Katie (Johnston) Kunk is an Equine Admissions Counselor for The University of Findlay.  She is also a graduate of the English Equestrian Program - Hunter Jumper Emphasis.  Katie graduated cum laude in 2007, but missed the graduation ceremonies in order to compete at Nationals with the IHSA team.  The decision paid off, the Hunt Seat IHSA team won the Reserve National Championship and Katie won the Individual Open Flat.  Katie graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies and Equine Business Management with minors in Marketing and International Business.

When asked what her favorite memories are from her time as a student at UF, Katie stated that the friendships that she created through the Equestrian program and IHSA team count as some of her best memories from school.  "Frankly, just the day to day was the best, hanging out at the farm with my friends and just being a part of the school as a student."

After graduation, with the assistance of UF's Hunter Jumper Director - Sandra McCarthy, Katie had the opportunity to travel to Elmshorn, Germany to work for the Holsteiner Verband breeding and training facility.  During her seven month stay, she experienced the European philosophy and approach to the equine industry.  Katie then worked for Mindy Darst of Lochmoor Stables as the Road Manager and Head Groom while the farm competed at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida.  She also worked for Shane and Ali Sweetnam, owners of Sweet Oak Farm, as their Assistant Trainer, Rider, and Barn Manager.  "While working at these positions, I have gained firsthand experience of top level competitions, which involved the best professional riders from all over the world.  As part of my job descriptions, I have taught riders of all abilities and managed the care of horses and barn.  I have dealt with a variety of clients on a daily basis and feel that I can communicate with any type of person.  I attribute these amazing experiences to having attended UF's English Equestrian Program."

"I have held several positions in the equine industry, but always seem to find my way back to Findlay."  When instructor Jill Jewett asked Katie to speak to her freshmen class, she agreed.  She was able to provide them with a fresh prospective about working in the equine field.  She also accompanied Sandry McCarthy to her presentation at an Equine/Pre-Vet day on campus.  Those moments are when she realized that she enjoyed speaking to the current and potential students.  This insight led her to her position in undergraduate admissions.  The English Equestrian Program helped Katie build on her knowledge and gave her the confidence to work in the equine industry.  She now wants to pass on the same sense of independence to prospective students.  She loves to share the experiences she has had to help lead potential students down a similar path of professional and personal success in their studies and life ambitions.

When asked what advice she would give to high school students that are considering a career in the equine industry, Katie said, "I would encourage potential students to do a Dual Major because you never know if down the road you may want a change and not be as hands on with horses.  It is a demanding lifestyle.  I would also tell them to try out for all of the teams,  IHSA Hunt Seat and Western and the IDA team.  It is a great opportunity to be a part of something that is bigger than you.  Also, be ready to work hard, what you put into the program is what you will get out of it.  Ride as much as you can, always be willing to help and be open to advice.  It is a great opportunity to learn the foundation you will need to succeed in the equine industry.  Also, be open to traveling to different areas of the country and world for jobs and opportunities during the summer, over breaks and after graduation, because that is the time in your life to do those things."