Toasting
Women
in Business
2026 Digital Guide
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Deidre McGinty has been involved in the equestrian world
for over 20 years, from the time her daughter requested a
pony ride for her 9th birthday. Now, her daughter teaches
riding lessons and shows—and Deidre is using both her
equestrian knowledge and skills learned through a retail
career as a licensed real estate agent specializing in
equine properties.
Based in Goshen, New York, Deidre helps her clients
find the right homes and barns all across the greater
Hudson Valley. She began riding several years ago, and
currently trains in dressage on a horse named Tal. “He is
the most challenging horse I have ridden and has made
me a stronger, more confident rider,” Deidre said. “I learn
something with every ride that I carry over to my future
rides. He is truly helping me become the rider I dream
about becoming.”
What were your early years with horses like?
The first years my daughter was riding and
showing I was strictly a spectator and the
supplier of treats, both for horses and humans. I
started riding in my early 50’s, when I received a
gift for lessons for Christmas. There has been no
turning back since then.
What do you like about dressage?
I enjoy the symmetry, balance and artistry of
this discipline. Each movement of the horse
that is learned helps build the skill for the next
movement.
What’s your greatest accomplishment in riding?
Continuing to ride with every setback: Literally
getting back on the horse is something I am very
proud of. I am not a confident rider, so it takes a
lot of focus for me to get on my horse every ride.
For me, it sometimes feels like I’m starting over
after any setback, but I do, thankfully, get back
to where I left off quicker each time, with much
credit to the patience of my trainer, Olivia Turcott.
What do you like to do when
not riding or working?
When you are a parent of young children, you
never think of what life will be like when your
children are adults. My children and their spouses
have become my favorite people to hang out with,
spend time with and travel with. I truly enjoy all
of them; they are some of my favorite humans.
And my grandchildren are pretty great, too!
How did you get to where
you are in your career?
I tend to look at my career path as climbing a
rock wall not a ladder. Sometimes it’s necessary
to take a lateral step to continue moving
forward, to be ready for the next opportunity.
I worked in corporate retail for many years in
many different roles. Each one provided me with
a skill that I now bring into my work as a real
estate agent. I truly believe I have landed in the
perfect place for me at this point in my life.
How do you balance everything
going on in your life?
It’s so easy to become too focused on
inconsequential things in life. I try not to sweat
the little stuff and accept that everything doesn’t
have to be perfect. Take life as it is, be present.
Be happy.
What impact would you most
like to make on the world?
Be kind. I know it sounds simple, and the phrase
may be overused these days, but you don’t know
what is happening in anyone else’s world, what
they’re dealing with in their daily lives. Give them
grace, assume positive intent, just be kind.
What are your goals for riding?
My overall goal is to simply to continue, to
improve with every ride and to find the courage
to be the rider I want to be.
DEIDRE
MCGINTY
Equestrian Property
Specialist
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
RANDI C.
HEATHMAN
Guiding Equestrian Students
on Their Unique Paths
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Randi C. Heathman has never known a life without horses, quite
literally. Raised in Horton, Michigan, she grew up with horses
in her backyard. Today, she combines that lifelong passion
with her professional expertise as an independent educational
consultant and founder of The Equestrian College Advisor,
helping equestrian students navigate the often-overwhelming
path to college while balancing their riding goals.
A self-described “Type A (some might say A-plus...)”
personality, Randi was naturally drawn to dressage, where
precision and problem-solving are key. That same mindset
carries into her work with students, where she helps piece
together each individual’s academic and equestrian journey—
despite advice not to specialize. “I knew I wanted to work with
equestrians,” she said. “I knew it would be hard—and I was
right about that. But I was also right to stay the course. I’m so
proud of myself for having the courage to follow my gut.”
Horse-wise, Randi takes pride in developing her own horses
without shortcuts, a journey she says makes every milestone
more meaningful—like riding her current partner, Kashmir H,
down centerline for the first time and knowing exactly how
much work went into that moment. “Now my sights are set
on earning my USDF Gold Medal with Kashmir—but don’t tell
him that, it’s a lot of pressure!”
How did you first get involved with horses?
Does in utero count? My parents met through
horses and my mother rode into her final
trimester. We always had horses in the backyard
and family lore says my first word was horse.
What were your early years with horses like?
Idyllic. I had a pony in the backyard who was a
saint and I was given the freedom to ride him all
over the farm.
