SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Thursday, May 12 2022 / Published in General

Kimmy Cecere: Finding Her Life’s Calling

By Haylie Kerstetter

Portraits by Alex Banks

 

Kimmy Cecere always knew she was destined to compete. Although her show career started in the hunter ring, she fell in love with the feeling of galloping across fields and exploring the woods, jumping anything in sight, and knew eventing was her calling. Now located in Middleburg, Virginia, and Ocala, Florida, Kimmy is a CCI4* rider with two FEI wins, one national win and three top 20 finishes at the 4*Long level.

Kimmy grew up on her parents’ farm in Littleton, Massachusetts, where she began riding before she could walk. When she was in elementary school, she went to Denny Emerson’s Tamarack Hill Farm every summer, where she found her life’s calling. After earning her undergraduate degrees at the University of Kentucky, Kimmy got a job as the assistant coach of the hunt seat team at Bridgewater College, while getting her MBA at North Central University and competing a small string of eventing horses.

 

Now a professional, Kimmy works for Lauren Nicholson (née Kieffer) helping to start young horses as well as show horses owned by Jacqueline Mars. Kimmy was selected as the 2020 recipient of the Wilton Fair Grant, which is enabling her to spend much of this year training in England, which will help her work toward her goal of producing CCI5* horses and eventually representing the United States on the Olympic stage.

 

Kimmy was selected as the 2020 recipient of the Wilton Fair Grant, which is enabling her to spend much of this year training in England.

 

 

What’s your favorite thing about eventing?

I love that the bond between horse and rider is incredibly strong. To successfully compete at a three-day event requires a blend of delicate artistry, powerful grit and a significant amount of trust. Plus, the adrenaline rush on cross-country day is pretty fun!

Who have been some of your most notable trainers throughout your career?

My mom started coaching me when I was very young. Coaching a stubborn teenage girl should be an Olympic sport, and she deserves a world of credit. Once we started eventing, I spent most of my summers with Denny Emerson. Denny ingrained patience and kindness with the horses, and had a work ethic that I’m still trying to measure up to. After I started going Preliminary, my mom took me for regular lessons with Jerry Shurink. Over the years, Jerry has become not only a trainer, but a mentor, sounding board and cherished friend. He has a wealth of knowledge and is always happy to share. In 2016 he introduced me to Lauren, as well as David O’Connor. Lauren and David have perfected the art of developing winning horses from 3-year-olds to five-star horses in a gentle and kind environment. I’m still learning so much from them.

 

What was your college experience like?

I went to the University of Kentucky for undergrad, and North Central University for my graduate degree. It was an irreplaceable experience that gave me a glimpse of, as well as a skill set for, life outside of competing horses. In addition to the classroom knowledge, college taught me time management and interpersonal skills, and gave me lifelong friendships.

Kimmy said getting to wake up and do what she loves every day is pretty special.

 

What’s it like riding and working for Lauren Kieffer?

I’ve been with Lauren for six years. I have grown as a rider, trainer and competitor in my time with Lauren. My primary job is to break the babies, and then Lauren competes them when they’re around 5 years old. We have a great partnership, and I’ve been fortunate to develop a small string for myself through the support of this team, and with the help of David O’Connor and Lauren.

What are your plans for the coming year?

I will be training and competing in England from March to September. The first three months I will be at the Yorkshire Riding Centre with Christopher Bartle, and the remainder of my time will be spent with Tim and Jonelle Price. I was the 2020 recipient of the Wilton Fair Grant, a generous grant gifted by David Lenaburg, intended to give international experience to young professionals looking to be competitive on a global scale.

Do you currently compete with your own horses?

I don’t personally own any horses. My parents graciously kept my horses at our farm when I was hired for my current position. Now they enjoy showing riders the ropes in hunters and eventing. I ride for Landmark’s Young Event Team, a breeding program developed by Jaqueline Mars and run by Sue Clarke and the team at Stonehall Farm. Working with the young horses is my favorite part of the day, and it has proven to be vastly rewarding in and out of the saddle.

 

Kimmy grew up on her parents’ farm in Littleton, Massachusetts, where she began riding before she could walk.

 

 

What is the best thing about your life?

My inner circle: My family, friends and boyfriend are incredibly supportive. I am grateful to have them in my life. Plus, I get to wake up and do what I love every day and that’s pretty special.

Best kept secret about what you do!

When we break the babies, I ride them for the first few months in a halter. We teach them to turn with a large orange rod called a carrot stick, and to slow down with a rope that is loosely draped around their neck. They get a bridle only once they are ready to start competing.

 

Kimmy Cecere in Ocala, Florida, with Landmark’s Jungle Gold, known as Richy, owned by Jacqueline Mars.

