Who we are
Happy EQ was created with a simple belief: the process of finding the right horse should feel informed, transparent, and supportive — not overwhelming or uncertain. Born from both lived experience and professional expertise, we exist to bridge the gap between European quality and North American junior and amateur riders. By combining strategic business insight with deep equestrian knowledge, we thoughtfully source horses that are ready to step into the ring and genuinely align with a rider’s goals, experience, and budget. At every stage, our commitment is the same — clear communication, ethical sourcing, and partnerships built on trust.
Our Team
Katinka Marks
Co-Founder and Head of Horse DevelopmentKatinka Marks brings decades of competitive experience, horsemanship, and international perspective to Happy EQ.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology from the University of British Columbia, combining academic understanding of equine science with practical, real-world expertise.
Katinka has competed internationally up to the Intermediate level in Eventing and 1.45m Show Jumping, with championship experience ranging from Show Park in California to Spruce Meadows in Calgary. Her career has included training with and riding for some of the sport’s most respected names, including:
Eric Lamaze – Olympic Gold Medalist
Todd Minikus – Olympic & Pan American Team Rider
Olivier Robert – 5★ Grand Prix Rider
as well as international Grand Prix riders across Canada, the United States, Germany, and France.
Beyond competition, Katinka has over 12 years of coaching experience, developing riders from beginner through advanced levels. Her passion lies in helping junior and amateur riders grow with confidence — both in and out of the ring.
She has also worked as a veterinary assistant for one of the top sport horse veterinarians in Florida during the Winter Equestrian Festival, giving her valuable insight into equine soundness, vetting processes, and long-term horse management.
With experience working in Europe, fluency in German, and an extensive international network, Katinka plays a key role in responsibly sourcing quality horses that are well-matched, ethically represented, and ready to perform.
Her belief is simple: the industry can — and should — be more transparent, more inclusive, and more supportive of riders at every level.
Founder and Managing DirectorLisa Fraser
Happy EQ began with a personal journey.
As the mother of a junior rider, Lisa experienced firsthand the complexity and frustration that can come with finding the right horse. Despite a strong background in business, marketing, and brand development — and years of entrepreneurship building companies alongside her husband — navigating the horse market often felt unclear, inconsistent, and unnecessarily overwhelming.
Rather than accepting that as the norm, she chose to approach it differently.
Lisa brings extensive experience in marketing strategy, brand building, customer service, and operations to Happy EQ. Her strength lies in creating structure, clarity, and communication where it matters most — ensuring that riders and families feel informed, supported, and respected throughout the process.
Her perspective as both a business professional and a parent gives her a unique understanding of what junior and amateur riders truly need: honesty, transparency, and thoughtful guidance — regardless of budget.
Lisa’s mission is simple: to make sourcing European horses more transparent, more accessible, and more aligned with real rider goals.
Contact us
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