About Katie

Katie Bastable is the owner of SW Horse Transport. Her affinity for horses was established at a young age when she used to ride ponies on her parent’s farm. Katie soon began to travel with her ponies to horse shows at the weekends and it became apparent that Katie had a natural rapport with horses that should be nurtured. Katie thus attended an equestrian senior school where she was able to hone her skills and learn all about the animals she loves.

It wasn’t long before Katie was representing her school at equestrian events and later competed at Novice level at British Eventing. This meant that Katie was routinely transporting her horses long distances so she quickly learnt what was required to keep the animals safe and comfortable while travelling.

Not one to ever be far from the equestrian scene Katie’s first job after school was at a Dealing Yard that would buy and sell about twenty horses a month from Ireland. This exposed Katie to the processes of International Transports as well as a great deal more hands on care of horses. One of Katie’s primary roles was the inspection of the horses as soon as they arrived- a critical role as a horse that appears to the untrained eye to be fine can, without swift treatment, fall seriously (even terminally) ill after such a journey.

Katie’s next role was working with an international show-jumper and their team as a Show Groom. Responsible for between three and seven extremely valuable animals at a time Katie had to be exceptionally diligent and highly trained. Her empathy for horses was invaluable as she had to ensure the horses were always feeling their absolute best after transport so they would be ready to compete to the exacting standards required of them.

The constant international travel eventually lost its charm for Katie and she decided to set up SW Horse Transport so she could continue to employ her considerable skills but remain closer to her home and family.