USDF BRONZE MEDALIST - Kimberly Dunlap

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

RESUME BELOW: 

• 2024 Basics to Brilliance Symposium w/ JJ Tate & Suzanne Galdun - 3rd Level Demo Rider
• 2024 USDF "L" Program Host, Session C
• 2023 USDF "L" Program Host, Sessions A & B 
• 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.
• Ongoing since 2020 -  Team Tate Academy: Classical Dressage Education with FEI trainerJJ 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