Katie Fallon is a PATH Intl. Advanced Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Mentor with nearly twenty years of experience teaching children and adults with a wide range of physical, cognitive, behavioral, and other challenges. She is also certified as an Equine Specialist through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association and as a PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. As a lifelong horse aficionado, she has owned, ridden, and trained horses for many years. She is a past member and chairperson of the Advisory Committee of the Fairfax-Falls Church Interagency Coordinating Council (overseeing the provision of early intervention services in Fairfax County, Virginia), served on the board of directors of the Speech and Language Center of Northern Virginia, and is the past president of the Longfellow Middle School PTA. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in International Relations from Georgetown University and Columbia University, respectively, both conferred with highest honors.
Katie is the founder and executive director of Bridle Paths, a nonprofit equine-assisted services program based in Leesburg, Virginia. Bridle Paths offers authentic connections, in partnership with horses. Our mission is to offer strength, support, and healing to individuals and families through safe, effective, and high-quality equine-assisted services, including adaptive horseback riding instruction, equine-assisted learning, and equine-assisted psychotherapy services for individuals and families faced with physical, cognitive, psychological, and emotional needs. Bridle Paths serves children and adults, both civilian and military, who have challenges that are often invisible – attention deficit disorder, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety and depression, seizure disorders, self-harm, suicidal ideation, brain injuries, post-traumatic stress, and experiences of trauma.
The respectful and attuned techniques of The Masterson Method® are a natural fit for the work we do at Bridle Paths. This form of light touch equine bodywork supports the well-being of our healing herd by promoting their relaxation, contentment, and comfort. With her certification as a Masterson Method Equine Specialist, Katie looks forward to facilitating sessions that enhance communication, connection, trust, and presence for both horses and humans.