76 SIDELINES AUGUST 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Continued on page 78
By Dani Moritz
K
risti Wysocki never thought she’d be able to combine
her two passions — engineering and horses. But after
spending 12 years working in the oil field as a corrosion/
failure analysis engineer, she switched gears to horses full time
and built Somewhere Farms in Elbert, Colorado, where she could
ride, teach and train dressage.
It was after this switch that she found her calling. In spring
2012, she founded Eagle’s Wing Therapy & Rehab at the
recommendation of a friend who saw the potential to combine
Kristi’s love of horses and deep involvement in their care, her
knack for problem solving enhanced by her work as an engineer,
and her understanding of medical technologies.
“As a metallurgical engineer, I was trained in radiology,
ultrasound technology and other technologies that are the same
as those used in the medical industry,” she said. “It has been
useful to be able to transfer that knowledge to the therapy and
rehab of horses. I don’t diagnose injuries or illnesses, but when
the treating veterinarian and I review the case, I can understand
e
Colorado
An Engineering Equestrian:
a great deal of what they’re seeing as a veterinarian because of
my background using these technologies. I have to admit, if you’d
asked me 25 years ago, I never would have dreamed that I’d
use my engineering background in caring for horses. It’s great to
combine these two passions.”
As it turns out, opening an equine rehab facility was the perfect
situation for Kristi, who has had horses her entire life and, as she
explains it, is “addicted to learning.” Kristi has always been deeply
involved in the care of her horses and understands the importance
of soundness as a rider, trainer and judge.
“I’ve always been driven to learn as much as I can about an
injury or illness and the treatments and care anytime I’ve been
faced with a problem,” she said. “It’s very discouraging when
your horse is injured, but I’ve found over the years that the more
I understood about what was wrong and how to help, the more
successful their comeback was.”
She added, “In dressage, the sport in which I’m an active
competitor, trainer and judge, rhythm is the foundation of the
whole sport. Lameness becomes paramount because of this.
Through my years of experience in dressage both as a rider and
judge, my feel and eye have become sharper and sharper. Often
times I can feel a problem before it’s visible. I’ve become very
aware when something doesn’t feel or look right.”
Today, Kristi uses that knowledge
Kristi enjoys her equine passion.
Kristi in 1985 during her oil field days
Photo courtesy of Kristi Wysocki
Somewhere Farms, where Eagle’s Wing is based, boasts a
country feel with plenty of space, peace and quiet.
How Kristi Wysocki
Combined Her Two
Very Different
Passions
