San Francisco Peninsula Chapter California Dressage Society

Meet the SFP Chapter members

This Month: Rachel Williamson

Q. When did you first start riding?
I first sat on a horse when I was 4 years old, began lessons at 7 and riding regularly by 11 years old. I am lucky to have been raised with a “horsey” family, as my parents have been in the harness horse racing industry for over 35 years. Unfortunately they still struggle with the concept of owning horses for the love, education and mental challenge of it, rather than for the profit!

Q. Tell us a little about your horse(s)?
I have a wonderful Dutch Warmblood named Kristal who is recovering from an injury.

Q. How did you become interested in Dressage?
I was fortunate to start at a riding school (Happy Horse Riding School in Davis) that required those of us interested in competing to be somewhat successful at Dressage. As an adult, I borrowed horses to ride and found that many weren’t sound enough to jump, but could do lower level dressage. So I began focusing my riding solely on Dressage in my early twenties.

Q. What are your goals with dressage?
I would like to become a good rider, and if I could do a Grand Prix test someday…well, that would be really nice! I’ve earned my Bronze and Silver Medals and I will earn my Gold medal someday – even if I’m 67! My other goal is to be a good instructor. I have a M.A. in Education, I am an “L” program participant and I take the learning process very seriously. I love encouraging people to communicate more effectively with their horses, and reminding people to have fun while learning. My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing my students succeed and graduate from me to top-level Grand Prix trainers.

Q. Where do you keep your horse(s)?
Villa Rosa in Hollister, but I also ride a number of client horses at Stanford Equestrian Center and Willow Creek Stables (formerly Serendipity Stables) in Half Moon Bay.

Q. Do you train with anyone? If yes, who?
I have been training with Heidi Gaian for over 16 years. I started working with her mother, Pam Nelson, in the late 90s and then convinced Heidi to clinic in Pacifica when she first began teaching. Both Heidi and her Mom were amazingly gracious when I would show up with whatever horse I could beg, borrow or steal (not really!). When I bought my first horse in 1997, I began to be able to take regular lessons with Heidi. Since 2001, I’ve been fortunate enough to work at Villa Rosa, working some amazingly talented horses under the watchful of Heidi. There’s nothing like constant, professional advice for learning how to ride correctly and reinforcing the fundamentals of our sport.

Q. Do you show?
Yes, as much as I can with all of my other responsibilities. I didn’t own a horse until my early 30s and showed other people’s horses until then. Last year was the first time in my life that I had the time and opportunity to ride the same horse at the same level long enough to qualify and go to the Championships – I was so proud of Kristal’s accomplishments last year at Prix St. Georges! It was unfortunate that Kristal injured himself coming into this show season year – I was really looking forward to a great season because showing under different judges and circumstances are a great educational experience. Ideally, he’ll be up for next season, but in the meantime, I am fortunate enough to show other people’s horses and help them prepare for shows.

Q. What is your regular "day job"?
Despite my family’s claim that I am a full time wife and mom, I work for Heidi at Villa Rosa two days a week. I also teach (lower level Dressage) at Stanford and Willow Creek Stables, as well as ride a few client horses. I am fortunate enough to ride a rather difficult mare that (despite her best efforts) will be showing Prix St. Georges at the Championships this year with her adult amateur owner. I also serve as an Equestrian Consultant to the San Francisco Parks Trust as part of the effort to reopen Golden Gate Stables in San Francisco. These are the jobs I am paid for…I could go on and on with all the unpaid “day jobs” I have!!!

Q. How do you fit riding into your schedule?
Many times in my life riding was something I did when I had time, and many times I have had to take extended vacations from riding. I am so lucky to have married a man that has not only owned horses, but also can completely relate to the addiction. He encouraged me to stop working in politics and to embrace that dressage was what I loved and could do for a living. I am extremely fortunate that I have spectacular horses to ride and wonderful clients who encourage me to be the best rider and teacher I can be.

Q. Is your husband/partner/family supportive of your riding?
Unbelievable so. My favorite dressage show was last year, where my husband brought my 4 and 5 year old to watch. My son, upon seeing me preparing to go in for my test, yelled “Bravo Mommy!” (I swear I did not teach him that.) Even the Judge had to laugh and ask if that was my kid! My husband was successful in the Hunter/Jumper world and sold his Grand Prix jumper to buy me a horse. Did I marry the right guy or what?! The only problem I’ve had with a “Horse Husband” is that he can tell a good ride from a bad one!!!

Q. Outside of riding, what other hobbies or sports do you enjoy?
Is there life outside of riding???? I am the poor example of the horse person that doesn’t know how to do any other sport…I am a complete klutz!!!! I do volunteer at my son’s school, etc. and spend all my extra time outside of riding with my children.


