Kate Burrington

Kate Erin Burrington, 36, a resident of Pownal, VT passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday July 17, 2018 in Ocala, Florida. She was born in North Adams, MA on April 29, 1982 daughter of Joel and Karen (Wachowski) Burrington. She grew up in Pownal where she attended Pownal Elementary; she graduated from Mt. Anthony Union High School, Class of 2000. Kate was a loving and hardworking free spirit who was an avid horse lover from a very young age. Her very first pony was named, Paco and the next addition to the horse family was Tristan, her Morgan. Tristan and Kate were inseparable. There were many people who influenced and helped Kate in her early years with her love for horses. However, two women who helped shaped the rider she was and the person she turned out to be were Denise Film and Edie Devens. Denise Film taught Kate to ride while she was in pony club and Edie Devens was Kate's mentor and teacher throughout her teenage years. Right after high school, Kate went to work at Saratoga Race Track as an exercise rider, for trainer Jonathan Sheppard. Mr. Sheppard asked Kate to work for him at his training facility in Camden, South Carolina which launched her career as an exercise rider and trainer. Kate's career took her from Camden, South Carolina to Greenwhich, New York, Versailles, Kentucky and most recently, Ocala, Florida with many stops in between. Some of the amazing places Kate worked include Todd Pletcher Racing Stables, Charles Lopresti Racing, Blackwood Stables, Stonebridge Farm, Mill Creek, KatieRich Farms and eventually, Stonestreet Farms. Kate was an incredible exercise rider and had vast knowledge of race horses and their breeding lines. She was a wonderful horse woman, daughter, family member and friend. Kate touched many lives through her travels and will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. Kate leaves her parents Joel and Karen Burrington of Pownal, paternal grandparents Joel G. Burrington and Barbara I. Vince both of Pownal, aunts, uncles and cousins. Kate was predeceased by her maternal grandparents Karl and Jean Wachowski. The family will receive friends at Hanson- Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home on August 2nd from1-3pm. A private burial will take place in Pownal. Donations can be made in Kate's memory to The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, care of the Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home, 213 West Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201. The family will receive friends at Hanson- Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home on August 2nd from1-3pm. A private burial will take place in Pownal.