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Katie Heitmann - Owner & Instructor
Katie Heitmann, born and raised in Arizona, has dedicated her life to the sport of rodeo and horsemanship. A graduate of Gilbert High School, Katie continued her academic journey at the University of Arizona, where she is currently completing her degree in Psychology. Her time at U of A was marked by her active involvement in the university's rodeo team, where she held significant roles as both the fundraising chair and president.
Katie's passion for horseback riding began early, influenced by her grandparents' large horseback riding resort. Although she had been riding most of her life, it was at the age of 10 that Katie realized her lifelong ambition to work with and train horses. This passion has been the driving force behind her successful career in the equine industry.
Currently, Katie serves as the 2024 rodeo queen for P and M Arena, a testament to her dedication and expertise in the field. Her deep commitment to the sport and her desire to share her knowledge and skills with others led her to establish AZ Rodeo Ready, LLC. Having worked at various barns throughout her career, Katie decided to venture out on her own, creating a space where she could fully implement her vision and philosophy of teaching.
At AZ Rodeo Ready, Katie combines her extensive experience with her heartfelt belief in the sport of rodeo. She strives to be a valuable resource for those who share her passion, offering top-notch training in western horseback riding, horsemanship, pole bending, and barrel racing. Katie's goal is to inspire and guide riders of all levels, helping them achieve their fullest potential in the sport she loves with every fiber of her being.
Join Katie at AZ Rodeo Ready, LLC, and experience the dedication, expertise, and passion that define her approach to horsemanship and rodeo training.
Natalie Anders - Horsemanship, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending Instructor
Hello! My name is Natalie Anders, and I am 18 years old. Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Although I’ve been riding since childhood, I only started taking it seriously and began lessons at around 10 years old. Initially, I rode western for a couple of months before deciding to switch to English riding, prompting me to move barns. From that point on, I dedicated myself to English riding for eight years, gaining experience in show jumping, cross country, and dressage.
I graduated from Campo Verde High School and briefly attended Arizona State University (ASU) to study engineering. However, after a semester, I realized it wasn't the path for me. Following a two-year break from riding, I started taking lessons with Katie Heitmann at AZ Rodeo Ready. It reignited my passion for the equine industry, and Katie offered me a job teaching lessons at her barn. Accepting the offer was the best decision I've ever made.
The friends I've made and the experiences I've had at AZ Rodeo Ready are unparalleled. Having ridden at multiple barns, I can confidently say that AZ Rodeo Ready is the best. I am thrilled to be part of this exceptional team, sharing my knowledge and passion for horseback riding with our students.
Bri Pauley - Horsemanship, Barrel Racing Instructor
Hello! My name is Bri Pauley, and I am 20 years old. My journey with horseback riding began with a few English lessons as a child, but it truly took off when I was around 10. Initially, I immersed myself in trail riding and experimenting with various Gymkhana patterns.
My passion for riding led me to a barn specializing in Western Dressage, where I rode for a couple of years. Seeking new experiences, I then volunteered as a horse handler for Hippotherapy, gaining valuable insights into therapeutic riding.
After several years of teaching lessons, I had the incredible opportunity to take lessons from Katie at AZ Rodeo Ready. She offered me a teaching position, and I couldn't be more thrilled to join the AZ Rodeo Ready family! I am excited to share my knowledge and passion for riding with our students.
Abbey Banning - Horsemanship, Barrel Racing Instructor
My name is Abbey Banning, and I am 21 years old. I have had a passion for horses my whole life. I started riding horses around when I was 7 and started taking riding lessons around 10. I have volunteered countless of hours at barns and used to shadow a lot of equine assisted learning lessons. I’ve learned to work with kids of all kinds of different levels.
I have always had a dream of being in rodeos doing barrel racing, pole bending, and roping. So when I came across AZ Rodeo Ready I knew it would be a great fit to take lessons there. I have seen my riding skills grow tremendously within the time I have been riding there.
I’m very excited to join the AZ Rodeo Ready team and grow with this community! I look forward to being able to share my knowledge and horse skills with everyone here. I’m very excited to be working with these kiddos and helping them achieve their rodeo dreams.
Angelina Villada - Horsemanship, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending instructor
Hay! My name is Angelina Villada, and I am 19 years old. I took lessons here and there as a kid, but I started taking them consistently about three years ago. Over the past few years, I’ve learned so much from working with multiple coaches and leasing different horses. However, I can confidently say that AZ Rodeo Ready has taught me even more in just the few months I’ve been taking lessons here.
I have also taught lessons myself and have experience in barrel racing, pole bending, gymkhanas, and trail riding. Currently, I am pursuing my passion for barrel racing and have just begun learning breakaway roping! I’m also in school working toward my Equine Science degree and look forward to getting my own horse soon.
I’m incredibly excited to share my knowledge and start teaching at AZ Rodeo Ready alongside their amazing team of instructors and horses. I can’t wait to help students pursue their own dreams!
Willow Root – Breakaway, Team roping, Barrel Racing Instructor
Born and raised in Queen Creek, Arizona, my passion for horses started at just six years old during my first riding lesson. From that moment, I was hooked! After years of lessons, I began to pursue my own rodeo journey at age 15.
Barrel racing, team roping, breakaway, goat tying, and pole bending are all events I’ve competed in, though I now focus on barrel racing, breakaway roping, and team roping. I’ve earned numerous championship titles across these events, and in 2023, I ranked 11th in the world in breakaway roping during my senior year of high school!
I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best in the industry, including Kelly Conrado, Jackie Crawford, Taylor Munsell, the Boisjolis, Nicole Baggarley, Lynn Smith, and more incredible names in the rodeo community.
I’m thrilled to share my knowledge and experience with others here at AZ Rodeo Ready. Let’s get your rope on and watch you grow in the arena!
