RIDER STORIES

"Where do I start... I have known Kristen for a few years, but it was only when hearing some friends experiences which made me think we need to give this a go. Kristen has such a natural eye in identifying what needs to be worked on at each stage in training, and to push you and your horse to your limits but never over them. She brings a vibrant energy and worldly knowledge to everyday training and her background in competitive and classical dressage, ensures that you receive all the fundamental classical basics of dressage which I have found hard to find in the modern equestrian world.
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Kristen has helped me and my horse tremendously, not only in riding but in hand work, liberty, behaviours, biomechanics etc. I didn’t know that training your horse could be so interesting and both our minds have been challenged and excited by this.

Kristen kindly offers you her team of contributors from body works to nutritionists to make sure you and your horse are on the right track both in and out of the saddle to make both of you stronger. Kristen is a very approachable and very professional coach and mentor who is perfect for the rider who strives for more. If you have issues that need to be ironed out – nothing is ever too big of a problem. And if you would like your horses mind entertained and rewarded every session, and if you have a desire to always keep learning, which is most of us.. Then she is your answer. I feel so grateful that this type of horse training and approach to dressage is available because it is absolutely awesome, and once you get going, the rewards just keep coming! Thank you!"

- Maddie Green

"Kristen Closson is more than just a coach, she is a constant source of support, inspiration, and progressive thinking in the dressage community. Since moving away from the Sydney to Orange, I’ve continued to feel her support from afar. She checks in regularly and always calls after competitions to go through the tests online. Her remote coaching has been just as insightful and encouraging as being in the arena beside her.

What sets Kristen apart is not just her expertise with horses, but her deep understanding of rider biomechanics. Her knowledge extends beyond the saddle, she works on the intricate connection between horse and rider, focusing on posture, balance, and classical principles that are too often overlooked. Coming from the UK, where there is a strong emphasis on rider biomechanics and classical correction, I have found it incredibly difficult to find a coach in Australia who truly understands and applies these principles. Kristen is that coach. Her approach is rare here, and it's something that should be promoted more widely.

Kristen is also a passionate advocate for change in the sport. She’s helping drive a much-needed shift in culture,  one that puts horses first and uplifts not just riders, but judges and peers as well. Through her involvement in EA events, she is educating the broader community and creating a more compassionate, thoughtful sport.

In an environment often affected by politics, Kristen remains generous, humble, and inclusive. She openly shares her own challenges, reminding us that growth comes from learning, even as a coach. She uplifts others, introduces and supports newcomers, and stands by those who are trying to do things the right way.

Kristen may be just one person, but she’s making a powerful impact, redefining what it means to coach with integrity, insight, and heart."
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- Debbi Smith

"Kristen is so rare in that she is the complete package. First and foremost she is unique in her generosity in that she gives so much of herself and her knowledge to her students.  She doesn’t turn off when the lesson finishes.  She’s there for us and invests so much of herself.  She also gives so much back to the sport in general.

In addition she also has amazing biomechanical knowledge, together with her ability as a rider and trainer means she’s able to very quickly identify the root cause of any issue. As well Kristen has an equally impressive eye together with the vocabulary and ability to deliver a message to suit the rider. I’ve seen her many a time change the message to ensure every rider walks away understanding the lesson. 

My level of understanding as well as my riding ability has grown exponentially since I met and started lessons with Kristen for these reasons. I routinely tell Kristen “I am fortunate to have found you!” Which I sincerely mean as I find her unequalled as an instructor."
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- Monique Batterham

 "​I began getting lessons from Kristen 5 years ago and have had the pleasure of working under her as a groom since March 2020. In that time, I have progressed from a nervous, clueless 14 year old to a growing in confidence rider with a countless opportunities at my fingertips thanks to Kristen. She has helped me smash my riding goals, is guiding me along the path to become a coach, and at the centre of it all, has helped me to achieve a harmonious partnership with my horse. Kristen is calm, assertive, insanely knowledgeable and has an eye for detail that many of us can only dream of! She has changed the trajectory of not only my riding career but my whole life immeasurably. I really owe it all to her!"

- Gabi Read

“Kristen Closson is someone everyone needs in their life when you own a horse. All I wanted, when we bought our first horse Gemima in October 2023, was for someone to guide us through this experience in a gentle, open minded, loving way. And then Kristen came into our lives!
 
After she coached Maya for 6 months at the Agistment place we were at, we decided to send Gemima up to Closson Dressage for what was meant to initially be 4 weeks while we were overseas. At that point Gemima was fairly difficult to ride and we struggled to understand what was happening and why she was so unhappy. Maya became really unsure and wasn’t enjoying riding her. 

fter the 4 weeks we went up to see Gemima and she looked like a different horse. Her whole body and mind seemed to have relaxed and she looked so healthy. We decided to keep Gemima with Kristen for longer and what followed was weeks of going back to basics, trusting Gemima and gaining her trust, doing beautiful groundwork, working on listening and communicating respectfully with one another. Maya learned to step up for Gemima when she needed to and show her love and confidence wherever they were. Maya learned to breathe, to sit and move to the rhythm of Gemima’s body and learned cues and tiny tweaks to strengthen their communication. We learned how to look after her gear, how to clean and wash her properly, we had endless advice on rugs, bits, halters, saddles, blankets, feed and Kristen was always up for another question!
It has truly been an incredible journey and I feel honoured to have worked with Kristen. Watching her around her own horses, she is so respectful, so intuitive, so honest and truly beautiful. And not just with her own horses but our horse too. 
 
We could not have hoped for a better guide for our daughter and her journey with Gemima. Kristen’s approach is holistic, down to earth, incredibly honest and comes with so much love and respect and always professional. Her knowledge is endless and she has a beautiful way of sharing it. No matter where someone is at in their horse journey, you can count meeting Kristen as a true blessing. We will forever be thankful for her help in setting Maya up with so many tools and so much knowledge and confidence.”

​-Julia Henty

"Kristen Closson is truly an outstanding instructor, clinician, judge and person. Her extensive knowledge of horse and rider biomechanics, care and management is second to none. Kristen is incredibly eloquent in the way she teaches. She has pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I have become a kinder, more attentive rider because of her.
 
I’m so thankful for her guidance and expertise. For anyone who is interested in improving their riding and horsemanship I cannot recommend Kristen enough."
 
- Emmy Nomikos
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