 

Follow Kimmy on Instagram @kimmycecere

 

Photos by Alex Banks, www.alexbanksphotography.com

 

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: England, equestrian, equine, eventing, horses, Kimmy Cecere

What you can read next

Lauren Hough and Ohlala Stay Clear for Victory in $33,000 Holiday and Horses Opener Grand Prix presented by Horse Gym USA
Dog for Adoption – Tyler
Dog of the Day – Edgar

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here and we are so excited to feature three-day eventer Liz Halliday on the cover! Big thanks to photographer Melissa Fuller for the beautiful photo of Liz and Cooley Nutcracker- Liz Halliday-Sharp - HS Eventing. Liz and her horses have taken the eventing world by storm - and find out how Liz is at the top of the sport as a female eventer! As the horse world gears up for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event 2023, it's the perfect time to enjoy our eventing issue!! We also feature eventer and woman entrepreneur Frankie Thieriot Stutes, who is not only an eventer, but also runs Athletux and FRANKIE CAMERON handbags and accessories. And don't miss our eventing story on Robert "Bobby" Costello, who will be leading the US Eventing team to the 2024 Paris Olympics- and US Equestrian has named Bobby the eventing technical advisor/chef d'equipe!! Liz, Frankie and Bobby all have GREAT stories - don't miss any of them and don't forget to get your tickets for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day event! We are also excited to introduce you to hunter-jumper rider Casey Lorusso Smith, who is not only a talented rider but also a psychotherapist and incorporates horses into her career. If you are up for adventure, then read the story on dressage rider Priscilla Baldwin who certainly doesn't let any grass grow under her feet! We also head to the west coast to catch up with hunter-jumper trainer Jim Hagman of Elvenstar Farm, we feature beautiful art by equestrian artist Tammy Tappan, and we get to know Miranda Jones and her family. Miranda is not only an attorney who spends a lot of time in the courthouse, but she's a rider and spends lots of time riding, and is joined by her daughters also! We are excited to feature Stephanie Lightner in our Unbridled column, and don't miss our columnists George Williams, Robert R.L. Jacobs and Margie Sugarman! It's a great issue - and you can read it online, but don't forget to go to the website and order a subscription and get every issue delivered to your mailbox!! Enjoy this issue and enjoy the ride: Link in bio!!
It's finally Spring🌷🌻☀️! Get your barn s It's finally Spring🌷🌻☀️! Get your barn set up with a Pyranha SprayMaster Misting System. 
✅Provides whole barn insect control! 
✅Easy to install with basic tools!
✅Electric pump & programmable automatic timer!

Get yours today!
@pyranhalife

#pyranhalife #madeintheusa #pyranha #equestrian #horselife #horselifestyle #barncare
Marie Meyers has been around the world because of Marie Meyers has been around the world because of dressage, but it’s her farm in Moorpark, California, that has captured her heart. The farm and the business that thrives there represent Marie’s lifelong journey—a journey made up of good friends, spectacular horses and relationships made to last.

Marie was raised in Southern California, and spent her childhood playing just about every sport under the sun, but she didn’t discover riding until she was 14 years old. “I loved animals so much, so I started taking lessons. I did jumping at first, but I was very bad at that, for sure!” Marie laughed.

After some time, Marie moved on to take lessons at Foxfield Riding Academy and began riding dressage. “I fell into dressage by accident,” Marie said, “At the beginning, I thought it was extremely boring, but then I got hooked. By the time I graduated from high school, I had plans to travel to England to work for Franz Rochowansky, a former head of the Spanish Riding School.”

In 1988, Marie’s hard work paid off, and the pair was selected as alternates for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games. “They didn’t take the alternates that year, so we didn’t go to Seoul, but the experience, the training and the European Tour afterwards set me up for the 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, Sweden,” Marie said.

In addition to having success representing her country, Marie was busy with her life—marriage, a business, teaching lessons and clinics. 

Learn more about Marie in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more 🦄

📸Photos by Lindsey Long Equine Photography, www.lindseylong.com

#dressage #equestrian #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #dressagehorse #equestrianlife #showjumping #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #instahorse #dressur #horselove #eventing #equestrianstyle #cheval #dressagerider #horselife #horselover #pferde #love #riding #jumping #pferdeliebe #horseofinstagram #horsebackriding #paard #dressurpferd
We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on o We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on our socials where we share some of the lovely stallions, and their breeders featured in each month's magazine. Our first feature on this #STUDSunday is...

 ✨ALVESTA OWAIN✨
Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Fairy Lustre
13.1hh, Welsh section B
Stud Fee $750 (plus collection)
AI only and EVA negative
Fairfield, VA

Contact Cheryl Maye at (703) 431-9096 for more information
https://www.mayeshowponies.com/more-info/stallions

You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

📸  SAS Equestrian
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • PROGRESSIVE SHOW JUMPING, INC.
    803-649-3505/3677 fax psjcathy@gmail.com www.psjshows.com

    [Read more]

  • A Wynning Advantage
    Take the Leap! Take your equestrian event or business to the next level. Lifestyle Marketing • Public Relations • Sponsorship Sales • Event Activation Sponsorship • Marketing • Promotion Event Management • Ananlytics Press/Email Campaigns • Editorial Photography • Social Media • Website Design Ad Copy • Onsite and Remote Activation Lisa Davis Engel • awynningadvantage@yahoo.com • 908-310-6248

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island
  • A Paris Horse Adventure: Saut Hermes 2022

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Will Coleman Retains Yanmar America CCI4*-S Lead in Dramatic Show Jumping at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International
  • First edition of the World Sport Horse Sales was a hit with $410.000 for the most expensive horse
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp Takes Third Victory in $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field

Category

Recent Posts

  • April 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Building a Bond With a New Horse

    By Margie Sugarman I just bought a new horse. I...
  • Developing Healthy Relationships With Your Barnmates

    By Rob Jacobs The purpose of this month’s colum...
  • The Value of Self-Coaching

    By Liz Halliday-Sharp The sport of eventing is ...
  • Unbridled With Annette Longenecker

    By Britney Grover  Annette Longenecker wasn’t j...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!