WORKING WITH horses is a magic that defies explanation. It’s not just riding — it’s connection, rhythm, and presence. Horses sense emotion, mirror energy, and respond with grace. In their company, anxiety fades and confidence grows. The crunch of hooves, the flick of an ear, the breath between moments speak volumes. You learn to lead with patience, listen without words, and show up authentically. Whether grooming at dawn or galloping through open fields, the bond is grounding and transformative. Horses teach us to be better humans, reminding us of the beauty of nature, the freedom it affords, and the power of unspoken understanding.
Kathyrn Sherrill knows all too well the magic that horses possess. Since childhood, she has been mesmerized by their power, grace, and ability to connect with humans. That fascination has grown into love over the years, along with a dedication to not only taking care of them but also helping them reach their fullest potential. She also educates horse owners and aspiring handlers on the proper ways to treat and care for these majestic animals. For Sherrill, it truly is a partnership rooted in trust and dedication.
Sherrill’s mother was the first to introduce her to horses. As a child, she can remember riding with her mother and best friend in North Alabama.
“We lived at a place called Crow Mountain Guest Ranch in Stevenson, and we lived there for about three or four years,” she said. “We learned everything about horses. We rode almost every day, and there were some days we would wake up at 5 a.m., we would saddle the horses up and go riding in the mountains. That’s where I learned to be what I refer to as a horse woman.”
With a childhood that revolved around horses, Sherrill said she knew from childhood that she was destined to work with horses as an adult. Her love of horses continued to grow as she participated in 4-H and National FFA Organization in school, along with winning a number of horse shows that she participated in. A chance to live out her dream of working with horses as a career would come along two years ago when she learned that her best friend’s grandfather was looking for someone to work with his horse.
“My best friend’s grandfather, Robert Dean, had a colt. It was a walking horse that he wanted someone to train and ride for him. I came to train the horse, and he saw that I could. He was impressed with my training and told me he wanted me to work with all of his horses. He said I could build my own facility and do whatever I wanted just as long as I would train his horses and consider myself a part of his family.”
And part of the family she became. She immediately went to work training horses, building clients, and creating a place where both horses and those who worked with them could thrive. Her business is named K Bar S Performance Horses.
“I have enjoyed it ever since I started. “The farm has been in the Dean family for 75 years. Currently, we have nine horses on the farm. We have two barns and four big pastures. We have one stallion that is standing at stud in the spring. He is a big stud, and I first trained him for Mr. Dean, and he has become the farm icon. We breed some broodmares, and then we train the babies to sell to customers. They’re all registered.”
Sherrill said she loves horses because of their ability to calm and bring peace to those around them.
“It’s the energy they give off,” she said. “When you’ve had a hard day — when it feels like life has just drained you and nothing seems to go right — you come home to your animals, your horses, and they’re just so happy to see you. It’s like they make everything right in the world. The world could be burning around you, but as long as you have your horses, you have peace. That’s what I want to share with others — the joy, the love, the calm that horses can bring.”
She also said working with horses is a partnership of sorts. One that involves trust and trusting the process.
“Every breed is different, yet in many ways, they’re the same — each one has its own character. I believe in training softly, through partnership. It’s like raising a child: sometimes you need to be firm, sometimes gentle. Groundwork is the foundation. Once that’s solid, I introduce the saddle and build their confidence slowly. Most horses eventually realize you’re not a threat, and that’s when the partnership begins. It’s not always easy — some horses push back — but with patience, trust grows, and everything falls into place.”
For the future, Sherrill said she is working to continue to grow the business.
“We have plans to build another barn and an arena, and to make it a little bit bigger in our community. We are working to make the facilities bigger and prettier so that even more horses can come and enjoy the fruits of our labor and be trained.” GN
For more on Sherrill, you can find her on Facebook at K Bar S Performance Horses
