About Blackhound Equestrian
Our barn is named after Head Trainer Kate Jutagir's lovely black hound, Mae, who has defined our philosophy:
Be kind. Learn something new every day. And most of all, have fun!
Photo by Sara Shier Photography
Kate Jutagir
Owner and Head Trainer
Growing up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Kate embarked on a career path steeped in tradition, respect, and the undying support of a large pool of talented professionals. Building on catch rides and project mounts, she quickly learned that the path to success is paved by hard work, determination, and a supportive community.
After her junior career, Kate went to work for two successful sales barns in the Northeast and South. After moving to the West Coast with her husband Joel, she opened Blackhound Equestrian in 2008. Originally designed to be a top-notch riding school to springboard dedicated students into careers in the industry, it has grown into a well-rounded hunter/jumper training program for all levels, from Short Stirrup to Grand Prix. She never loses sight of the path she took to get to Blackhound and Kate hopes to give back to the sport that has given her everything.
Morgan Caplane
Head Rider and Trainer
Since the age of three, I have spent as much time as possible with horses. It took me about ten years to discover the hunter/jumper world, but since then, I haven't looked back. And now, I get to do what I love for a living. Every day, I look forward to challenging myself, my horses, and my students, both mentally and physically. To me, this sport is about deciphering what tools horses and riders need at each point in their development and using creative, customized means to develop these tools and strengthen the connection between horse and rider.
Over the last 30 years, I have had the privilege of working with many talented horse men and women. I've also had the opportunity to work in The Netherlands for several years. Through my experiences, I've learned a tremendous amount and developed a wealth of resources.
I strive to continuously educate myself. I am honored to have the opportunity to share my skills and help people connect with their horses through safe, fun, and confidence-building exercises and instruction. I like to be involved in every aspect of horse care and training, and I take my commitment to the horses I ride and train very seriously.
Yehia George Fahmy
Co-owner, Sales Division
George grew up in Cairo where his father and grandfather owned a successful horse farm, and has been surrounded by horses all his life. As a junior, he trained with French trainer Alan Fanjeaux and made the national team, after being the regional champion, and then became part of the young riders team. George enjoyed early success in his career on the senior team and won the prestigious Grand Prix of Cairo in 2001. During summers, he continued to pursue international horse riding and education by traveling to Europe as part of the senior team in the Netherlands. He trained with renowned trainers such as Cian O' Connor, and the German sensation Helena Weinberg, where he flourished and started his World Cup debut. During this time, he won the ESM Grand Prix in Cairo aboard Easy Jet. In 2010, he won the World Cup in Sharm el Sheikh upon his talented Flash Bounce. which was followed by finishing 3rd in the World Cup of Jordan. He then earned the coveted spot of qualifying for the Olympic Team for London 2012. In 2012, he moved to the Netherlands to expand his riding career, and based himself with renowned Dutch trainer Erik Wiefferink for 5 years. After this, he started his own business where he specialized in training students and horse sales. To this day, the contacts George has made throughout his career give him a great advantage when sourcing top quality horses for clients, and continues to provide impeccable service and top quality horses.
George has accumulated a vast spread of knowledge and experience from the top level that he wishes to share with upcoming riders. He hopes to be able to bring the European system to the states and integrate it with the American system harmoniously to provide top level training and education.
Abigail Kaster
Program Manager
Abby grew up in the Bay Area and spent her childhood riding and competing in Eventing and Pony Club. As an adult, she spent a decade studying dressage. Abby still feels like a horse crazy kid who would rather spend her days at the barn than anywhere else and she loves to share her knowledge and passion for horses with riders who are just beginning their journey.
Photo by Phoebe Bruns
Dana DeVaul
Program Manager
As our esteemed Program Manager, Dana merges her organizational skills with her love of working with animals and people. A Silicon Valley native, she had the good fortune to grow up around horses and other animals. She was a dressage rider before she joined Blackhound Equestrian, and has greatly enjoyed her transition into the hunter ring.
Prior to joining the BHE team, Dana worked as the department manager for Burning Man's Black Rock City Census team. She has also held administrative support roles in both corporate and higher education settings. Before that, Dana earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and worked as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer at a non-profit organization.
Jenn Prendergast
Assistant Trainer
Jenn started riding at the age of 4 after begging her parents to let her take lessons on a neighbor's 18-hand draft cross. Her love of horses started the day she was old enough to say "horse" and that love affair has continued. As a young teen, she was a typical barn rat who would do turnouts and ride any horse she could saddle... and some she couldn't... just to be around horses. This hands-on experience with many different horses gave her the skills to handle horses on the ground and in the saddle.
During Jenn's lifetime of horses she has done everything from competitive trail trials, western pleasure, gymkhana, team penning, drill team and hunters. Her broad range of riding interests have allowed her to work with many great trainers in equitation, horsemanship, working cow, and jumping. With her passion for teaching and a love of all things horse, Jenn hopes to infect others with the pure joy that horses bring to everyday life and help students on their life-long riding journey.
Over the years, Jenn has developed her own successful hauling business, Altamont Hills Hauling, which has a loyal group of customers that entrust her with their horse transport.
Andrea Chrzanowska
Assistant Trainer
Ever since she was little, Andrea has been fascinated by horses. At age 10, she began riding a family friend’s horses and learned as much as she could about horsemanship. She was eager to do everything from ranch work, horse care, and continuing her training to become a better equestrian.
After searching for an established lesson barn, she joined the Blackhound team as a working student. With the guidance of her trainers, she was able to further her education and was presented with an incredible opportunity by Head Trainer, Kate Jutagir. With Kate’s guidance, she began working with the challenging yet talented jumper Blackhound Philadelphia and this special horse has been the foundation of her career as a professional.
Andrea works to help her students achieve their personal goals, big or small, with compassion and enthusiasm. She finds her students to be incredibly inspiring and learns from them on a daily basis.
Our Support Team
We are honored to work with these practitioners who are an integral part of keeping our horses happy and healthy:
