Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Kathy (Kitt) Wattenphul

Thief River Falls

Summary

Accomplished Stable Manager at Mahaffey Camp, adept in lesson planning and public speaking, I spearheaded barn improvements and enhanced pasture management, demonstrating strong leadership and communication. Collaboratively led teams to prioritize safety and continuous professional development, significantly improving horse care and rider experience.

Dedicated educator with strong foundation in curriculum development and student engagement. Proven ability to collaborate effectively within teams and adapt to evolving educational needs. Equipped with expertise in instructional strategies, classroom management, and fostering positive learning environment. Consistently focused on achieving tangible results and supporting student success.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Horsemanship Instructor

Mahaffey Camp and Conference Center
08.2019 - Current

Lead the horsemanship team in giving safe riding instruction to campers both on the ground and on the horse, and providing a safe trail ride experience.

Leading the team in the physical care of the horses, by providing good pasture, feed and water; by grooming and checking for any injury or illness and treating them as needed; by inspecting fences, arena and trails for any potential hazards and getting them taken care of; by checking and maintaining and or repairing saddles, bridles and all other tack with safety in mind.

Horsemanship Director

North Central Camp Cherith
06.2019 - Current

Lead the horsemanship team in giving safe riding instruction to campers both on the ground and on the horse, and providing a safe trail ride experience.

Leading the team in the physical care of the horses, by providing good pasture, feed and water; by grooming and checking for any injury or illness and treating them as needed; by inspecting fences, stalls, arena and trails for any potential hazards and getting them taken care of; by checking and maintaining and or repairing saddles, bridles and all other tack with safety in mind.




Stable Manager

Mahaffey Camp and Conference Center
06.2010 - 01.2019
  • Coordinated successful events such as individual and group riding lessons, trail rides, camps and clinics by liaising with organizers, and participants
  • .Provided personalized riding lessons emphasizing rider safety while fostering growth in skills.
  • Educated visitors and staff on proper animal care and handling.
  • Trained and oversaw volunteers as instructors, trail guides and assistants.
  • maintained health and wellbeing of 8-14 horses through regular grooming, annual vaccinations, worming and providing good feed, hay, safe pastures and clean water.



  • Streamlined stable maintenance procedures for a cleaner and safer environment for both horses and staff.
  • Performed repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment and property.
  • Maximized financial efficiency by managing budgets, inventory, and expenses related to stable operations.

  • Monitored animal behavior and completed examinations to identify illnesses, injuries, or potential diseases.
  • Cleared brush and maintained trails to keep ranch safe and accessible for animals and people.
  • Kept grounds clean and orderly by monitoring and repairing fences, shoveling snow and removing debris.
  • Maintained high-quality pastures by implementing proper irrigation, fertilization, and weed control methods.
  • Prepared and administered medications and treatments performed basic wound care and other medical aid, working with veterinarians to handle advanced cases.


  • Trained horses to be good mounts for beginner to intermediate riders.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Managed emergency situations calmly and effectively while prioritizing the safety of horses and staff members involved in incidents or accidents.
  • Spearheaded barn improvements projects including stall renovations improving overall living conditions for boarded horses.
  • Improved pasture management through systematic rotational grazing techniques.

  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.

Trail Guide, Riding Instructor

Faith Ranch
06.1998 - 11.2000

Grooming and saddling horses

Leading or dragging trail rides

Giving riding and safety instruction to people ages 5 to 85

  • Ensured the safety of all participants through thorough pre-ride briefings and attentive guidance during trailrides.

Education

Level Two Western And English Riding Instructor -

Certified Horsemanship Association
04-2017

Level Three Western And English Riding Instructor -

Christian Camp Horsemanship International
09-2012

10 Hours Lecture And Practicum - Elementary Driving

Certified Horsemanship Association
11-2001

Level Two Western And English Riding Instructor -

Certified Horsemanship Association
04-1999

Bachelor of Arts - French

Moorhead State University
Moorhead, MN
05-1986

Instructor Certification -

Horsemanship Safety Association

High School Diploma -

Southwest Secondary School
Minneapolis, MN
05-1979

Skills

  • Strong communication skills
  • Public speaking
  • Class instruction
  • Lesson planning
  • Continuous professional development
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Collaborative team player

Languages

French
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working

Timeline

Lead Horsemanship Instructor

Mahaffey Camp and Conference Center
08.2019 - Current

Horsemanship Director

North Central Camp Cherith
06.2019 - Current

Stable Manager

Mahaffey Camp and Conference Center
06.2010 - 01.2019

Trail Guide, Riding Instructor

Faith Ranch
06.1998 - 11.2000

Level Two Western And English Riding Instructor -

Certified Horsemanship Association

Level Three Western And English Riding Instructor -

Christian Camp Horsemanship International

10 Hours Lecture And Practicum - Elementary Driving

Certified Horsemanship Association

Level Two Western And English Riding Instructor -

Certified Horsemanship Association

Bachelor of Arts - French

Moorhead State University

Instructor Certification -

Horsemanship Safety Association

High School Diploma -

Southwest Secondary School
Kathy (Kitt) Wattenphul