Karen Graves
About Karen
Accomplishments
Karen Graves has numerous Championship and High Point/Year-end Awards including being a consistent recipient of USDF All Breeds Awards in Dressage. Her Morgans have received five AMHA Medallions for Dressage competition against all breeds; one Silver Medallion for successes at Third and Fourth Levels and Four Bronze Medallions for successes at Training, First, and Second Levels. And, she is working towards a Gold Medallion. She has earned two Morgan Grand National and World Dressage Champion titles. Karen is successful, and has coached others to success, through the years at local shows and regional championships.
- USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist.
- Graduate of WDAA’s Western Dressage Train the Trainers Program
Karen’s Background
In addition to the above, a B.A. from Ohio State University with a major in clinical psychology. Graduate-level coursework and practical experience in clinical psychology (biofeedback technician, test administration, technical report writing). Numerous years teaching various horse disciplines and certified flight instruction. Successful career in aviation from instructor through Charter, Corporate, night freight and 20 years at United Air Lines (Boeing 767 Captain). Other personal interests are hiking, health, nutrition and yoga. As Trainer at her facility, KKM Stables, she enjoys helping her students improve basic riding position to become better balanced, more elegant riders with the ability to ride more from their body and less from their hand. She is supportive of those who are building confidence, recovering from injuries to body or spirit, or tentative in their ambitions.
Karen’s Training and Coaching
As trainer, she particularly enjoys developing the trust and confidence of the horses that they may become willing, generous partners. The look of the horses in her care – the body sculpting from correct and regular work, the bloom of the coat from good grooming and nutrition, and the unmistakable quality of unguarded affection in their expressions – are her rewards for the care spent in their development.
She is a tireless cheerleader for anyone trying to do anything better. Her students have had great success at their personal goals, in the Competition Ring , and on the Trails.