Katarína Hazlingerová
Have you ever seen a little girl light up at the chance to ride a pony at a fair, or gently reach out to pet a horse that passes on the road? Or the one completely captivated by horse movies on television? That little girl was me.
My name is Katarína, and for the past 16 years I have dedicated my life to the equestrian world—a passion that started in a very unconventional way.
I did not grow up in an equestrian family, but my love for horses was so strong that I worked for every opportunity to be around them. I started by riding leased horses in open fields, teaching myself how to trot, canter, and eventually take my first jumps. Later, I left my hometown to study what I believed was my dream career: Veterinary Medicine. However, after long days at school, I found my true refuge at a riding stable, where I got my first riding lessons in exchange of working in the barn. That is where my real journey began.
My passion eventually took me to the United Kingdom, where I had the opportunity to study and specialize in Horse Management, turning my dream into a professional career in the equestrian industry. During this time, I worked at the yard of Keith Shore, a respected show jumping and hunter rider. I later continued my career in Germany, where I gained valuable experience working with high-level show jumping horses.
In 2017, I made the life-changing decision to move to the Dominican Republic after accepting a professional opportunity. I have now spent almost a decade as part of the equestrian community there. Along the way, I have continued expanding my education with training in Andalusia, Spain at a Lusitano breeding and training stable, as well as professional development in Wellington, Florida, one of the most important equestrian centers in the world.
In the Dominican Republic, I have actively competed at the national level, both as a rider and as a coach supporting my students in show jumping and dressage disciplines. In recent years, I have continued developing my professional credentials through dressage judging education, show jumping course design training, and the FEI Introductory Coaching Course. I also earned my FEI Level 1 Coach certification from the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
One of my proudest achievements was becoming pair and team champion at the first equestrian rally held in the Dominican Republic in 2024.
My mission is simple: to help riders reach their goals, develop strong horse-and-rider partnerships, educate young horses, and help both horses and riders reach their full potential. My greatest reward is seeing them grow in confidence, skill, and partnership.
Because sometimes photos can say more than words ever could.
