If you want to have fun and still move up the levels, Rachel Willamson is your trainer. Supportive and willing to work with just about any kind of horse or pony, Rachel has carved out a niche helping train people new to dressage, along with FEI level riders and horses. Based in Woodside at Sapphire Farm, Rachel has been a positive force within the SFP Chapter, offering support, guidance and most of all, a positive attitude.
A USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist, Rachel brings a solid background in the sport, having trained with notables such as Joh Hinnemann, Juan Matute, Corine Dorrepaal, Heidi Gaian and Pam Nelson. Rachel has successfully brought several horses to the FEI level, as well as helping her clients, including the Stanford Dressage Team, which she helped found, to year end championships and awards. All this while keeping a smile on her face and a fun approach for everyone she teaches.
We took a few minutes of Rachel’s time to ask her 8 questions, to help members get to know her better.
Did you have someone you looked up to in the horse world when you were younger?
Yes, when I was eventing and learning about dressage, it was Herman Koopmans.
What’s the most important lesson you had to learn the hard way?
Don’t get on a horse unless you see it take contact in either lunging or being ridden.
Was your first horse/pony a devil or a saint?
A saint that was a little broken.
If you could ride any horse, past or present, who would it be?
Glamordale!
What quality do you admire most in a horse?
Ridability.
If you were to change one thing about the Dressage world, what would it be?
I would make dressage affordable.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
Spending time with my family.
What is always in your refrigerator?
Eggs.