The scent of hay and the sound of a horse's nicker are the memories hundreds of people in

The scent of hay and the sound of a horse’s nicker are the memories hundreds of people in Washington state will carry with them after the passing of Kathy Good, a titan of the local horse community who died on Oct. 26, 2026. For decades, Kathy Good dedicated her life to horses, teaching generations of riders and leaving a legacy as a gifted teacher and mentor.

A Life Devoted to Horses

Kathleen Marie Good of Curtis, Washington, lived a life devoted to her love of horses, her family and the many people whose lives she touched. She grew up in Olympia, Washington, and graduated from Olympia High School. Her passion for horses led her and her husband, Richard (Dick) Good, to operate two stables, one in Olympia and another in Boistfort Valley. Through these businesses, Horse Haven Stables and Kathy Good Training, she bred and trained horses, taught horsemanship and riding lessons, and shared her knowledge with others.

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A Mentor and Leader

Kathy was a loving leader of the Flying Hoofs 4-H Club, where she taught hundreds of people, especially children, how to ride and care for horses while instilling an appreciation and respect for the animals. Her influence extended far beyond the stables and show rings, as she and Dick mentored countless young people, helping to shape their lives in meaningful and lasting ways. She proudly showed her horses throughout British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and as far away as Oklahoma and was a member of the “Pinto Horse Association of America,” “The Pinto Horse Association of Western Washington,” and the “American Paint Horse Association.”

Kathy Leaves a Legacy of Guidance and Kindness

The legacy Kathy leaves behind is measured in the lives she touched. Many have expressed how profoundly her guidance, encouragement, and kindness influenced their lives for the better. She leaves behind her loving husband, Dick, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage, and a community of friends, students, and fellow horse enthusiasts who will deeply miss her. A graveside service was held on Nov. 2, 2026, at 11 a.m., with a memorial planned for a later date.