	Meet the SFP Chapter members This Month: Rachel Williamson *Q. When did you first start riding?* I first sat on a horse when I was 4 years old, began lessons at 7 and riding regularly by 11 years old. I am lucky to have been raised with a “horsey” family, as my parents have been in the harness horse racing industry for over 35 years. Unfortunately they still struggle with the concept of owning horses for the love, education and mental challenge of it, rather than for the profit! *Q. Tell us a little about your horse(s)?* I have a wonderful Dutch Warmblood named Kristal who is recovering from an injury. *Q. How did you become interested in Dressage?* I was fortunate to start at a riding school (Happy Horse Riding School in Davis) that required those of us interested in competing to be somewhat successful at Dressage. As an adult, I borrowed horses to ride and found that many weren’t sound enough to jump, but could do lower level dressage. So I began focusing my riding solely on Dressage in my early twenties. *Q. What are your goals with dressage?* I would like to become a good rider, and if I could do a Grand Prix test someday…well, that would be really nice! I’ve earned my Bronze and Silver Medals and I will earn my Gold medal someday – even if I’m 67! My other goal is to be a good instructor. I have a M.A. in Education, I am an “L” program participant and I take the learning process very seriously. I love encouraging people to communicate more effectively with their horses, and reminding people to have fun while learning. My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing my students succeed and graduate from me to top-level Grand Prix trainers. *Q. Where do you keep your horse(s)?* Villa Rosa in Hollister, but I also ride a number of client horses at Stanford Equestrian Center and Willow Creek Stables (formerly Serendipity Stables) in Half Moon Bay. *Q. Do you train with anyone? If yes, who?* I have been training with Heidi Gaian for over 16 years. I started working with her mother, Pam Nelson, in the late 90s and then convinced Heidi to clinic in Pacifica when she first began teaching. Both Heidi and her Mom were amazingly gracious when I would show up with whatever horse I could beg, borrow or steal (not really!). When I bought my first horse in 1997, I began to be able to take regular lessons with Heidi. Since 2001, I’ve been fortunate enough to work at Villa Rosa, working some amazingly talented horses under the watchful of Heidi. There’s nothing like constant, professional advice for learning how to ride correctly and reinforcing the fundamentals of our sport. *Q. Do you show?* Yes, as much as I can with all of my other responsibilities. I didn’t own a horse until my early 30s and showed other people’s horses until then. Last year was the first time in my life that I had the time and opportunity to ride the same horse at the same level long enough to qualify and go to the Championships – I was so proud of Kristal’s accomplishments last year at Prix St. Georges! It was unfortunate that Kristal injured himself coming into this show season year – I was really looking forward to a great season because showing under different judges and circumstances are a great educational experience. Ideally, he’ll be up for next season, but in the meantime, I am fortunate enough to show other people’s horses and help them prepare for shows. *Q. What is your regular "day job"?* Despite my family’s claim that I am a full time wife and mom, I work for Heidi at Villa Rosa two days a week. I also teach (lower level Dressage) at Stanford and Willow Creek Stables, as well as ride a few client horses. I am fortunate enough to ride a rather difficult mare that (despite her best efforts) will be showing Prix St. Georges at the Championships this year with her adult amateur owner. I also serve as an Equestrian Consultant to the San Francisco Parks Trust as part of the effort to reopen Golden Gate Stables in San Francisco. These are the jobs I am paid for…I could go on and on with all the unpaid “day jobs” I have!!! *Q. How do you fit riding into your schedule?* Many times in my life riding was something I did when I had time, and many times I have had to take extended vacations from riding. I am so lucky to have married a man that has not only owned horses, but also can completely relate to the addiction. He encouraged me to stop working in politics and to embrace that dressage was what I loved and could do for a living. I am extremely fortunate that I have spectacular horses to ride and wonderful clients who encourage me to be the best rider and teacher I can be. *Q. Is your husband/partner/family supportive of your riding?* Unbelievable so. My favorite dressage show was last year, where my husband brought my 4 and 5 year old to watch. My son, upon seeing me preparing to go in for my test, yelled “Bravo Mommy!” (I swear I did not teach him that.) Even the Judge had to laugh and ask if that was my kid! My husband was successful in the Hunter/Jumper world and sold his Grand Prix jumper to buy me a horse. Did I marry the right guy or what?! The only problem I’ve had with a “Horse Husband” is that he can tell a good ride from a bad one!!! *Q. Outside of riding, what other hobbies or sports do you enjoy?* Is there life outside of riding???? I am the poor example of the horse person that doesn’t know how to do any other sport…I am a complete klutz!!!! I do volunteer at my son’s school, etc. and spend all my extra time outside of riding with my children.