Kristin Mills

Chair

Kristin began riding at the age of three in her hometown of Hamburg, Germany, where she competed in dressage shows before ultimately pursuing riding as her profession. She apprenticed for five years under renowned dressage judge and trainer Juergen Böckmann in Schenefeld, Germany. Following her apprenticeship, Kristin successfully completed the rigorous two-day German Bereiterprüfung examination, earning the title of “Bereiter FN” and state licensure as both a dressage and jumping instructor. During this time, she also earned her Bronze and Silver Medals from the Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung (FN).

In 2008, Kristin moved to Sacramento, California, and shortly thereafter founded Kristin Mills Dressage. She became a USDF L Program graduate, a COPA USPRE winner and team rider, and received the FHANA Dressage Performance Award. She also achieved numerous placings at Regional Championships, earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals from the United States Dressage Federation (USDF).

In 2022, Kristin transitioned from her career as a professional rider and trainer to focus on other passions. She is now the Director of Finance and Human Resources for the California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy, an environmental nonprofit organization addressing issues and policy development related to water, housing, transportation, and technology. Kristin also pursues her passion for teaching and education as part-time faculty at Sacramento State University, where she teaches Strategic Management for the College of Business.

In her personal time, Kristin enjoys riding and spending time with horses for fun and training for marathon and triathlon races. In 2024, she qualified for the Sprint Triathlon National Championships and competed in the Ironman California.