About Kino McFarland – Punk Equestrian
Kino McFarland is the heart behind Punk Equestrian, a training program based in Western Washington that follows the principles of the International Society for Equitation Science and a relationship-first approach to horsemanship. With a riding career that began in 1994 and spans disciplines from western pleasure to hunter/jumpers, polo, dressage, and eventing, Kino brings a deep and diverse skill set to every horse and rider partnership.
After a nine-year break from riding, Kino returned to the equestrian world in 2012 as a polo groom and exercise rider. That return reignited a passion that led to years of hands-on experience as a working student in dressage and eventing, head groom for an upper-level eventing team, and a barn manager. Along the way, Kino also served as a groom at a horse rescue, further developing a patient, problem-solving approach to horsemanship.
Kino specializes in starting young horses, groundwork, behavior, and retraining, with a strong focus on liberty work and relationship-based methods that prioritize relaxation and communication. Her work with Timber Jenny, an off-the-track Thoroughbred retrained for the Thoroughbred Makeover in Kentucky, reflects a commitment to giving horses a second chance and a thoughtful foundation.
Kino is a certified judge for the International Liberty Horse Association. Influenced by respected horsemen and women including Buck Brannaman, Lucinda Green, and Tik Maynard, Kino continues to blend classical principles with a modern, compassionate mindset.
Punk Equestrian offers training and support for beginners and recreational riders looking to build confidence on the ground and in the saddle in addition to new starts for horses of all types.
