This week I’m chatting with international dressage rider, trainer and coach Kimberley Alice Siddorn. Based on the Berkshire/Hampshire borders, Kimberley has worked for and trained with some of the best known dressage trainers in the UK, and runs her own dressage business, KAS Dressage. Read on to learn more about Kimberley, her ambitions, and top tips for success
Tell us about you and your horses
Kimberley and Dutch Class during the Grand Prix at Wellington international CDI 3*
I am an international dressage rider running KAS dressage, a training base and freelance coaching on the Berkshire/Hampshire borders.
I have been fortunate to work for and train with some top trainers including Philip and Christopher Hess, Spencer Wilton, and current coach Carl Hester.
I am also a mum of two, Luçon Jaxx who is five and was born on Christmas Day! And Ophelia Grace, three.
I have a co-ownership with my top horse Dutch class (Jazz) who is competing internationally at Grand prix He is a sensitive pocket rocket at 16hh by Jazz – we have a very special relationship and I adore him.
My own rising 6 yr old Keystone D’azure(Dotty) whom is my next horse In the making. We bought her as a feral 3yr old. She is the complete opposite to Jazz, quite laid back and very tall. She is a massive gentle giant with a powerful engine.
Retired Rubin esque (Robyn) who was the first horse I trained to Grand Prix – we bought her as a 2-year-old. She is now 18 and has had one foal by the same sire as Dotty and is due another foal by va bene this year. Then she will live out her days with me at home.
Kimberley with her dog and a horse, what more could you possibly want
All chestnut and two are mares. You could say I have a type.
I also have Razzle Dazzle owned by my long-term supporters Liz and Frank Conolly, but she lives at home with them, and I travel to train her and have done since her novice days, she is now working at Grand Prix. Nearby I also visit Diana Barleys as I have the ride on her young horse IOWA.
How did your horses come into your life?
Jazz arrived at a yard I was working at to be backed for his owner Sam Dyer. He proved to be very nervous and quite sharp, so Sam has been very sensible and stood by him when she realised he was going to need very careful training and has kept him on a professional yard since.
Robyn and Dotty, I bought from the breeders Suzanne Lavendera who bred Dotty and imported Robyn from Christian Heinrich.
How did you start riding?
I started in a riding school when I was six on and off but really took it up more seriously when I got my first horse at twelve years old.
When and where do you ride?
Kimberley and Dutch Class looking fabulous at Wellington CDI3*
At my base, and at my client’s bases. I ride every day except Sundays is our day off unless we are competing.
What are you and your horses currently working on?
We are always training with the ultimate goal of Grand Prix in mind, each week working on the different movements that are required for their level but also a heavy emphasis on gymnastic training, the basics and mental and physical relaxation.
What do you love about riding?
The journey and the connection.
What would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?
Ultimately, I’d love to get a senior team badge and develop my coaching. Perhaps working with youth riders.
Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?
Yes, but only good ones that come from adrenaline.
How do you deal with them?
I try to control the things I can control. The routines and organisation in the lead up and preparation of a competition. I try not to study the competition and who’s there as that can intimidate me. I also believe that if you are confident in the ability of you and your horse and you don’t feel over-faced by the level or the competition itself then I feel more relaxed and less nervous about doing it.
Down the Centre Line
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
Mount St John Freestyle – I love mares and her energy
Who is your equestrian hero?
Carl Hester, Catherine Dufuour, Jessica von Bredow
If you could have 5 people to dinner, who would they be?
My dearest friends and family, some of which are no longer with us
Favourite colour horse?
Liver chestnut
Favourite horse event?
Olympia
Favourite food?
Depends on the mood!
Favourite way to relax?
With friends and family. Or on holiday
Favourite film?
Not really a film fanatic but probably something Disney
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Kimberley you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here You can keep up with Kimberley’s’s progress and check out her instagram page here
