SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
Katharine “Kara” Krushel, MD, MS, has worked in
psychiatric emergency rooms, inpatient psychiatric
units and an assertive community treatment program
helping individuals diagnosed with serious mental
illnesses—but now combines her professional
experience and her horse-world expertise to offer
telehealth mental health care especially for the
equestrian world.
Living in New York City but licensed in multiple states,
Kara is the founder and medical director of KSK
Psychiatry, helping riders navigate both the unique
emotional and physical issues of the equestrian world as
well as the complexity of FEI/USEF medication reporting.
How did you first get involved with horses?
I first got on a horse when I was on a family
vacation at a dude ranch and fell in love
immediately. From there, I started riding at a
local barn and the rest was history!
How did you get to where you
are now in your life/career?
My parents are a huge part of how I ended up
where I am. Growing up, it was important to
them that I always did something besides horses.
I had to have a job and prioritize education.
In addition, riding taught me patience and
resilience early on, and I carried that mindset
into my career. Becoming a psychiatrist and now
building my own private practice has taken a
similar kind of focus and persistence.
What do you like most about the
discipline you ride/the job you do?
In both riding and psychiatry, I really value the
relationships. With horses, it’s about trust and
communication, and with patients, it’s about
understanding and connection. Both require a lot
of attention, empathy, and continuous learning.
What pets or horses are most
important in your life right now?
My dog, Louise, and my horse, Birdie!
What impact would you most like to make
on the world, or what message do you try
to share by your example?
Through my work as a psychiatrist, I hope to
make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by
helping them feel understood and supported.
It’s important to me that mental health care is
accessible and practical, as the horse world is
already complicated enough! More broadly, I
want to end the stigma around mental health
and getting help when you need it.
What are your goals in life or riding?
I want to continue growing in both areas.
Professionally, I’m focused on building a strong,
thoughtful private practice. In riding, I want to
keep improving and pushing myself while still
enjoying the process.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
DR. KARA
KRUSHEL
Psychiatry for the
Equestrian World
How do you balance everything
going on in your life?
It’s definitely something I’m always working on.
Between riding and running a private practice,
staying organized and being intentional with
my time is key. I try to focus on what matters
most and not get too caught up in everything
at once.