StarGait Equine My name is Kate Neil, and I’ve been immersed in the horse world for as long as I can remember. I began my journey in the equine industry at just 8 years old, working alongside my mom, a professional trainer. By 12, I was training my first outside horses while competing in shows and developing the foundation of my training philosophy. Over the years, I’ve worked under accomplished trainers, attended countless clinics, and gained invaluable experience riding and learning alongside my mom. These opportunities allowed me to build a diverse “toolbox” of skills and methods that I’ve refined into my own unique approach. In high school, I expanded my resume to include rodeo, a passion that earned me multiple rodeo queen titles and eventually carried me to the college rodeo circuit while I pursued a degree in mechanical engineering. After graduating, I worked full-time as an engineer, enjoying my horses on the weekends. But in 2018, a vacation trail ride reminded me of what was missing in my life. By 2020, I left my engineering career to start StarGait Equine and hit the road with a few horses, my dog, and a living quarters trailer. Since then, StarGait has taken me across the country—from the historic trails of Gettysburg to the rugged mountains of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, to the deserts of Arizona and Utah. Each ranch I visit gives my horses real-world experiences that make them well-rounded, reliable companions. My horses know what it means to work hard, spend long days in the saddle, and adapt to various environments, whether it’s pastures, stalls, or paddocks. I view each horse like a painting, and as the trainer, I’m the artist. I don’t offer a horse for sale until the “painting” is complete and ready to be enjoyed by its next partner. My goal is to produce seasoned, versatile horses that excel in any situation, whether it’s on the trail, at the ranch, or in the arena. Whether you’re looking for a trail partner, ranch hand, or all-around companion, the horses I offer through StarGait Equine are as trustworthy as they are well-trained.
