Featured Trainer
Interview With Erin King
Erin is a native of Northern California. She was born and raised in Benicia but decided that Marin County was the place to build her home and business.
Q. Erin can you tell us why you decided to focus on Marin?
A. Well, I have traveled quite a bit, and this part of Northern California is one of the most spectacularly beautiful places in the world. When I am out riding (particularly on the trail) I can't help but cherish the place. I know I am lucky to be able to ride in such beautiful surroundings - from early morning gallops on Limantour Beach to the incredible drama of the Redwoods.
Q. Did you grow up in a family that shared your love for horses?
A. Oh no, I did not come from a horse family. As a youngster at Girl Scout camp I rode a little and there was just no turning back. At 8 years old I began taking lessons in the East Bay with trainer Sarah Vernlund. As soon as I was able, I became a working student at Wild Horse Valley Ranch (WHVR) in Napa. That is where I learned the ins and outs of horse care and got interested in the Eventing world. I worked in trade for lessons on the weekends and during the week I worked with Wayne Quarles who was training Hunter-Jumpers in the East Bay. All that time I sponsored and rode a variety of mounts and I continued Eventing throughout my teens. Then, when WHVR unexpectedly shut down in the early 90's I quit riding for a brief time.
Q. What did you do when you returned to horses?
A. After my hiatus I went on to train with Teresa Korol, an international level event trainer and competitor. I worked for and rode with her over a 10-year period. I was her personal groom and "eyes on the ground" at the World Cup and FEI events nationwide. Our home base, however, was right here in Marin. During this time I was mostly showing Jumpers on my horse Tex and also riding with my coach and good friend, Wayne Thomsen.
In 2002, I spent several months in New Zealand and while there I was Head Groom for a Grand Prix show jumping team. I worked with the young horses in between the horse shows nearly every weekend! When I returned to the United States, I found my way back to Marin and continued to work with Teresa Korol; as well as teach at and manage a barn in Sebastopol. Marion Shippey hired me as her Assistant Trainer and from there I began to fall in love with Dressage. I worked part time for Marion for two years. On the side, I started my own young horse as well as a couple of others, retrained and sold track horses, rode for two other trainers, and catch rode several times a week.
Q. Was there a turning point when you decided to become a trainer or did your life experiences lead you into this career?
A. I suppose I worked my way up the ladder from amateur working student, to head groom, barn manager, and eventually assistant trainer to some reputable names in the horse world. Then people started approaching me to work with their horses or start their youngsters under saddle. Once I felt confident and capable enough in my skills and my mentors agreed, I went out on my own. I am still learning every day. You can't help but absorb something every time you get in the saddle. I currently clinic with top trainers and have a wonderful coach and team but in the end the horses are my best teachers.
I started my own business, “All The Kings Horses” at a facility in the East Bay and for over a year I worked with several dressage, jumping, rehab, and sale horse clients. At the same time, however, I taught part-time out of Dickson Ranch in Marin. This past summer I consolidated my business to the Marin side of the Bay and now continue to work at Dickson Ranch. I also start horses and ride for a top dressage show barn, Christine Rivlin Dressage at Riverside Equestrian Center in Petaluma. If my schedule permits, I travel to private facilities. As a matter of fact I train the two premarin rescue babies featured in your last newsletter.
Q. What areas of training and coaching most interest you?
A. I really like to teach modern principals mixed with a natural more Classical approach. I have a "less is more" philosophy, and I am not a fan of gadgets and contraptions that force a horse into submission or allow the rider to look good by cutting corners. I feel that a proper foundation is mandatory for both rider and horse. I teach simple building block exercises which aid in more advanced movements later. This also helps the horse to develop proper muscle groups and athleticism so that they can go more comfortably, correctly, and stay sound longer. I enjoy teaching a rider how to feel and make his or her own subtle adjustment to make the horse work more happily. I get all excited when "light bulbs" go on for a horse and rider combination. Even an untrained eye can see when there is harmony – it’s the nirvana of equitation if you will.
I want to teach any rider who wants to learn. My students range from prize riders in the hunter jumper and Dressage arenas, to trail riders who are looking for supplemental workouts and want to sharpen their riding skills and equine understanding.
I enjoy and find good in every horse--I think I have a knack for awakening even the most introverted horse personalities. I am not bias to breed or conformation. When training horses I love to work with the babies because the trust and relationships that build up with the youngsters is so rewarding. I also enjoy working with well-behaved stallions. I like the challenge of their personalities. They can be a lot to handle but that spirit can really turn to shine in the arena. I am working with 5 of them right now.
Q. Do you have a place where people can bring their horses or do you go out to your client's facilities?
A. I work out of Dickson Ranch in Woodacre and at Riverside Equestrian Center in Petaluma. I welcome trailer-in students, and can travel to private facilities if scheduling permits. I offer customized training packages for both horse and rider and I can work with each client to discuss how they want to prioritize the focus of their program between the fitness of the horse and the advancement of the rider. I am also available to show clients' horses.