About Triple Moon Equestrian
Welcome to Triple Moon Equestrian, a community for horses and humans alike. We are dedicated to the education of our students, encompassing age-appropriate aspects of horsemanship and bringing a holistic approach to all things equine. At Triple Moon, we go beyond merely teaching riding skills; our mission is to impart the way of the horse, guiding students to explore the complex behaviors and emotions of horses.
We believe in fostering a deep respect for horses, much like the reverence one holds for the power of the ocean. Proficiency in all aspects of horsemanship is our priority before students transition to becoming strong riders. Triple Moon Equestrian stands as a pillar for inspiring mindful behavior, sustainable stewardship, and compassionate animal husbandry.
Horses, as incredible teachers, have profound lessons to offer. They live in the present, grounding us in the moment. They accept without judgment, encouraging authenticity. Through communication with their bodies, they teach us about boundaries. Working together, they teach valuable lessons about relationships. Their sensitivity teaches us empathy, and, above all, they bring an element of fun that showcases the amazing beauty of life. We prepare folks to fall in love with the world of horses, whether you're a child or an adult.
As a non-profit charity, Triple Moon Equestrian is committed to benefiting teens in our community. Those willing and dedicated to becoming stewards of horses, animals, homesteading, and the earth find a profound experience with here. By working directly with the animals and as a team, these youth gain incredible skills applicable to various facets of their lives. The result is a positive identity, newfound confidence, and the realization that they can make impactful changes in the world. Consider Triple Moon Equestrian as a gateway to personal growth, connection, and positive change.
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CAT SNAPP: Founder/Trainer/Equine Assisted Learning FacilitatorÂ
As far back as memory serves her, Cat Snapp was utterly enamored with horses. The way the cambor of their necks effortlessly connected to strong shoulders. The shiny coats in summer, the warm smell of their bodies and the freedom that the horse represented was everything to her. From the very first minute of her first riding lesson she knew this was what she wanted to do and it ignited into an all-consuming, life long passion.Â
By 11 years old, Cat had her very first horse that she cleverly talked her poor unsuspecting mother into. Suddenly, her childhood became filled with endless trail rides, sunny days spent cleaning stables, laying in the pasture grasses and the kind of unbridled freedom only a kid with horses can have. Â
As an adult, Cat immersed herself in the study of classical dressage, captivated by the traditions and graceful movements of this exacting discipline. She became a life long student and teacher as a result of this beautiful art form. To this day she combines classical dressage into all her work with horses and people. Still amazed about communication with her equine partners through the subtle languages of weight, seat, hands, listening and intent.
Cat's interests expanded into the intricate traditions of bridle horses. She immersed herself in learning all that she could about this centuries-old art form, studying the nuances of training horses much like you would a dressage horse. Her roping skills came natural to her adding to her repertoire.
When she became a mom to Athena, Cat's path took a pivotal turn. Suddenly, she found herself managing a 150 acre 60-horse facility in Duvall, Washington. Not only was she teaching riding lessons and training horses, she took on the role of Vice President for HRET - an advocacy group dedicated to creating resources and knowledge for people to help horses in need.
Cat's commitment was fierce. She worked tirelessly with BLM mustangs and their adopters, helping gentle and train these beauiful icons of the American West.Â
She continued to attend clinics, assisted trainers and learned from wonderful mentors and trainers. Her never ending research, reading and discussions kept her on top of new and emerging information about the health and well being of horses, brain based training techniques and equine assisted learning. From managing large facilities to training horses deemed unteachable, Cat left no stone unturned and continues this never ending deep dive daily.
In 2004, a long-held dream materialized as Cat opened her very first learning and training barn. It was here that she cultivated a wonderful community of like minded boarders and eager students dedicated to the way of the horse. It was there that she found how important it is as horse people, to have a supportive and inclusive community where one can step into complete acceptance while spending time with horses.Â
Later, as a newly single mom and surviving the recession in 2008, Cat's insatiable entrepreneurial spirit took her business on an Alaskan adventure. She hit the ground running and soon it was business as usual for her to be operating a large leased facility in Wasilla's Matanuska Valley. There she refined her training skills while delving into equine nutrition and biomechanics. (Not to mention learning how to navigate the care of horses in an extremely cold environment.)
After returning to Washington in 2016, Cat and her sister Mary took an exciting leap, purchasing the property that would become Triple Moon Equestrian and home to Mary's Equine Assisted Therapy practice.Â
With her PhD-level mastery and killer marketing savvy, Cat propelled Triple Moon Equestrian into a thriving equestrian hub. Cat's journey was far from over. Driven by a shared dream with her now adult daughter, Athena, she transitioned the barn operations to a non-profit. Triple Moon Equestrian is dedicated to making horses accessible to all. With unstoppable love and drive, Cat's equestrian community flourishes under Triple Moon's charitable banner.
For as long as she can move her body you will see her bringing her dreams to fruition. From property projects for the horses to planting beautiful gardens and teaching people how to help their horses. Her promise to horses has always been, to teach people to understand them and listen to them as they teach humans more then we could ever teach them.Â
With every horse she comes across, she is catapulted back to the first time she fell in love with the sight of a horse. She has to pinch herself to make sure she isn't dreaming. Â
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ATHENA SNAPP:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Co-Founder/Instructor/Lesson Director
Athena Snapp's deep connection with horses has been a lifelong progression, deeply rooted in her upbringing. Her mother provided Athena with a unique and invaluable foundation in equine education. Her mother's influence, coupled with Athena's own interests set the stage for a remarkable talent to shine.Â