About Our Instructors

Kate Goodpaster

Kate Goodpaster is Owner and Instructor at Hardwood Creek Farm. Kate started riding at Hardwood Creek under Lyle and Colleen Wick at about age 10. By middle school she was spending every spare moment there. Through high school and college she continued as a trainer’s assistant on the farm and at shows, working as a riding lesson instructor, and taking care of a string of horses and their daily exercise. She assisted in running day camps and the HCF chapter of AMHA’s Youth Group. Her drive for excellence from her upbringing in the horse world extended outward as she pursued a career in baking and pastry. Her unending work ethic was nurtured at Hardwood Creek, and she went from competing at the highest level in Morgans to competing at the highest level in professional baking as part of Team USA in the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie in 2020. Hardwood Creek has always been a sanctuary for her, and it’s a dream come true to own it. Watching kids fall in love with horses is the biggest reward. Her analytical, logical, and holistic approach to teaching means students will learn to ride, but also have fun and learn general horsemanship from the professionals that make up the Hardwood Creek family.