Kim Krieckhaus

About Kim Krieckhaus

Lessons at Willow Ponds Farm are taught by Kim Krieckhaus, certified by the American Riding Instructors Association (1996 - 2006) beginner to intermediate dressage and recreational riding.

An active dressage competitor, Kim is currently introducing her horse to 3rd level. In 1996 and 1998, she represented the Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association at the Regional Team Competition at 1st and 2nd level, respectively. She choreographs and competes in musical rides as well, including freestyle, pas de deux, and quadrilles. She and her teammates have been awarded ESDCTA championships in novice and intermediate quadrille, and training and 2nd level pas de deux. The team has performed by invitation at various venues in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

Kim began teaching dressage and jumping lessons part-time in 1988. In 1992 she moved from Alaska to New Jersey and began working full time in the horse industry. For a year she was employed as a groom and substitute instructor at a combined training barn. Then, in early 1994, she took responsibility for the beginner and intermediate lessons at a hunter/jumper barn. In 1996 Kim began teaching and training freelance. Her clients included individuals needing help with green or difficult horses, U.S Pony Club dressage and jumping instruction, handicap instruction, and substitute teaching. During the next five years Kim's program took root with a leased barn and grew to several dozen students and 16 horses. In December 2000 Kim and a few lesson horses relocated to Riggs , MO …

Kim's Instructional Philosophy:

It is my goal to create fun and enjoyment for my students of all ages (7 to 107!). My technique has three aspects: First, my teaching is grounded in safe riding and handling practices to minimize horsemanship's inherent risks. Second, I use many forms of instruction, including ring-work, trail rides and games to keep lessons recreational. Third, to increase students' confidence and ability to influence the horse while mounted, all lessons include working with the horse from the ground.

The style of riding I teach is known as "balanced seat". The goal is to develop students' ability to ride in balance and harmony with the horse, while effectively directing its movements. In learning balanced seat riding the student gains a secure foundation that may be developed into any discipline of riding from dressage, to jumping, to western. While I expect each student to become familiar with all aspects of my teaching, I do tailor lessons to the goals and personality of the student (or group) and concentrate most of the lesson on his/her preferred discipline(s): trail riding, dressage or jumping.

Please note what my objective is not : I am not a “show coach”. Although students will develop the skills needed for showing, and may attend in-house fun shows, they are not obligated, nor pushed, to show.