Nice To Meet You!
Katie is part historian, part teacher, but full cowgirl.
In 2014, Katie walked into Washington State University’s Research Showcase as the only presenter in cowboy boots and delivered a snapshot of her thesis titled “Rodeo Queens: A Subset of American Culture.” We think the picture of Katie striding in a lecture hall wearing a leather dress skirt, professional dress boots, and a touch of turquoise in a sea of black pant-suits sums up how Katie approaches life and writing: unapologetically the many parts of her.
Since her graduation, she earned her Masters in Education and is currently a full time History teacher. You can also hear her teach Western History on That Western Life podcast, where she co-hosts as the resident Historian.
Katie currently resides in Washington with her dog, cat, and two American Quarter Horses named Rico (pictured far right) and Nimble (pictured on the contact page). Although Nimble was injured as a reined cowhorse and not showing, she still has her saddle and will return to the showpen. In the meantime, Katie remembers how lucky she is to be one of the few loved by a horse.
All of these parts make up Katie’s life, and her writing is an extension of what she lives: real – sometimes comedic and chaotic – western living.
7+
Years Educating
Katie works full time as a History teacher and is also the resident Historian co-host on That Western Life Podcast.
23
Years as a Horsewoman
12 years as a 4-H Member, 10 years showing all-around horses, 4 years as a rodeo queen, 3 years riding reined cowhorses, and 4 years as a business owner – the time and variety really adds up!
5
Written Test Developments
…and counting! When rodeo queen pageant organizations want their tests written in preparation for national knowledge award categories, they call Katie to do the job!
Topics Katie Loves
Focus is important in writing. Thats why Katie only focuses on topics she loves – and hopes you love them, too!
01
Western History
As a history teacher, researcher, and resident Historian on That Western Life, this one is a gimme!
02
Youth-Friendly Editorials
The western industry is nothing without our young horsemen and women. That’s why Katie enjoys catering writing to the younger age group, and her experience as a teacher makes this a perfect fit to meet young readers where they are.
03
Rodeo Queens
Having been one herself, Katie can talk wings and waves. She enjoys writing knowledge tests, on-stage questions & speech topics, and interview questions for pageant organizations.
04
Talkin’ Tack
Katie successfully owns and operates a high-end consignment saddle and tack business, which means she can talk tack tips and tricks all day long – with the knowledge to back it up!
05
Book Reviews
Can you say dream job? Katie loves to read western history or industry related titles and feature them on her blog, her writing, and That Western Life podcast.
06
Western Lifestyle
She lives it. She writes about it from an authentic, real point of view that relates to other women and horse owners going through the same joys and woes.