. After finding success in the Children’s Hunters, Katie moved back east to continue her junior career and focus on national competitions. She participated in a full-time, intensive riding program with Peter Van Guysling of Dutch Manor Stables in upstate New York. Under his guidance, Katie qualified for the ASPCA Maclay Medal Finals as well as numerous championships in the Junior Hunters and regional medal finals, including Capital District Hunter Jumper Council.

As an adult, Katie made the transition to working with racehorses. She started as an exercise rider at Oaklawn Park for trainer Donald Caudill, then moved to California where she quickly became recognized as one of the top exercise riders. She was hired by Art and Steve Sherman, trainers of multiple Breeder’s Cup horses as well as Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, California Chrome.

During her time at the racetrack, Katie became passionate about finding new homes and careers for retiring racehorses. She worked with CANTER, the Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses, to find new jobs for horses coming off the racetrack.

That’s how Triple CrownD Performance Horses was founded.

Philosophy:

Katie believes every horse is deserving of a job that suits the horse’s strengths and personality.

Many of the former racehorses become wonderful competitive partners, especially in the hunters and jumpers. Others are leaving the track because they do not have that competitive drive, and those horses tend to find great homes on ranches or working with cattle.

It’s important that the personality and preferences of the horse align with that of owner and the owner’s goals for riding. That’s why Katie works hard with owners and their horses to ensure they’re developing a strong partnership that will last for years to come.