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CATEY CRENSHAW

830.336.9000 Membership Relations Director

HOMETOWN

Katy, TX

FAMILY

Mom & Dad, 2 Younger Sisters and my Boyfriend!

EDUCATION

Majored in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University…WHOOP!

HOW DID YOU GET INTO YOUR FIELD?

My love for this industry started in college when I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work at a country club in Bryan. From there, I gained experience in different industries which has helped me tremendously in my current position here at Cordillera Ranch.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH CORDILLERA RANCH?

6 months

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF WORKING IN THE HILL COUNTRY?

Growing up in Houston, my family and I would always vacation in the Hill Country several times a year. The scenery is so gorgeous out here and there was always so much for us to do. Working in the Hill Country definitely brings me back to my childhood!

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/INTERESTS?

I love traveling, the outdoors, crafting, and spending time with my friends and family! My boyfriend and I are very much food/beer/wine enthusiasts, so we love exploring San Antonio to find new restaurants and bars.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORT?

Texas A&M football. My boyfriend and I love attending the San Antonio A&M Club game watch parties and also tailgating in College Station with friends!

FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT YOU’VE ATTENDED?

For my 13th Birthday, my dad took me to the Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma game in College Station. This was my very first collegiate football game to attend so I was VERY excited. We basically sat at the top and Texas A&M ended up losing by a hair but I didn’t care because the energy was so high and I just remember thinking to myself, “This is where I want to go to college!”

FAVORITE QUOTE?

“For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return” Leonardo da Vinci

FAVORITE MOVIE AND WHY?

Center Stage. This movie brings back fun memories of my childhood friend and me memorizing all the lines and dances!

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCE IN YOUR BUSINESS?

The most rewarding experience in this business is the relationships I make with members and teammates. There is a personal aspect to country clubs that gives you the opportunity to become a family which I find to be incredibly gratifying!

FAVORITE ASPECT OR FEATURE AT CORDILLERA RANCH?

The Hills truly have created a sanctuary for families to escape to! The scenery, atmosphere, members and staff make this home.

By Kristen Selby, Equestrian Center Manager

THE CLUBS

The word “horse” can mean a lot of things. It can mean your best friend, show horse, means of transportation, companion, business partner, teacher or playmate. For some, a horse may evoke a sense of freedom, spirit, independence, nature or spirituality. There are so many aspects to horses. A rider can enjoy the peace and quiet of a long trail ride, get their heart pumping at a show, or sit out in the pasture and share secrets with their horse.

As the Equestrian Center Manager, I believe it is important to obtain a good relationship and develop good communication between a rider and their horse. More often than not, people tend to blame their horse for why they didn’t win, or why the horse didn’t behave right. Believe it or not, most of the time disappointing shows or training is due to human error. Horses are amazing because they put so much trust in their riders. They allow their rider to tie them up, strap a heavy saddle to their back, stick a metal bit in their mouth and climb on their back. Like any relationship, the best thing any horse rider can do is to connect with their horse and build trust. Once the horse and rider get on the same page and develop trust and good communication, any horse will run from the lightest kick, or stop on a dime with the slightest tug from the reins.

When I was learning to ride, my mentor would tell me, “Horsemanship is not a destination. It is a journey.” That is a saying that I carry with me every day. One of the most amazing aspects of riding horses is that every horse will challenge you and teach you something new. Even the best of the best horseman learn new things everyday from the many horses they get to ride.

George Strait said it right when he sang, “We ride and never worry about the fall; guess that’s just the cowboy in us all.” Horses teach us to never give up. That is a life lesson that applies to every day of a person’s life.

I hope to share my knowledge and expertise with the kids, teenagers and adults of Cordillera Ranch. I am working towards expanding the lesson program at the barn and getting kids more involved. I hope to hold a monthly get together at the barn, develop some competition and host Play Days, and teach kids and adults not only how to ride but how to work together with their horse. Caring for and riding horses is also a wonderful social activity! Some of the fondest memories are made side-by-side with a horse. Horses are a great way to teach kids how to manage responsibility, build teamwork, learn to overcome challenges, and, best of all, create a lasting friendship!

I have had so many wonderful opportunities and experiences since I began my journey with horses. I have competed in barrels and speed events, hunter jumper, horse judging, reining, cutting, and team roping. I have had the opportunity to work for a large animal vet where I assisted in surgeries, learned about wound care, and how to diagnose and treat many common illnesses. I have also worked as a ranch hand and assistant trainer on a horse breeding and training ranch here in Boerne! Throughout the years I have had 70+ students and trained over 3 dozen horses. I invite all of our members and their guests to join the horse lovers at the Equestrian Center! There are 7 beautiful and sweet horses to choose from for lessons, trail rides, and even to lease!

Our goal at the Equestrian Center is to teach horsemanship, equine safety, English and Western riding skills to children and adults to ensure a lifetime of pleasure around horses.