ˈkaɪərɑs Hear it pronounced
A divinely appointed or opportune time; an intersection between God’s sovereign will and human experience—where a crucial event, transformation, or fulfillment takes place.
Owner & Instructor
With over 40 years of experience riding, showing, and caring for horses, Julia is committed to helping people optimize the equine-human partnership. Her life with horses began at age 8 with a pony and continues with her three geldings living their best life on her farm.
She taught adaptive riding and Military Horsemanship at Free Rein Therapeutic Riding in Spokane, Washington. She has held several learning clinics for American Heritage Girls troops at all age levels to earn their Horsemanship badges (and is an honorary holder of all three Horsemanship badges). She holds the PATH CTRI (Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor), ESMHL (Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning) certifications, as well as the Horse Powered Reading® Facilitator certificate.
Julia retired from the tech industry as an information architect, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Portland State University and a Master of Science in Information Management from University of Washington. She enjoys judging and competing in pointing dog field trials from horseback, reading, socializing, and being with her horses.
Lead Instructor
Horses have been a lifelong passion for Natalie, and she believes they have an incredible way of teaching confidence, patience, resilience, and trust. Her goal is to help every rider build a safe, enjoyable partnership with their horse while growing in both skill and confidence.
She has over 15 years of experience in the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) field. She holds certifications as a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), and a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L). She holds a B.A. in Therapeutic Recreation from Western Washington University and an A.A. in Occupational Therapy from Green River College.
She currently provides pediatric occupational therapy at a local clinic and teaches adaptive riding lessons for children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, traveling and training in dressage.
Instructor-in-Training
Erin is a lifelong horse lover with a deep appreciation for the connection, confidence, and joy that horses can bring into our lives. She is currently working toward her certification as a therapeutic riding instructor and previously taught at Free Rein Therapeutic Riding Center in Spokane, WA. She loves combining her passion for horses with her desire to help others learn, grow, and have fun.
Erin is detailed and dependable, but she also believes life is meant to be enjoyed. She loves creating positive experiences, paying attention to the little things, and making people feel comfortable and welcome. Whether she’s working with horses, learning something new, or spending time with good people, she brings enthusiasm, patience, and a warm, personable attitude to everything she does.
At heart, Erin is fun-oriented, compassionate, and always up for an adventure—with a horse nearby whenever possible!
Start your equestrian journey in a safe, supportive environment with lessons tailored to your pace and comfort level.
Horseback riding lessons modified for individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities.
Build a strong foundation with your horse from the ground up, developing trust, respect, and clear communication.
Deepen your understanding of the horse-human connection through comprehensive horsemanship training and techniques.
Learn essential daily care routines, grooming, nutrition, and health management to keep your horse happy and thriving.
Expert guidance through the horse buying process, including evaluation, selection, and pre-purchase assessment to find your perfect match.
Four two-hour group lessons for kids covering safety, horse behavior, horse care, games, and a horsey craft. This is not a riding lesson—it is all unmounted activities for learning about horses.
Using the Horse Powered Reading® curriculum created by Dr. Michele Pickel, we help readers of all ages hone their reading skills and kindle a love of reading.
Our horses are carefully selected for their temperament, patience, and ability to connect with riders of all experience levels. Each one brings something unique to the partnership.
Whether you're stepping into the saddle for the first time or refining your skills, our herd is here to help you grow as a rider and horseperson.
Kairos Equestrian Center is a PATH Intl. Center Member in good standing. Our instructors hold professional certifications through PATH Intl., the leader in equine-assisted services, ensuring the highest standards of safety, education, and ethical practice.
Qualified to provide safe, effective therapeutic riding instruction to individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Trained to facilitate equine-assisted activities that support mental health treatment and educational goals.
