Horsemanship Residencies

For adult amateurs who want to train like trainers do.

Stay & Train at Big Dark Horse Development in Austin, Texas

Custom programming

Structured daily guidance and 1-on-1 coaching tailored to your goals, whether that's blending performance and connection, solving behavior problems, developing young horses, or rebuilding confidence.

Newly remodeled, private guesthouse

Stay on our peaceful, private property in a little, luxury guesthouse - just steps away from the arena, pastures, and the herd.

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Bring your own horse or ride ours

Bring your own horse, learn from our herd - our both. Get hands-on experience with horses appropriate for your level and audit our training sessions with young, green, or challenging horses.

Meet the Team

Brooke Vega

Brooke is the founder and horsemanship coach at Big Dark Horse Development. A lifelong rider, she became a horsewoman, then a barn owner, then a trainer after the big, dark horse - Lucy - came into her life. Brooke created this immersive horsemanship experience for other riders who want much, much more than what a lesson program can provide.

Katrina Natwick

Katrina is a professional horsemanship and English performance coach who has ridden up to 3rd level Dressage, Training/Prelim Eventing, develops OTTB’s, starts young horses under saddle, and trains obstacle challenges, Liberty, ranch work and mountain riding. She is an upper level USPC Member with her HB certification and is pursuing the scores for her USDF medals.

Training Areas

Horsemanship | Dressage | Show Jumping | Cross Country | Young & Green Horses | Problem solving

Explore your fit

Learn more about how the Residency Program works and whether it's right for you.

Schedule a discovery call

Set up a free discovery call to discuss your goals, ask your questions, and understand what your residency could look like.

Take a virtual lesson

Set up a virtual lesson with Katrina to experience our training approach before you come to stay.