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    • Kimberly Dunlap
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    • Zoe Wahr
    • Science of Riding BLOG
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    • Staff
    • 2023 ADA/GLASS-ED Shows
    • Gift Certificates
    • Contact Us
    • Calendar
    • Client Resources
    • Reviews
    • Working Uphill Mentoring
  • Home
  • Kimberly Dunlap
  • Facility
  • Rates & Services
  • Zoe Wahr
  • Science of Riding BLOG
  • Katie Hiller Clinics
  • Staff
  • 2023 ADA/GLASS-ED Shows
  • Gift Certificates
  • Contact Us
  • Calendar
  • Client Resources
  • Reviews
  • Working Uphill Mentoring

Kimberly Dunlap

USDF Bronze Medalist

For over 20 years Kimberly Dunlap has been involved in the Midwest and USDF Region II equestrian community as a rider, coach, trainer and clinician. 


Kimberly has devoted her life to her education and has passionately studied Classical Dressage, horsemanship, and biomechanics. She has ridden competitively to 4th Level herself and has coached riders to competitive success from Intro/beginner through 4th Level as well. 


Through the years Kimberly has worked with horses of many breeds, ranging from imported warmbloods, thoroughbreds, quarter horses, arabians, friesians, morgans, mustangs, appaloosas, paints, ponies, drafts and everything in between - even gaited!
 

She is especially passionate about helping non-traditional breeds transition successfully into Dressage or Western Dressage from other sports. She 110% believes that the study of classical horsemanship is for ALL horses and that, when done correctly, it brings out the most beautiful and most athletic version of each horse. 


Her ongoing commitment to understanding conformation, equine psychology, biomechanics, physics and Classical Dressage theory make her well-rounded approach powerful and effective. Kimberly has a patient, clear way of communicating that allows her riders to progress through the levels with confidence and success, both in and out of the show ring.


She is the author and curator of The Science of Riding, a free resource for equine welfare and sound training practices.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/scienceofriding


More below.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

OTHER CLINICS & COACHING

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • USDF Bronze Medalist
  • Attended the USDF "L" program in 2016-2017
  • USDF University Certificate 2016
  • USDF University Diploma 2023
  • ADA Board Member, various roles 2010-2021
  • 2021 ADA 2nd Level Open Year End Champion
  • 2020 2nd Level Open Champion - Wyn Farm 
  • 2018 GLRSSC 3rd Level Freestyle Open Champion
  • 2018 ADA 3rd Level Freestyle Open Champion
  • 2019 Cham

  • USDF Bronze Medalist
  • Attended the USDF "L" program in 2016-2017
  • USDF University Certificate 2016
  • USDF University Diploma 2023
  • ADA Board Member, various roles 2010-2021
  • 2021 ADA 2nd Level Open Year End Champion
  • 2020 2nd Level Open Champion - Wyn Farm 
  • 2018 GLRSSC 3rd Level Freestyle Open Champion
  • 2018 ADA 3rd Level Freestyle Open Champion
  • 2019 Champion – 4th Level Open at Lone Tree ADA
  • 2022 2nd Level Open Champion - USDF @ Albion
  • 2022 3rd Level Open Reserve Champion @ Wyn Farm 

PRIMARY COACHES

OTHER CLINICS & COACHING

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Primary coach since 2015: USDF Gold Medalist Katrina Hiller 
  • USDF Gold Medalist Carrie Wilson
  • ​USDF Silver Medalist Sue Thome 2010-2017
  • ​USDF Silver Medalist Erica Treis-Petersen 2007-2010

OTHER CLINICS & COACHING

OTHER CLINICS & COACHING

OTHER CLINICS & COACHING

  • USDF Gold Medalist JJ Tate
  • USDF Gold Medalist, Katie Foster 
  • Long Lining Expert, Richard Malgram
  • ​USDF Gold Medalist Fred Weber
  • USDF Gold Medalist ​Catherine Haddad-Staller​​
  • ​USDF Gold Medalist Susan Jaccoma
  • ​USDF Gold Medalist Nicholas Fyffe 
  • Claudio Oliveria Long Lining Clinic
  • "S" Judge Dolly Hannon

Additional Education

  • 2023 USDF New Tests Symposium w/ Maryal Barnett
  • 2023 Centaur Biomechanics "Pole Kinematics" - presenting research on integrating pole work into training & conditioning 
  • 2022 Susanne Von Deitz - Balance in Movement 4 part series
  • 2022 "Evaluating Saddle Fit" Certificate - FEI Campus 
  • 2022 Improving Bridle Fit- from an Evidence Based and Practical Perspective from Centaur Biomechanics - England
  • 2021 Canterworks Education Series - Hillary Clayton; Conformation for Sporthorses
  • 2021 FEI Campus - "Straightness & Symmetry" Certificate 
  • 2021 FEI Campus - "How horses learn" Certificate
  • 2021 "Spring Bootcamp"  4 days with Gold Medalist Katie Hiller at Wild Rose Farm. 
  • 2021 Sarah Geike "Virtual Lecture" Riding strategies to improve connection, balance and engagement. 
  • 2021 Charles de Kunffy "Virtual Lecture"  Inspiring Riders to Connect to Traditional Theories.
  • 2020-2022 -Ongoing Team Tate Academy Classical Dressage Education with JJ Tate
  • 2020 "Spring Bootcamp" 4 days with Gold Medalist Katie Hiller at Wild Rose Farm. 
  • 2017-2018 USDF "L" Judges Training Program
  • 2016 Dressage Foundation Grant - 2 weeks intensive study with Katie Hiller at Wild Rose Farm in Wisconsin. 
  • 2015 Spent winter in Wellington, Florida riding with Katie Hiller
  • 2013 New Rider Tests and Rider Collective Marks USDF University
  • 2011 International Dressage Summit (Christoff Hess, JJ Tate, Charles DeKunfy, Pat & Linda Parelli) – Wellington, FL
  • 2011 Symposium with Steffen Peters @ Albion College 
  • 2009 Balanced Rider - Balanced Horse USDF University: Convention Lecture
  • 2009 Finding Emotional Balance USDF University: Convention Lecture
  • 2009 Fabulous Freestyles with Tigger Montague & Lilo Fore 

Happy Clients Say It Best...

Kimberly is an EXCELLENT trainer and great person. I highly recommend her! She believes in you and your horse, is patient, explains concepts well, and puts the health and happiness of horse's before all.  

~Heather Stille, Client since 2020

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    Riding Lessons. Training. Clinics. Shows.

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    Hello, Welcome!

    Willow Ridge is excited to offer one of the only All-Adult programs in West Michigan. We have passionately built a refuge from the craze of everyday life; a peaceful oasis close to town but worlds away!

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