How did you get to where
you are now in your career?
My college admission career coincided with the
development of my college’s varsity equestrian
program, so gaining knowledge about both
specialties ran parallel at a really formative
time in my career. Then as I encountered more
and more confused—and anxious—students
and parents who wanted to match up both a
great education and a fulfilling college riding
experience, I wanted to figure out a way to
help them. Discovering the field of educational
consulting was the final piece of the puzzle
and once that snapped into place,
I never looked back.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I’m a huge movie and theater buff and every
few years I also like to take a solo vacation to a
tropical resort somewhere to just sit by a pool
with a book and completely zone out.
How do you balance everything
going on in your life?
It’s so engrained now that I don’t even think about
it—but I will say, having a strong community of
family and friends and mentors around me to rely
on when I need support is crucial.
What impact would you most
like to make on the world?
I want kids to know that they matter. That’s
it. The thing I find most frustrating about the
journey to college from the student side is that
they’re made to feel anxious about it. There’s
this sense that they “have” to do this “the right
way,” that there’s a “good” college and a “bad”
college and that there’s only one way to reach
their goals—or that if they haven’t set their life’s
course at age 17, they’re somehow failing at
life. And all of that is wrong—but it’s also very
easy for me to say that as a 45-year-old woman
with 20 years of experience to back that up. It’s
an entirely different situation for a teenager to
conceptualize.
So instead of focusing on the trappings of
the college process (which we do have to factor
in, admittedly), I want to create a space for
students to feel like it’s OK to ask questions,
to speculate, to try a path that doesn’t fit on
their way to finding the path that does. And
the whole time that exploration is happening,
I want them to know that they’re OK—they
matter and they’re special, and they’ll be OK in
the end.
If I can do that, I’m doing just fine.
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
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.
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, the women-
led team at Knight Builders Corp. is redefining what it means
to deliver a well-executed construction experience. With
a hands-on, highly coordinated approach and deep roots
in both construction and the equestrian world, Owner/
Operations Manager Katina Knight, Project Manager Melissa
Sheets and Cabinetry & Stone Manager Amy Wyckoff are
bringing a fresh level of organization, communication and
craftsmanship to the Wellington community.
What makes your company different
from other builders in South Florida?
Katina: We take a very coordinated, full-service
approach, where everything from planning
through construction and final finishes is
managed as one cohesive process. With over 30
years of experience in the construction industry
behind our team, we bring a level of knowledge
and stability that clients can rely on.
In addition to construction and project
management, we handle cabinetry and
stone fabrication in-house, which gives us
greater control over quality, timelines, and
customization. We also work closely with a
trusted architect as well as outside architects
and collaborate seamlessly with designers, so
every part of the project stays aligned from
start to finish.
Our clients aren’t left managing multiple
moving pieces—we act as the central point
that keeps everything organized and moving
forward.
What draws your team to
the Wellington community?
Melissa: Wellington is such a unique market.
It’s not just about building homes—it’s about
building around a lifestyle. With my background
in the equestrian world, I understand how these
properties function beyond just the house—from
barns and turnout areas to staff flow and daily
routines. There are a lot of moving parts, and
the design and construction need to support all
of them.
There’s also a strong community of women
here who are very involved in their homes and
equestrian properties. As a women-led team,
there’s a natural connection and level of
understanding that carries into how we
approach each project.
What does it mean to lead a women-led
team in the construction industry?
Katina: While we have a strong, well-rounded
team overall, our leadership is women-led, and
that naturally shapes how we operate. We bring
a high level of organization, communication and
attention to detail to every project. Our clients feel
comfortable being involved, asking questions and
knowing that everything is being handled properly.
We’re proud of the entire team behind us,
and that combination of strong leadership and
skilled support is what allows us to consistently
deliver successful projects.
How does your equestrian background
influence the way you approach projects?
Melissa: It plays a huge role. Building on
an equestrian property isn’t just about the
structure—it’s about understanding the horses
and how construction impacts them.
Horses are sensitive to noise, disruption and
changes in routine. We take that seriously. We
plan our schedules carefully, communicate with
owners and barn staff, and put measures in place
to minimize stress and keep the animals safe
throughout the process.
It’s also about functionality. From barn layouts
and ventilation to tack rooms, staff spaces
and riders lounges, I understand how these
environments are actually used, which allows us
to build in a way that supports both the horses
and the people caring for them.
