USDF BRONZE MEDALIST - Kimberly Dunlap

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For almost 25 years Kimberly Dunlap has been involved in the Midwest 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 is also deeply invested in training practices that prioritize the health, happiness, and welfare of our equine partners. She is a USDF Bronze medalist and has ridden competitively to 4th Level herself and has coached riders to competitive success from Intro/beginner through 4th Level as well. She has completed the USDF "L" judge training program classroom sessions twice - once as a participant and once as an auditor. She is not interested in judging so has not tested for certification but the insights and education from the courses were invaluable. 

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, Mutts, 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 and biomechanics is for ALL horses and that, when done correctly, it brings out the most beautiful and most athletic and confident 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 with confidence and success, both in and out of the show ring.

 Her primary goal is to improve harmony between horse and rider through refinement of communication and alignment. While this type of work will always result in higher scores in a Dressage test, the welfare and happiness of the horse through correct work is the focus. The majority of her riders do ride Dressage, but Willow Ridge is welcoming and encouraging to riders of any sport interested in learning how to better communicate and care for their horse. 

Kimberly hopes to complete her USDF Silver Medal & USDF Bronze Freestyle Bar in 2025.

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

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