Kristin Barreto
An Orange County native, Kristin Barreto began riding alongside her mother at a young age and launched her show career at just seven years old. As a junior rider, she competed successfully in the hunter and equitation divisions at shows throughout California, while also remaining an active member of Pony Club and Orange County IEL.
Kristin continued her success in the junior and adult amateur divisions before transitioning to a professional career in 1999. Since then, she has built an extensive show record at both local and nationally recognized competitions. Throughout her career, Kristin has trained with respected professionals including Ali Nilforushan and Mandy Porter, further shaping her foundation in high-level horsemanship.
By her early twenties, Kristin had developed the experience and skillset to establish herself as a professional trainer. At PepperTree Equestrian, she takes a highly individualized approach, working closely with each client to design a tailored training program that supports both the rider’s development and the horse’s capabilities. These programs are thoughtfully reviewed and adjusted on a quarterly basis to ensure continued growth and success.
Kristin’s training philosophy extends beyond the show ring. In addition to competition goals, she encourages participation in developmental opportunities such as the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program and clinics with leading professionals, helping riders build a well-rounded and competitive foundation.
A strong advocate for the importance of a well-matched partnership, Kristin has a keen eye for sourcing the right horse for each rider. With extensive knowledge of the international horse market, she regularly travels throughout the United States and Europe to acquire top-quality horses capable of competing successfully in today’s show ring.