How do you keep projects running
smoothly from start to finish?
Katina: It comes down to structure and
communication. We set clear expectations
early, maintain consistent scheduling and
stay proactive throughout the project. We’re
constantly coordinating between trades,
monitoring progress and keeping our clients
informed so there are no surprises. Our goal is
to make what can often feel overwhelming into a
process that is organized and manageable.
How does having in-house cabinetry and
stone fabrication benefit your clients?
Amy: It allows us to control both quality and
timeline in a way that most builders can’t.
Our clients aren’t waiting on outside vendors or
dealing with multiple layers of communication.
We can customize kitchens, vanities and built-ins
to fit the space perfectly, while keeping everything
aligned with the overall project schedule.
It creates a much more efficient and seamless
experience.
What should homeowners look for when
choosing a builder or renovation team?
Melissa: Proper licensing and insurance are
essential, especially when you have multiple trades
on-site. Beyond that, it’s important to choose a
team that can truly manage the project as a whole.
A lot of issues come from a lack of
coordination—different people handling
different parts without clear communication.
Having a structured, experienced team in place
helps avoid those problems from the start.
What types of projects are
you most passionate about?
Amy: We love projects where we can really
customize the space—especially kitchens,
bathrooms and built-ins.
Melissa: Custom homes, equestrian facilities
and large-scale renovations. Anything where
we can take a vision and bring it to life in a way
that’s both functional and well-executed.
What is the first step for someone
considering building or renovating
with your team?
Melissa: It starts with a conversation. We like
to understand the vision, walk the property if
possible, and get a clear sense of how the space
needs to function. From there, we often bring
clients into our design showroom, where they
can see materials, cabinetry options and finishes
in person. It helps turn ideas into something
tangible and makes the decision-making process
much easier.
We then guide our clients through the next
steps so they feel confident moving forward.
We want the process to feel organized and
approachable from the very beginning—that
relationship and level of trust is something we
value on every project.
BUILDING
WITH PURPOSE
A Women-Led Team Bringing a Coordinated
Approach to Construction in Wellington
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
10
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
JAIME MCKINLEY
The Next Generation at W.F. Young
What role have animals played in your life?
Animals have always been a constant in my life and
a source of connection and purpose. While I do not
personally own horses today, horses have always
been central to our company and to my family’s
history. Animals bring an extraordinary kind of
love. They are intuitive, healing and generous in
ways that are hard to put into words. Being able
to dedicate my career to improving their lives is
something I will never take for granted.
What does it mean to you to continue
the W.F. Young legacy in your family?
It’s both an honor and something I feel deeply
responsible for. Our company was co-founded in
1892 by my great-great grandmother, Mary Ida
Young, at a time when women were rarely seen
in business. She helped pioneer better care for
animals, especially horses, and built a company
grounded in compassion and innovation. Today,
I’m proud that multiple members of the next
generation, including two of my cousins, are
contributing to the business.
W.F. Young, Inc. is a fifth-generation family-owned
animal health and wellness company founded in 1892.
The business began when Jaime McKinley’s great-great
grandmother, Mary Ida Young, and her husband, Wilbur, set
out to find a better way to care for their horses. That effort
led to the creation of Absorbine Veterinary Liniment, a
product that continues to be trusted by horse owners today.
For more than 130 years, the Young family has remained
committed to caring for horses and animals, guided by
a deep respect for the bond between animals and the
people who care for them. Today, their portfolio includes
brands such as Absorbine, UltraShield, Silver Honey and
The Missing Link.
Carrying on her family’s tradition, Jaime was appointed
president in 2021 and became both president and CEO in
2023. “A key part of our approach has always been listening
to our customers,” Jaime said. “Many of our most trusted
products have come directly from understanding the needs
of horse owners and pet owners, and responding with
solutions that make a meaningful difference in their daily
care routines. That connection continues to guide how we
innovate and grow.”
What are some of the challenges
you face in your field?
To be successful in business, I believe it requires
a balance of courage and responsibility. You
need the confidence to take calculated risks,
while also understanding the weight of the
decisions you make and the impact they have on
people, the business and the future. Over time,
I’ve learned that leadership is not about having
all the answers, but about making thoughtful
decisions, staying grounded in your values and
being accountable for the outcomes.
What great things have happened in your
life through your role at W.F. Young?
