Coming from a military family, Beck wasn’t in one place long enough as a teenager to gain consistent time in the saddle. While in college, she bought and sold a few project horses while riding and taking on a few SALE Horses for others. Following graduation, Beck accepted a working student position at Wayfarer Eventing in the U.K. with founders Mike and Emma Winter and immersed herself in all aspects of high-level competition. While working for the Winters, she met world-class 5* eventer Jennie Brannigan. Ratte notes Brannigan was the catalyst for change in her life.

After a phone conversation with Jennie, Ratte relocated to California to work as Tamie Smith's assistant. Smith, a top-ranking international eventer, introduced Ratte to the Clarke family, leading to a full-time role with Horsemanship Unlimited. While working with the Clarkes, Beck discovered what would eventually become her calling and profession: horseshoeing. 

In 2012, Ratte debated whether to ride or shoe when an unexpected path appeared. Cavalia, the traveling show that combines equestrian and theatrical arts, allowed Beck to blend her passion for horses and art. She performed most acts in the show, from equestrian and aerial feats, and taught herself and her horse trick riding.  

After four years of performing and exploring the world, she was ready to plant some roots back in the U.S. She went to work in Ocala, Florida, for Australian showjumper Scott Keach. There, she also started working with Steve Teichman, the USA Eventing Team farrier and realized this was what she wanted to do. During this time, Steve worked for top-level athletes and equine veterinarians, giving Beck an even more exciting and interesting workload.

Beck’s artistic background gives her an exceptional eye for detail and, in turn, a vision for how the shape of a horse’s foot and confirmation truly impacts the gait pattern. This, paired with a natural love of problem-solving and learning new things, allows her to see what to change in a remarkable way.

Working for Steve for several years and observing how he managed the role of USA Eventing Team farrier was an invaluable experience in many ways. Watching the horses and riders at FEI team competitions, attending training camps and evaluations with the team veterinarian, and other events also allowed the riders, grooms, and horses to recognize Beck’s talent and character. 

REbecca "Beck" Ratte

Owner

My Little Pony was the beginning of Beck Ratte's horse addiction, which only grew from there. Her parents had enrolled her in gymnastics classes, but she preferred to pet the old horse behind the nearby barbed wire fence. Beck says she naturally connects with and loves horses tremendously. Her parents eventually caved to the horse bug and sent her to a horseback riding summer camp. As a teenager, Beck would get on anything she could. She was committed to her love of horses from sidesaddle horses and barrel racers to off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) and draft horses.

When Steve mentioned his retirement, she knew the next logical step was to begin her solo career. It was easy to connect with the riders, vets, and grooms during this comfortable transition, shoeing their horses since she had attended U.S. Eventing events with Steve. “Steve is a phenomenal person. He and I just clicked working together,” says Ratte. “He put me in a great position to be successful, and I am very grateful. He is still a great mentor and friend, and we continue to chat about interesting cases and horses.” 

In 2020, Beck continued her busy workload with clients like Jennie Brannigan, Lillian Heard, Lauren Nicholson, Buck Davidson, and others since no one wanted to travel. It was a great time to expand her knowledge while getting under more horses. While remaining laser-focused on horseshoeing, she was asked to take on Steve’s role as U.S. Eventing Team farrier. She turned it down at the time but continued going to events, working, building her business, and educating herself. Ratte admits she constantly strives to improve herself and loves learning new things.

In 2022, she was asked again and accepted. Aachen was her first event with the team. Ratte says, “There is something different about shoeing at a competition than being a great everyday farrier. My creativity and problem-solving are what gives me an edge.” During the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, she became the first female farrier to travel to the Olympics with the U.S. Eventing Team. 

Beck and her husband currently reside in Ocala, Florida. She makes trips to Wellington in addition to clients and shows in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland in the summer months.