MIDWAY, Ky. -- Midway University Athletics is proud to announce the hiring of Kaitlyn Howe as the new Head Coach of the Western Equestrian Team. Howe joins Midway following an impressive collegiate career and professional background in the equine industry, bringing with her a deep passion for horsemanship, competition, and student development.
A native of Ovid, Michigan, Howe is a 2024 graduate of the University of Findlay, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science/Industry, Equine Business Management, and Western Equestrian Studies. At Findlay, she was a standout member and co-captain of the university's Western IHSA Team.
Her equestrian experience includes time with some of the nation's top training programs, including McDowall Quarter Horses in Colorado, Santa Hill Ranch in New York, O'Brien Quarter Horses in Ohio, and Chapman Reining Horses in Maryland, where she trained under NRHA Hall of Fame trainer Dutch Chapman. Throughout her career, Howe has developed horses from unbroke colts to national-level show competitors and managed large-scale operations.
In competition, Howe has achieved outstanding results, including being named the 2023 Individual Level I IHSA National Champion, 2023 Team Level II IHSA National Champion, and 2024 IHSA National Third Place in Open Team Horsemanship. She also served on the IHSA Student Standards and Ethics Committee, representing her peers on the national level.
"Kaitlyn brings an incredible blend of competitive experience, leadership, and passion for the sport," said Dr. Heath Morgan, Midway University's Vice President. of Athletics. "Her commitment to excellence and her ability to connect with student-athletes make her the ideal fit to lead our Western Equestrian program."
"It is a great honor to be the head coach of the Western Team at Midway University," Howe said. "I am eager to join a program rooted in strong team spirit and tradition. I look forward to fostering a culture grounded in discipline, dedication, and a growth mindset. My goal is to guide our student-athletes toward continued development and competitive excellence both in and out of the arena."
Howe will oversee the training, development, and competition schedule of Midway's Western Equestrian Team, competing within the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA). She is eager to continue the university's tradition of success while mentoring student-athletes in both the arena and the classroom.
About Midway University Athletics
Midway University is a member of the NAIA and the River States Conference, sponsoring 28 athletic programs including nationally recognized equestrian teams. The Western Equestrian Team competes in the IHSA, emphasizing sportsmanship, skill, and personal growth through collegiate horsemanship competition.