The most meaningful part of this journey has
been the people and the impact. I’ve had the
opportunity to work alongside an incredible
team and to serve customers who care deeply
about their animals.
I have always had a passion for innovation,
and it has been incredibly rewarding to see that
come to life through new products such as Silver
Honey and UltraShield Gold. Our growth has
been fueled by creating solutions that truly meet
the needs of our trusted consumers.
What advice would you give other women
considering a career in business?
Do not wait until you feel completely ready to
take on a new challenge. Growth often happens
when you step into something that stretches
you. Stay curious, build strong relationships and
be willing to learn along the way. Confidence is
built through experience over time.
What contribution do you hope
W.F. Young can make to the lives
of pets and their owners?
At our core, we want to improve the lives
of animals and support the people who
care for them. For horse owners especially,
there is a deep level of trust involved in how
they care for their animals, and we take that
responsibility seriously.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with family, being
outdoors and being around animals. I also
enjoy traveling, fishing, reading and hosting
gatherings with family and friends. Those
moments give me a chance to recharge and stay
connected to what matters most.
Photo by Micky Bones Photography
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Jaime McKinley is the CEO of W.F. Young,
which her family started in 1892.
11
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
12
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
Danae Fryman has always known she wanted a career
connected to her passion for horses. She grew up trail
riding in Michigan, and currently lives in Lexington,
Kentucky, where she is the Equine Discounts Partner
Relations & Events Manager for the National Thoroughbred
Racing Association. “I work at the intersection of equine
sport and strategic partnerships, helping bring our brands
and discounts to the equestrian customer,” she said.
At work, her job involves coordinating high-level
experiences around major equine events such as
the Kentucky Derby, Breeders’ Cup and Kentucky
Three-Day Event; managing sponsorships and industry
relationships; and analyzing and reviewing sales data.
Those analytical and strategic skills come in handy in
her life, too, as she juggles not just working and riding
but being a new mom.
How did you first get involved with horses?
My grandfather had horses growing up so you
can quite literally say I’ve been involved with
horses since I’ve been born.
What were your early years with horses like?
In the early years, my horse experience was
primarily trail riding all over the west coast of
Michigan. I’d ride my little Arabian pony through
the woods and dunes to Lake Michigan.
How did you get to where you
are now in your life/career?
It’s been a combination of persistence and staying
the course. I knew that my early professional career
was not my end goal and I wanted to continue to
be more involved in the equine industry.
What do you like most about
the discipline you ride?
I compete with my 5-year-old solid APHA in a
sport called EXCA (Extreme Cowboy Trail) and
I absolutely love it! I feel it creates a very well-
rounded horse who must be in tune with the rider
on what’s next and handle various obstacles that
may be in the course with poise and confidence.
What do you consider to be your greatest
accomplishments so far, riding or otherwise?
I recently had a baby girl last September and she
truly is my great accomplishment. I’m also very
proud to be back to riding seven months
postpartum.
What do you like to do when
you’re not riding or working?
When I’m not at the barn or working, I love
spending time with my family, getting outside, and
just slowing down when I can. It’s important to
me to recharge and be present in those moments.
How do you balance everything
going on in your life?
I tend to joke that I thrive in chaos. I’m a bit of
a logistics nerd, so organizing moving pieces
and managing the chaos actually energizes me.
But honestly, one of the biggest reasons I’m able
to balance everything in my life is because of
the incredible support system I have. I’m very
fortunate to work alongside coworkers who are
always willing to jump in, support one another
and help carry the load when things get busy.
What people are most important
in your life right now?
My husband. I wouldn’t be able to juggle it all if it
wasn’t for his support. We have a hay business in
addition to both of us working full-time and raising
our daughter, but he’s the main reason I’ve had the
time to get back to doing what I love—riding.
What impact would you most like to make
on the world, or what message do you try
to share by your example?
I hope to show that hard work, consistency, and
kindness go a long way.
What are your goals in life or riding?
I hope to get back into the show ring this year.
Eventually, I’d love to compete at EXCA Worlds
in Glen Rose, Texas, but we might be a year or
two away from that!
DANAE
FRYMAN
Strategizing in Life
and for the NTRA
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Photo by Que Images
13
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
14
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
r. Stefanie Mazer, PsyD, PSYPACT,
is a Licensed Psychologist with deep
expertise in both mental health and
the equestrian world. She provides traditional
psychotherapy, sport and performance psychology
for equestrians (in person and virtually), and
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy at her farm in
Loxahatchee, Florida. Her work blends evidence-
based psychological care with a nuanced
understanding of horse sport and
culture, including horse-and-
rider dynamics, parallel
learning between horse
and athlete, and the
pressures faced by
riders, families and
trainers.
Raised in
Maryland, Stefanie’s
connection to horses
began early. Some of her
earliest memories involve
time spent at racetracks with
her father and stopping to greet
roadside horses with her mother. By age
4, she began formal riding lessons at McDonogh
School, where her passion for horses deepened
through a hands-on, immersive barn upbringing
typical of the 1980s. “We did everything ourselves,
no grooms, and braiders only at major shows. I
learned by being present at the barn,” she recalled.
“I was a barn rat, spending as much time as
possible with the horses and in the barn or fields.”
Learning the Equestrian World
At McDonogh School, Stefanie trained under
Street Moore. “He was an exceptional teacher, laid
back, and allowed us autonomy and independence
with guidance,” Stefanie said. “My friends and
I supported each other at shows, fostering a
collaborative and supportive environment and
a shared and meaningful experience of loving
horses, riding and competing year after year.”
Stefanie credits acclaimed trainer Karen Healy
for imparting the riding fundamentals that would
later inform her own teaching. “Karen’s approach
was transformative, equipping me with practical
knowledge to educate others.”
Her riding career continued through college,
and during her senior year she acquired La
Luna, a 4-year-old mare who would
profoundly influence her life.
Shortly after purchase, La
Luna suffered a near-fatal
injury at a horse show.
Despite a poor prognosis,
Stefanie remained
committed to her
recovery. Ultimately, La
Luna made a full return
to health and together they
competed successfully in
multiple divisions.
La Luna’s legacy continues
through her daughter, Big Sky, now
18, and Big Sky’s offspring Sunny, now 5. Big
Sky was born during the second half of Stefanie’s
doctoral program with the intention that she
would one day work with people in a therapeutic
setting. “It has been such a joy and privilege to
share her with people suffering from mental illness
or people who are looking to grow, or improve
their relationship with themselves, or their
relationship with their spouse, or other important
people in their life,” Stefanie said.
After earning her Doctorate in Psychology in
2009, Stefanie pursued parallel careers in mental
health and high-level equestrian training through
Forget Me Not Farm in Wellington, Florida. Her
success as a trainer included being named South
Florida Trainer of the Year in 2014 and developing
multiple USEF Horse of the Year winners, Derby
champions, Pony Finals winners and horses and
riders excelling from leadline through Grand Prix
and U25 divisions. “Many of the horses I have
trained continue to achieve great things with new
teams, as I have stepped back from horse training
to focus more on my career as a psychologist,”
Stefanie said.
A NEW FOCUS
Today, Dr. Mazer practices psychotherapy in
Wellington and offers telehealth services to clients
in 43 states through her Psypact credentials via
MindWise, Inc. She treats anxiety, depression,
relationship concerns and couples’ issues, and
supports competitive equestrians navigating
performance-related challenges. Her services
integrate clinical psychotherapy with sport
psychology interventions.
Clients may engage in traditional office-based
therapy or participate in sessions involving animals,
including Big Sky and a few retired show horses,
miniature horses, donkeys, alpacas, goats and
birds. “Depending on the clients’ needs, we may
incorporate horses or donkeys into sessions. For
couples, activities with the horses can help them
reenact and illuminate relationship dynamics that
they may not be aware of,” Stefanie explained. “For
individuals, horses can provide immediate, honest
feedback, serving as mirrors and live biofeedback
for clients to learn and grow from especially in terms
of nervous system work and autonomic shifts.”
For individuals and couples, working with
horses can reveal relational patterns, promote
nervous system regulation and provide immediate,
nonverbal feedback. Stefanie’s deep understanding
of the equestrian world positions her to address
issues common among competitive riders, such
as performance anxiety, perfectionism, burnout,
confidence disruptions, social comparison,
boundary-setting and relational stress within
barn and family systems. Evidence-based
approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
mindfulness-based interventions, emotion
regulation and psychodynamic work are adapted
to the realities of equestrian life.
