This week I’m chatting with a highly talented German dressage rider and horse trainer Kira Goerens-Riphoff . Based in Germany Kira runs her own business training dressage horses for sale and coaching riders as well as competing with great success at all levels. Read on to discover more about Kira, her ambitions, and top tips for success.
Tell us about you and your horses
Kira with her sash and medal after winning the 5-year old Dressage Horse Final with Final Dream at the 2022 Bundeschampionate
My horses and me live in Sandbostel between Bremen and Hamburg in a small and beautiful paradise for horses. I am thirty one years old and train about 8 horses a day. They all have the possibility to go out on the field and paddock to enjoy their horse life.
How did your horses come into your life?
As an eight year old child I rode the first time in the holidays and then I didn’t want to stop anymore.
How long have you been riding?
I ride since I was a child and as a professional since 2007.
When and where do you ride?
Kira’s home and yard set in beautiful surroundingsThe whole day at home in our own barn.
How did you start riding?
In the holidays as a child.
What are you and your horses currently working on?
To educate them in their ages classes and to give them their individual best training in their actual body condition.
What do you love about riding?
Kira working at home
Being outside the whole day and getting a unity with another creature. It never gets boring in this job, because every horse has its own beautiful character and personality.
What would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?
If me and my horses would develop further and maybe a goal would be to have the possibility to start at the young horse world championships
Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?
Kira at Halt
I think before every big competition you deal a bit with your nerves. But that makes you concentrate even more during the test.
How do you deal with them?
Kira and Final Dream looking fabulous in competition
I focus on myself and the horse and plait them by myself before the test to calm down and concentrate.
Your Top Tip
To get the best results, see your horse as a friend and try to take most of him out without asking too much.
Down the Centre Line
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
Glamourdale
Who is your equestrian hero?
Jessica Bredow-Werndl
If you could have 5 people to dinner who would they be?
Friederike Reins, Matthias Reins, Mathis Goerens, Jessica Bredow-Werndl, Carl Hedin
Favourite colour horse?
A good horse has no colour
Favourite horse event?
Bundeschampionat
Favourite food?
Caesar salad
Favourite way to relax?
Sleeping
Favourite film?
Manhattan Love Story
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Kira you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here You can keep up with Kira’s progress and check out her instagram page here
