Our Story

From a young age, my life has been intertwined with horses, nurtured by cherished memories of horse shows in my grandparents' field. My passion became evident when I moved my horse to Enumclaw, where I made it a priority to ride as much as possible, often squeezing in time before and after school. This dedication laid the groundwork for a lifelong journey that would combine my love for horses with a commitment to helping others.

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A pivotal friendship in high school catalyzed my vision of integrating horses and individuals with special needs. My bond with Russell, a classmate with autism, deepened as we shared time with my spirited horse, Jessie. The joy that Russell and his classmates found in their interactions with Jessie illuminated a special connection, and I knew I didn’t want it to stop there. Witnessing their happiness inspired me to expand this experience to more children, and I realized the transformative power of these bonds.

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As I grew, so did my dedication to horses, leading me to competitive riding across various disciplines—even earning the title of rodeo queen! Along the way, I met my husband Jostin, who shares a passion for riding and competing. Together, we live in Lake Tapps with our two dogs, Kali and Kruzer, and our beloved herd of horses. I affectionately embrace my identity as a “crazy horse lady,” a title that perfectly captures my desire to blend my love for children and horses both personally and professionally.

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In pursuit of my vision, I underwent extensive training to become PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certified in 2017. Reflecting on this journey, I can say it was a period of hard work, commitment to learning new skills, and immense fulfillment. With my certification in hand, I began offering therapeutic riding sessions for children and adults with special needs.

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My academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with a minor in Sociology and Kinesiology. I recently completed my Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology in December of 2021, which further enriches my approach to therapeutic riding.

In addition to providing therapeutic riding lessons, I am currently working as a Clinical Fellow at a local speech clinic as I finalize my credentials as a Speech Language Pathologist. This dual focus allows me to support our riders in more ways than one, ensuring they receive the comprehensive care they deserve.

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In 2022, I launched Young Hearts Therapeutic Riding, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to these life-changing experiences. I believe this is just the beginning of a fulfilling journey, driven by my vision of inclusion and joy for families through the power of therapeutic riding.I am deeply passionate about witnessing the powerful bonds that form between humans and horses. Each session is filled with unique moments of connection and growth, and I would love to meet you at Young Hearts Therapeutic Riding!

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Warmly, 

Kristin Young