Stefanie finds her greatest fulfillment in
witnessing her clients’ growth and resilience—
especially when it’s alongside Big Sky. She
remains committed to supporting individuals
and couples through her private practice
through her private practice and farm-based
therapeutic work and hopes to offer future
educational opportunities for psychologists
interested in integrating horses into clinically
grounded mental health care.
DR. STEFANIE
MAZER
Licensed Psychologist, Real
Equestrian World Experience
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
P
ho
to
b
y
eli
ss
a
Fu
ll
er
15
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
16
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
17
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
18
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
Katrina Coldren is the owner/president of The Clothes
Horse, which has been making fully custom horse
clothes, trunk covers and tackroom drapes for over
50 years. “However, I got here totally by accident!”
she said. “I had no pre-planned ideas about
becoming an equine seamstress. A friend of mine
knew Edith Friedman—this company’s founder—and
she introduced us when I needed a job.”
What began as answering phones part time evolved
into full time and then shop manager for Katrina,
who lives in Delran, New Jersey, minutes from the
business office in Cinnaminson. “I just really clicked
with the combination of business, customer service,
and the creative components of this company,”
Katrina said. “Many years later, when Edith decided
to retire, she made it possible for me to buy the
company. That was in 2001 and I’ve been behind this
desk ever since!”
How did you first get involved with horses?
My parents are not horse people, so my mother
was baffled when I started asking for a pony
as soon as I could talk. She jokingly called it a
“genetic flaw” and thought I’d outgrow the phase.
What were your early years with horses like?
I grew up riding and showing in South Central
Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland. We had
some local associations/circuits and I was a very
typical barn rat. I did anything I could to pay for
my horse habit. I was at the barn any available
time outside of school. I braided, groomed, fed,
rode anything I was offered, and loved every
second of it. I would groom for my trainer so that
I could borrow her horse for the one equitation
flat class. It was a lot of work, and I never
achieved fame as a competitor but it taught me
an abundance of lessons that I still use today.
What do you like most about the job you do?
Growing up, my bedroom walls were covered
with posters of all the prominent horses and
riders of the time. To me, they were movie
stars, and I was a total fan-girl. When I came
to work here, it was absolutely amazing to
me that those same folks were our customers.
They, or their employees, would call and I’d
get butterflies on the phone. I love riding—
always did—and I’m good at it. But I was
never someone who was going to win national
championships or Grand Prix, or make an
Olympic team. But to be contributing in
this little way—making the blankets, the
tackrooms, the trunk covers that those horses
and riders touch—is still something that gives
me butterflies. However, as someone who
grew up the way I did in horses, I get the same
joy from knowing I’m dressing someone’s one
beloved horse who lives in their backyard and
may or may not even compete. All horses bring
their people such great joy, and to know that
I provide something that plays a part in their
lives is very satisfying to me.
What do you consider to be your
greatest accomplishments so far?
There’s not just one event or moment. I’m
proudest of the body of work that my company
has put out there over the decades, and continues
to every day.
What’s one interesting or
unusual thing about you?
One fun fact is that I hold a degree in fine
art, but I also have an Ivy League degree in
anthropology—because “a full understanding
of the course of human evolution is key to the
business of making horse clothes!”
What do you like to do when
you’re not riding/working?
I have two amazing young-adult daughters
who I love to spend time with when I can.
They are amazing, successful, happy young
women and are my greatest pride and joy. I’m
also an avid reader, concert-goer and a big
Broadway fan as well.
What impact would you most like to make
on the world, or what message do you try to
share by your example?
I try to be kind. I don’t judge and I try not to
divide. I embrace a wide array of perspectives
and ideas and I try very hard to understand and
learn from and about those who feel differently.
I strive to learn and improve myself and keep
my mind always open.
KATRINA
COLDREN
Clothing the Horse World
Katrina Coldren
Photo by Erin Gilmore
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
19
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
20
SIDELINESDIGITAL | May 2026
beyond yourself, while somehow helping you find
something within yourself to believe in.
What do you consider to be your greatest
accomplishment so far—riding or otherwise?
I would say my greatest accomplishment
has been building a program where anyone
can come to ride at whatever level feels right
for them, without judgment. Horses have
given me so much over the course of my life,
and creating a place where riders of all ages,
backgrounds and ambitions feel welcomed,
supported and encouraged means more to me
than any ribbon or title ever could. Building
that kind of environment—where someone
can take their very first lesson, return to riding
after years away or pursue serious competitive
goals and feel equally valued—is something I’m
incredibly proud of.
