110 SIDELINES AUGUST 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Alexa Cheater
A natural athlete, Kim Farlinger
of Cedar Valley, Ontario,
participated in several sports
during her youth, but her love of
horses eventually won out. She
quickly advanced up the levels
and, in 2003, captured the junior
gold medal at the North American
Junior and Young Riders’
Championship. Two years later,
she finished fourth individually in
the young riders’ division at the
same event and was short listed
to the Canadian Show Jumping
Team for the first time.
Since then, Kim has enjoyed
impressive results in grand prix
rings across North America. She
is now focusing on developing
a group of talented young
horses, including Caprice van de
Brouwershoeve, a 10-year-old
Westphalian mare that will start
contesting the larger grand prix
events this season. Kim owns and
operates Kim Farlinger Stables
where she helps develop the next
generation of grand prix horses
and riders.
What is your biggest riding accomplishment to date?
My biggest accomplishment is two-fold: being short listed to the
Canadian Team in 2005 and developing successful show jumpers
from their beginnings as green prospects all the way up to grand
prix level. This sport can be rewarding in more ways than just
results in the show ring.
How do you prepare before a big class?
I don’t have much of a ritual. I try to make sure I have enough
time to focus on the class and not be rushed. I like to make sure
the other facets of my job don’t interfere with the time needed for
an important class.
What are your future goals in terms of your equestrian career?
I have a couple of young grand prix horses that will jump
some bigger classes this year. I am striving to build a string of
competitive grand prix horses that will compete throughout North
America.
What was your most embarrassing moment with horses?
I was warming up for a grand prix and was just trotting around.
My horse spooked and spun around…before I knew what
happened I was on the ground and my horse was jumping out of
the warm-up ring without me.
What traits do you look for in a horse?
I like brave, smart horses that are quick and agile. They
need to have natural power and style when they jump. Also,
it makes it a lot easier if they are willing to learn and have a
good temperament.
If you had the opportunity to ride any horse in the world,
living or dead, which one would it be?
Secretariat. It would be exciting to go that fast on a horse!
What is the one piece of riding equipment you can’t live
without?
My Antares riding helmet. I never ride without it.
Who has had the biggest influence on your riding career?
My first grand prix horse, del Destino. We competed
internationally throughout North America. Without him, I would
definitely not be where I am today. He paved my way early in my
career.
What advice can you give young riders who are hoping to
make it to the top of the sport?
You will need to work harder than you can imagine...and then
work some more! It is not easy to make it in this industry but if you
are doing it for the right reasons, you will be successful. You must
always remember it is about the horses.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Never stop learning. If you keep an open mind and look around
there is always something to learn.
Alexa Cheater is an avid horse lover who spends an inordinate amount of time at the
barn for someone who doesn’t own a horse. When she’s not enjoying the company
of her favorite four-legged friends, she’s writing about them as Communications
Specialist for Starting Gate Communications Inc., a full-service public relations
agency specializing in equestrian sport.
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Kim Farlinger’s Hard Work Pays Off
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Kim Farlinger and Caprice van de Brouwershoeve
Photo by Diana Hadsall
