Prior to moving to California, Kristen worked at Crooked Willow Farms in Larkspur, Colorado for Sue Halasz. She assisted with the training of advanced dressage horses, rode competition horses for the farm and outside clients, and managed a training program for adult amateur riders. In 2003, Kristen competed a number of horses at various levels:
1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Prix St. Georges. La Vie, whom she competed at 3rd level, was RMDS 3rd level horse of the year, and ranked 12th in USDF with an average of 68%. All of the horses Kristen showed won numerous high point awards and always placed in the top two.  Krsiten takes her own continuing education seriously, saying, “In addition to my training
with Sue Halasz, I regularly clinic with Christine Traurig and Lars Peterson . Kristen is now a trainer at Fairwind Farm in Santa Rosa, CA  with founder and co-owner Sue Curry Shaffer (Sue@fairwindfarm.com).