What do you like to do when
you’re not riding or working?
Without question, spending time with my family
is what matters most to me. I feel incredibly
grateful that my family is not separate from what
I do, but very much a part of it—we’ve built a
life around horses, sport and shared experiences
together. My happy place is the simple stuff: lazy
days with my family, our pets and nowhere we
have to be except together.
How do you balance everything
going on in your life?
Organization is everything. With a family,
a business, horses, shows, travel and all the
moving pieces that come with this life, being
organized isn’t optional—it’s essential. Even with
the best systems in place, it can still be tough
at times, but I’ve found that if you have the list,
most things don’t fall through the cracks. I’m a
big believer that structure creates freedom, and
good organization allows you to be fully present
for the things that matter most.
What impact would you most like to
make on the world, or what message
do you try to share by your example?
The impact I most want to make is helping make
horses accessible to more people. I deeply believe
in the transformative power of horses—how they
can build confidence, humility, resilience and a
sense of purpose—and I believe more people
should have the opportunity to experience that
if they want to. My goal is to create pathways
where people can connect with horses at
whatever level feels right for them, whether
that’s from the ground, in the saddle, for fun or
for serious competition. Horses have the ability
to change lives, and I want more people to have
access to that experience.
Originally from Oakland, California, Darrin Mollett is the
owner and founder of Beverly Equestrian, a full-service
hunter/jumper and polo operation with locations in both
Virginia and Florida. Darrin was always drawn to horses,
but didn’t have access to them growing up. An eventing
lesson barn in Los Angeles during school made Darrin’s
passion for the sport real—and once riding was a part of
her life, she never gave it up, even through law school,
being a corporate attorney and raising a family.
After creating Beverly Equestrian, Darrin’s dream to share
horses with others expanded when David O’Connor asked
her to help run a newly formed preparatory event at Great
Meadow International. “What started as a preparation event
for the U.S. eventing team heading to the World Equestrian
Games ultimately evolved into a full FEI competition and
Nations Cup,” Darrin said. “That experience gave me my start
in organizing major horse shows, something I continue
today through both Beverly’s local and rated competitions.”
What were your early
years with horses like?
My early years with horses were really about
balancing ambition with reality. I was juggling
school, riding, and later the demands of law
school, so life was busy and resources were
limited. I paid for everything horse-related on
my own and didn’t have financial support in the
sport, which made every lesson and every ride
feel meaningful. That’s why I was so grateful
for the lesson barn where I started—it gave
me access to wonderful school horses and the
opportunity to ride as much as I could afford
learn the fundamentals, and truly immerse
myself in horses without the enormous upfront
investment that often comes with this sport.
How did you get to where you
are now with Beverly Equestrian?
My first career was as a corporate attorney, and
for many years that world consumed most of
my professional life—but through every move,
every new city, and every stage of life, I always
kept riding. I continued competing as an
eventer wherever life took me, eventually moving
to what was then the hotbed of eventing in
Middleburg, Virginia.
When I had children, I continued working
full-time while raising a family and staying
committed to riding. During that time, I
began to recognize how difficult it was for busy
professionals—especially women balancing
careers, families, and personal goals—to keep
horses as a meaningful part of their lives without
the right support system. That realization
became the foundation for Beverly. I initially
DARRIN MOLLETT
Sharing the Transformative
Power of Horses
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
built Beverly for people like me—actively riding
and competing—to be a place where you could
ride year-round and continue competing at a
serious level, which in Virginia meant investing
in an indoor arena, dependable staffing and
the infrastructure to make riding possible no
matter what life looked like outside the barn.
I then began growing Beverly as a business,
expanding the program to include lesson horses
and accessible pathways for riders, very much
inspired by how I got my own start in the sport.
What do you like most about the
discipline you ride or the job you do?
It always comes down to the horses, doesn’t it?
I love the horses, and I love their transformative
power. What I love most about what I do is
giving people access to horses—sometimes for
the very first time—and watching them discover
just how powerful, humbling and inspirational
these animals can be. It might happen from the
ground, simply standing next to them, or it might
happen riding into an arena with purpose. Horses
have this incredible ability to give you something
Darrin Mollet with Fuego, wearing his Beverly Equestrian cooler as they
celebrated a Reserve Championship at WEF earlier this year.