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Krista has been training horses almost as long as she's been walking. She started teaching folks to ride and train their own horses, professionally, around the turn of the century. Lots of riders and even more horses have benefited from her soft but authoritative touch, her intuition, and her never-ending study of the horse .. .. .. and the donkey, the mule, the zebra, and lately, even the goat!

Krista Drives Little Man, the Mini-Stallion

Dave joined Krista and From Start to Foundation late in the winter of 2009. As their working and personal relationships have grown, From Start to Foundation horses and riders have all benefited from Dave's experience and perspective, as well as his gentle and patient way.

Dave gets mule, Ising going after a long lay off.

To say that either Krista or Dave give riding lessons would be leaving out most of the story. They both find that their first obligation is to the horse. They make certain that both the horse and the rider are in agreement as to where they're going, and that they're going there safely together. While they train horses and they train riders, their most important objective is to help the riders learn to train their own horses. The information they share with their students is meant to go with them for a lifetime, and in any direction that the rider may choose to go with his or her horse, always taking into consideration the horse's opinion on the matter.

This page will let students talk about what Krista and Dave have meant to their horse lives. Krista and Dave both encourage their riders to seek out new experiences wherever they find them, knowing that they'll return with a new appreciation of their FSTF basics. Whether it be to the show pen, or the backyard trails, this page will showcase every level of success. We'll show off that first trail ride alone with just as much pride as any trophy buckle. If you find yourself appreciating what you've learned at From Start to Foundation, send along a kind word. And a photo or two.

Mardi
September 2011

Mardi writes: Hey Krista, Just had to share. Cash was AMAZING. We had the BEST ride yesterday morning - and this was after only working in the arena a few times over the last few weeks. So soft, nice low headset that he pretty much maintained on a loose rein, listening to my seat, slower consistent gait, really trying. Might have been a total fluke, but dang, it was an amazing workout. Quit after about half an hour before it could all fell apart. Figure if I can ride tonight that his alter eo - Igor the fire breathing dragon - will show his face. (Gotta keep me off balance!

Be sure to read about Mardi and Cash's successful clinic experience with Chris Cox.

Syd
January 2011

Syd reports: What I admire about Krista is her constant evolution in the art of training horses. She is always learning and practicing new skills and concepts. She has a keen sense of where a horse is physically and mentally and is able to adjust her methods to best benefit the horse .. .. .. She also is in possession of a great deal of my money .. .. ..

Syd is the proud owner of Paso Fino mare, Miss P and mustang mare, Mystic. She has recently added filly, All Hollows Eve (Evie) to her barn. Syd does lots of trail riding, as a member of Monterey Bay Equestrians. She's shown successfully at the Western States Wild Horse and Burro Expo, as well as local shows. And in her spare time, she's been known to ride in a parade or two, just for the adrenaline!

Dave is a very talented and intuitive horseman. He has an uncanny ability with young horses, inspiring confidence and willingness in them, while never pushing them beyond where they are ready to go. I look forward to him starting my newly adopted mustang filly next year!

Jill
January 2011

Jill is happy with her trainers: I have been working with Kirsta Koenig for several years now and am more and more impressed with her the more I see her work. She has started and finished several of my horses. They have become the best horses I have ever had. She is an incredibly hard worker, innovative, and positive. She trains all disciplines ( at least all that I know of) and is proficient in most. She is like a European who can speak every continental language...but in "horse". I have never seen a questionable move, comment or practice from her, and her comments about horses (even in the third person) are always pointing out the strength, not weakness of a horse/rider. If something keeps Krista from being able to work a horse in training, she extends that period of time to the client (not even charging for the extra feed that she is out!!!!) . In the year 2010, she coached several of us (me, my daughters, kids who keep horses at our house, etc) to six silver buckles for High Point in many categories. I am delighted to have found her as a trainer and now consider her a dear friend.

Jo
January 2011

Jo rides her TWH mare, and beloved soul-mate, Misty. As members of Monterey Bay Equestrians, they camp together, with Jo's husband and MBE Member of the Year, Harry. As a retired mother of five, Jo needed a dead-broke and absolutely safe mount. And she had two particular dreams for her life with Misty: to ride bridleless, and to mount Misty lying down.

Jo shares her thoughts: I have known Krista for a number of years and in that time I have had the privilege of watching her hone her horse training and horsemanship skills. She has such an ability to tune into each horse she works with, to see what issues need attention and how to address them. Krista also looks for the individual horse's strengths and helps them excel in that area. She is very respectful of the horse's unique nature. As the saying goes, Krista takes the time it takes in her training to be as gentle as possible but as firm as necessary. I know from personal experience all that I have stated is true. Krista has worked with my horse Misty taking whatever time necessary to train her to be collected, to smoothly transition from one gait to the next but most importantly to be a safe and enjoyable horse for me to ride.

In the time I have known Dave I have observed his horse training. He has demonstrated a gentle but firm approach with the horses he trains. His calm attitude seems to win the trust of the even the most skeptical horse. Dave is very clear when he handles each one, he is consistent saying what he wants and means what he says. I have seen him take a horse that knows nothing about human contact to one that is a well mannered and trusted mount.

Amy
January 2011

Comet was Krista's 2010 Extreme Mustang Trail Challenge Mustango. Comet was a late arrival, but was a joy and a pleasure from the get go. Amy saw Comet and fell in love at the Norco event, and was the successful bidder. She's returned him to Krista for some follow-up training, and they've been progressing beautifully ever since.

Amy's Comments: Comet and I went on an ETI ride this week in Griffith Park in LA. Rode next to the Freeway, sirens, tunnels, supension bridge, train (Kid size), bikes, people, flags. Crazy!!! And of course he was Mr. Wonderhorse!!! He is excelling in dressage, great top carriage and swang. Let Dave know my posting has greatly improved! I am planning on taking him into a schooling dressage show this spring. I am also taking him to Hurst Castle for a week ride in the spring. He has been more unbelievable than you thought .. .. ..