Kaitlin Fergeson is a public historian and lifelong equestrian whose work bridges the worlds of academic research and hands-on horsemanship. Originally from California, she moved to the East Coast as a child and began working with horses at the age of 10. With over two decades of horsemanship experience, Kaitlin has spent recent years integrating her equestrian background with her academic passion for history.

She holds an M.A. in Public History from Shippensburg University, where she specialized in military history, early America, American Indian history, colonial America, and the American Revolution. Her primary academic focus lies in historic horsemanship and cavalry studies. Her master’s thesis explored an African American Loyalist cavalry unit that fought during the latter stages of the Revolutionary War.

Kaitlin has presented her research at numerous conferences and historic sites, including venues from Philadelphia to Colonial Williamsburg. She conducts independent research on 18th-century horsemanship and is currently authoring a book on cavalry uniforms of the War for Independence—aimed at aiding researchers and reenactors by addressing the gaps and frustrations that exist in the field.

In addition to her scholarship, Kaitlin shares her expertise through her YouTube channel, 18th-Century Horsemanship with Kate Fergeson (link), where she publishes educational videos on historic cavalry practices, gear, and techniques.

A seasoned historical reenactor, she actively rides with two Revolutionary War dragoon units—representing the 1st and 4th Continental Light Dragoons—and frequently appears as an extra horse rider in historical films and museum productions. Based in Virginia, Kaitlin continues to train horses and is a dedicated member of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, whose training philosophy she credits with making authentic cavalry training both practical and enjoyable.