Chatting with Robyn Walker

Talented British dressage rider Robyn Walker looks destined for a very bright future indeed. Primarily riding young horses for a well known british stud, Robyn has enjoyed a very good year winning at the NAF 5* Winter Championships 2024 with St Giles Flamborghini. Robyn has ambitions to ride for Team GB at senior level; with her talent and determination, we have no doubt that she will achieve her dream.

Tell us about you and your horses

I am a rider at St Giles Stud in Dorset, so I am incredibly lucky to ride a variety of super talented horses. At the moment the two horses I am competing are St Giles Flamborghini and St Giles Voila who are both super talented 5-year-olds with great brains and the kindest personalities.

How did horses come into your life?

I started riding when I was three years old. My mum was a BD and BE dressage judge, so I used to go with her and watch the competitions with my grandma whilst she was judging.  Apparently, I harassed her so much to start riding that she gave in and took me to a riding lesson and the rest is history. I did a bit of everything as a child, but mostly Working Hunter pony classes at BSPS and Ponies UK. I had a pony who was a super jumper but flatly refused to go into any form of contact which hindered us when competing in WHP. So, my Mum helped me train him to look a little less ‘llama’ and take him out to some dressage shows and I loved it.

 

When and where do you ride?

St Giles Stud is based in Dorset, and we are incredibly lucky to have the most beautiful facilities including plenty of gorgeous off-road hacking. My days are filled with riding and training the horses which is my dream job.

Who do you train with?

I train with Hubertus Graf Zedtwitz who is a German Grand Prix rider and trainer and is absolutely phenomenal. He is based in Germany so we have online lessons, but he is super invested in his pupils and if I ever want to run anything by him regarding any of the horses, I can send him a message and he comes straight back to me with feedback. I’ve been training with him for the past year, and we are incredibly excited to have him in the UK at the end of November for an evening talk and two day clinic.  He is very kind and fair to the horses which is so important for all of us.

 

What are you and your horses currently working on?

It varies horse to horse depending on their age and where they are in their training. We are very much guided by the horses so when they feel ready, we start to introduce new movements. The priority is always the happiness of the horses and the basic way of going so this is always the major focus in all of the training.

What do you love about riding?

The relationship built with the horses. To trust us in the way they do and try so hard for us I think is incredibly special and is something never to be taken for granted. I love getting to know their individual personalities and really try to understand them as they are all so different.

What would you like to be doing in the future, and do you have any goals?

I absolutely love what I do and wouldn’t change it for the world. My ultimate goal is to be the best in the world and represent/medal for Team GB at Senior Championships. And also, to be able to sit on any horse and improve them. I think that’s the mark of a truly great rider.

It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?

I’m incredibly fortunate that St Giles Stud is just the best team. Dinah Shaftesbury who owns the Stud is unbelievably supportive and so knowledgeable. The horse’s wellbeing is always at the forefront of everything. Dinah looks after all the staff so exceptionally well and kindly. The girls on the yard – Ione, Sophie and Ruby absolutely adore the horses and are often caught giving them cuddles and lots of love which is so lovely. Hubertus is also incredible and is always at the end of the phone if needed, and we have a super team of professionals who keep the horses in top condition. Joe Buckley is our farrier and nothing is ever too much trouble, and Equine Dental Clinic are on site so we have access to the best dental care literally metres away. And Dinah is a vet, so we have all bases covered. I also work with a fantastic strength and conditioning coach- Mark Childs at MC Performance who ensures I am in the best physical shape to perform at my best. I personally am very lucky to have Lynn Pal who is always at the end of the phone and always right behind me, and my Mum who has been the biggest support and is always my biggest cheerleader.

Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding? 

Never so much nerves but I have previously found that I almost try too hard which causes its own issues. I love competing and I love a huge atmosphere, the bigger the better.

How do you deal with them?

I am incredibly lucky to be sponsored by Dr Lynn Pal who is the most incredible Sport Psychologist. We work through various exercises and techniques to improve my performance and mindset on a daily basis so that when a competition comes around, it’s just like any other day.

Do you have rituals before competing?

I have a pre-performance plan which Lynn and I have developed (mostly Lynn!)  over the time we have worked together. I also like to have a plan which allows plenty of time so that there is never any rushing. I try not to have lucky items as I would be terrified of losing them!

Your Top Tip

Never give up!

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?

You can learn something from everybody and every experience.

Down the Centre Line

 

Who would be your dream horse to ride?

Glamourdale

Who is your equestrian hero?

Isabell Werth

 

If you could have five people to dinner, who would they be?

Audrey Hepburn, Alois Podhajsky, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael McIntyre and Carrie Underwood – quite the mix!

 

Favourite colour horse?

I think a good horse is a good horse regardless of colour, so I don’t have a favourite colour especially.

 

Favourite horse event?

The BD Winter Nationals at Addington, but also The London Horse Show

Favourite food?

Steak

 

Favourite way to relax?

TV and snacks!

 

Favourite film?

Charade

Want More?

If you enjoyed meeting Robyn you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here .  You can keep up with Robyn’s progress and view her instagram page here