Caitlin is an equestrian, mother of four, self-published author and the founder of Saddle Up And Read, a nonprofit program committed to encouraging youth literacy based in Wendell, NC. Caitlin Gooch is passionate about sharing her horses and experiences growing up with them. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from East Carolina University, where she was able to put academic context to the social cycle of systemic racial inequality. While working with youth in her community, Caitlin was exposed to the educational disparities plaguing communities of color and decided to take action, starting with the literacy gap. Leading with equestrian culture, her first passion, Caitlin uses her horses to incentivize reading, making it more fun! In addition to Saddle Up and Read, Caitlin is the co-leader of a 4-H horse club in Wake County, she is an advocate for equestrian helmet safety, and the host of North Carolina Public Radio’s (WUNC) newest podcast show, The Story Stables.