British international dressage rider Vikki Pengilly is based in South Wales where she manages her own dressage yard producing high quality competition horses. This year, Vikki and her home produced horse Indianna had their first season at Inter 1 at Premier League level and enjoyed considerable success including second & third place at Myerscough Premier League and third place at Somerford and Hartpury Premier Leagues. The pair were also selected for their first International at Wellington CDI at Small Tour level. We think that this highly talented rider is one to look out for this coming year.
Tell us about you and your horses
Meet Vikki and Indianna. The pair are having a fabulous year
My name is Vikki Pengilly, and I run a dressage yard in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. I produce horse for sales and competition.
My main three competition horses are:
Indianna – Indi is a 10yr old KWPN mare who is currently competing at International Small Tour Level.
Hot Couture AKA Vogue, is an 11yr old Oldenburg mare who is currently competing at PSG and working towards the GP movements.
Cynheidrefawr Isaac is a 14.2h Palomino Welsh Sec D gelding who is competing at Medium and working towards PSG at home.
How did horses come into your life?
I come from a non-horsey background but for as long as my parents can remember I was always obsessed with horses. Growing up I would nag to go and see the ponies in the field not far from our house; my Mum used to play Vivaldi Four seasons to me and as I called it The Horsey music. On my fourth Birthday they took me to the local riding school, to try riding for the first time, an hour jig jog hack on a Shetland called Super Ted and I was hooked.
Aged twelve my parents bought me my second pony – Fury by name and Fury by nature! He was bought for me to learn how to jump but he was extremely difficult, and I couldn’t see a stride. I used to watch my local instructor in awe as she rode a beautiful black dressage horse – this was definitely what I wanted to do. Mine and Fury’s dressage test was not the best attempt, receiving a 0 for my first centre line and the judges comment what a nappy pony! At least we could only go up from this.
When and where do you ride?
I am based in the Vale of Glamorgan South Wales where I work and train.
Who do you train with?
I train with 5* Olympic judge Andrew Gardner; I have trained with Andrew for over five years now. He has a very kind and sympathetic approach, helping me get the best out of my horses particularly my sensitive mares.
What do you love about riding?
What I really love is building a connection with the horses and figuring out each one’s mind and personality – they are all so different and I love the process of working each one out individually
What would you like to be doing in the future, and do you have any goals?
I guess everyone’s goal is always the Olympics, which would of course be my dream, but I would just like to get each of my horses to the highest level possible.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
I am very lucky to have a very supportive family who help me massively every day to run the yard. I have amazing vets, physios, farriers and friends who help to keep us on the road.
Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?
Of course, but I actually thrive on nerves and enjoy the pressure.
How do you deal with them?
That said, I always have to have a talk with myself in the lorry whilst I am getting changed to compete, I spend ages visualising my tests, watching my idols riding before I get on so I have a clear picture of how I would like it to go
Do you have any rituals before competing?
I can’t put the horse on the lorry without a red lead rope!
If I win a show, I can’t wash my gloves otherwise you wash the luck out – Not superstitious at all!
Your Top Tip
Its not an easy sport so be prepared to work hard, there will be many ups and downs but enjoy the journey.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
You can learn something from everyone, listen, observe and watch the best as much as you can.
Down the Centre Line
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
Totilas I would love to feel that power
Who is your equestrian hero?
I have two, Carl Hester and Isabel Werth
If you could have five people to dinner, who would they be?
I think it would have to be Carl Hester, Isabel Werth, Hedin Carl, Eva Moller and Cathrine Laudrup-DuFour
Favourite colour horse?
I think anyone who knows me would say palomino, but it’s actually liver chestnut with four white socks and a stripe. I have dreamt of this but still never purchased a liver chestnut
Favourite horse event?
The Bundeschampionate I love watching the young horses
Favourite food?
Burger and chips
Favourite way to relax?
Sitting on the sofa with the fire alight and a good film
Favourite film?
The Labyrinth
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Vikki you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here . You can keep up with Vikki’s progress and view her instagram page here
I come from a non-horsey background but for as long as my parents can remember I was always obsessed with horses. Growing up I would nag to go and see the ponies in the field not far from our house; my Mum used to play Vivaldi Four seasons to me and as I called it The Horsey music. On my fourth Birthday they took me to the local riding school, to try riding for the first time, an hour jig jog hack on a Shetland called Super Ted and I was hooked.
Aged twelve my parents bought me my second pony – Fury by name and Fury by nature! He was bought for me to learn how to jump but he was extremely difficult, and I couldn’t see a stride. I used to watch my local instructor in awe as she rode a beautiful black dressage horse – this was definitely what I wanted to do. Mine and Fury’s dressage test was not the best attempt, receiving a 0 for my first centre line and the judges comment what a nappy pony! At least we could only go up from this.
I am based in the Vale of Glamorgan South Wales where I work and train.
What I really love is building a connection with the horses and figuring out each one’s mind and personality – they are all so different and I love the process of working each one out individually
I am very lucky to have a very supportive family who help me massively every day to run the yard. I have amazing vets, physios, farriers and friends who help to keep us on the road.
I can’t put the horse on the lorry without a red lead rope!
If I win a show, I can’t wash my gloves otherwise you wash the luck out – Not superstitious at all!
