2017 Halfbred Connemara Mare

Kynynmont Katrin

Kynynmont Katrin is a 2017 Halfbred Connemara mare standing 15.2 hands. She is out of the Dutch mare Reason (by R. Johnson) and by Kynynmont Cooper O’Grady. Katrin is a gorgeous mare with an exceptional hind leg.

Kat took some time to figure out the “dressage thing” — specifically, accepting contact and connecting over her back. We initially thought this was because she was started late, at age five. Even now, she sometimes needs extra time to warm up and settle into work mode for the day.

Despite being a bit tricky, she competed successfully in recognized shows during 2023 and 2024 at Training and First Level, earning multiple scores in the 70s.

In December 2024, Katrin became more reactive and challenging under saddle. We scoped and treated her for ulcers, gave her time off, and adjusted her training program as she returned to work. Although she improved somewhat after ulcer treatment, she still didn’t feel quite like herself, so we took neck radiographs in April 2025.

Radiographs showed changes consistent with ECVM at C6–C7. On April 28, 2025, Katrin was evaluated by Dr. Belgrave at Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center (MAEMC), where a CT myelogram was performed. Thankfully, it revealed no evidence of spinal cord compression. However, the scan, which included her skull, identified a right middle ear infection and right temporohyoid osteoarthropathy, likely contributing to some of her behavior. The right stylohyoid bone was immovable, indicating probable fusion to the right petrous temporal bone.
On May 28, 2025, Katrin returned to MAEMC for a right-sided ceratohyoidectomy — surgical removal of the right ceratohyoid bone to reduce mechanical forces on the temporohyoid joint. According to MAEMC, “the surgical procedure is not expected to negatively impact her future athletic performance, breathing, or tongue function.”

Following surgery, Katrin had additional time off to recover. Given the stress her body and mind had endured, it was not surprising that she required more ulcer treatment during and after her recovery.

Katrin is now back in work and a much happier horse. While the pain in her head and stomach has been addressed, she may still need some time for the learned behaviors — such as coming above the bit in the warm-up or having difficulty focusing on her rider — to fully resolve. We expect that, in time, she will return to form and have a successful dressage career. She also enjoys working over cavaletti, though we haven’t yet introduced actual jumping.

Katrin wears shoes all around and does well on turnout, whether alone or with others. She can get attached to other mares, so she’s currently on solo turnout surrounded by geldings. She’s an easy keeper, trailers well, clips easily, and generally has good manners.

While she remains with us, we will continue her ulcer management to help ensure she stays comfortable and healthy until she finds her person.

Katrin would do best in a program with regular rides from a pro. Katrin needs a competent, patient rider to continue guiding her on her journey. She would not thrive in a program with an aggressive or confrontational approach. Because she is sensitive and attuned to how she feels physically, Katrin needs a rider who is equally attentive and responsive to her body and mindset.

HWSD: N/N

Price: please contact jessie@jpdressage.com

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