Kate Mancosh is a US international dressage rider, happily married, and living in New York City with her husband and their mini Dachshund, Rupert. Most days, Kate commutes for an hour outside the city to ride in New Jersey, where she keeps her horse. Every winter, the couple pack up and move south to Wellington, Florida, so that Kate can continue training and competing.
Kate manages to combine riding with running her new riding apparel company, Rhoan Equestrian. Kate explains “I design riding clothes for the rider always on the go—basics and essentials in neutral colours that transition seamlessly from stable to street. When grabbing coffee or running errands in the city, I didn’t want to be covered in horse logos, loud patterns, or bright colours. So, I designed the ultimate everyday essentials that riders like me need.”
Tell us about your horses
I have two horses. One is my retired mare, Lea 7, who is currently living her best life in Connecticut—happy, healthy, and well cared for. I believe it’s our responsibility as riders to make sure we look after our older horses. They’ve given so much to us, and they deserve a wonderful retirement.
My competition horse is Quantum Surprise, a beautiful 13-year-old mare by Quarterback. I’ve had her for three years, and she’s truly one of the best horses I’ve ever owned. Not only is she an extremely talented mover, but she’s also incredibly sweet—and safe. I can take her to shows by myself, she loads like a dream, stands patiently while I tack up, and walks into the ring like a pro. I can hack her on the buckle with no stirrups and trust that she won’t do anything questionable. What makes her even more special is that I can “turn her on” to be spicy when I want, or “turn her off” to be quiet and relaxed. She is my four-legged soulmate—I always say I’ll be buried next to this horse.
When I purchased Quantum, she was a green Grand Prix horse. I dropped her down to Inter I to rebuild some training and, more importantly, to build our partnership. We had a very successful first season together, winning many small tour CDI AM classes. That groundwork led to us stepping up to Inter II last year, and now we’re training for the Grand Prix, which we plan to debut in August. I love to show, but I love to train even more. There’s nothing more satisfying than learning and growing with your horse.
How did horses come into your life and progress to dressage?
I had a friend in elementary school who was taking riding lessons, and I begged my parents to let me try. That friend ended up falling off and quitting—but I never stopped. I was never really into jumping and always preferred my flatwork lessons. At nine years old, I competed in my first Dressage4Kids show, and that’s when I dedicated my riding career to dressage. I went on to compete in juniors and young riders, attending multiple North American Junior/Young Rider Championships.
During college, I took a step back from riding to focus on school and life outside the equestrian world. I’m really thankful for those four years—it’s important to have a life outside this sport. I kept my horse with my trainer, and whenever I was home on break or for the holidays, I would ride every day.
After graduating, I was working in Boston and riding on the weekends. After four years in the corporate grind, I decided to take some time off to focus on riding. During that time, I earned my gold medal and rode down the CDI centerline multiple times. When COVID hit, I went back to work helping with the family business. That’s when the idea for Rhoan was born. Since then, I’ve been riding professionally while running my brand.
Who has been the most influential on your journey?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have amazing relationships with all of my trainers, past and present, and to have made lifelong friends in the industry. Catherine Haddad has been the most influential in shaping me as a rider—I truly owe so much of my success to her.
That said, Virginia Leary also played a huge role early on. She helped me manage a very unpredictable horse I owned at the time, and her emphasis on groundwork was crucial for my development as a horsewoman.
Who do you train with?
I am currently training with Catherine Haddad Staller. I’ve been working with her since 2018, and she has completely transformed my riding. Her approach is traditional, with a true seat-to-hand connection. We all ride in the Stubben Genesis Special, a close-contact saddle with no knee rolls. What keeps you in the saddle is balance and core strength. If you can learn to ride in that saddle, your position will be both flawless and effective.
Catherine has also sourced some incredible horses for me that have really elevated my riding career. Thanks to her system, I’ve developed into an international Grand Prix rider.
What do you love about dressage?
The bond you must create with your horse to really be able to perform well in the ring. Perfection is the goal of Dressage essentially, it’s something we’re always striving toward, even if we never truly reach it. There’s always something to improve, and those goals keep me hungry, motivated, and determined to keep learning.
What is your training philosophy?
First and foremost: a strong relationship with your horse. Without that, there’s no trust and no progress. Secondly, a solid foundation of the basics. Anyone can do the tricks but executing a proper connection and feel is what makes you a real rider. I will not even pick up the trot unless I feel like my horse’s walk is truly through and pushing from behind.
Proudest moments?
Earning all three USDF Medals. Winning multiple CDI AM small tour and big tour classes 2021 – 2023. Anytime someone asks me if my horse is for sale. That means I’m doing something right.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
My husband, who supports me wholeheartedly and understands how much this sport means to me. My parents, who have given me every opportunity possible to pursue this passion. Catherine Haddad, for her incredible training and horse care. My farrier Mario Rodriguez and my vet Dr. Greg Staller—let’s be honest, we couldn’t do any of this without them.
Have you ever had to deal with nerves?
Yes, absolutely. I manage nerves through preparation. The more confident you are in your training, the less room there is for doubt. I always say a little mantra to my horse when we go around the show ring. It really helps to centre myself and relax. It’s usually “Let’s go out there and show this judge all the hard work we have done”
Your Top Tip
Ride with no stirrups to develop an independent seat. It’s a game changer.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Only in the dictionary does talent come before work. Work hard because talent only gets you so far.
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Kate you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here. You can keep up with Kate’s progress and visit her instagram page here