Kim Herslow Dressage and her team of clients at Upper Creek Farm have had an extremely active year of training and competition while attending shows at the NJ Horse Park, Red Tail Farm and Dressage at Devon.
As the 2022 show season comes to an end, Kim and her clients are reflecting on the past year while setting their sites on heading south to Wellington, Florida for another successful winter circuit.
Let’s Take a Look at 2022 In Review!
Jennifer Chaki began a new partnership with Degas this past year, starting her season with scores at Training level in the mid 60’s. They attended multiple shows this season, worked hard and showed great improvement, finishing the year with scores in the low 70’s.
Degas is a 10 year old Oldenburg gelding by Davidoffs Hit out of Noblest Yet, purchased by Jennifer from Linda Zang in December of 2021.
“We are a match made in heaven,” according to Jenn, who is ready to move up to First level. “My goals for training with Kim are to have fun, build a lasting partnership with my horse and do the little steps that add up to bigger things. I”m a Pilates instructor and own my own business. I love working with Kim because she is so detail oriented and is all about body awareness. Kim makes everything seem possible and attainable. Degas is a thrill to ride, to say the least, but that’s what makes him fun and I love him.”
17 year old Emma Park and Fancys Phineas WH (aka Phin), also made big improvements in their scores throughout the show season with scores up to 70% in their Training and 1st level tests. Phin is a 15 year old Dutch Harness/Arab cross that Emma has owned for a little over 2 years. She has been in training with Kim for just over a year and has shown much progress and is moving up through the winter.
Barbara Wolfe and Rusty, a 17 year old Hanoverian gelding, have trained with Kim for the past 3 years during the summer months at Upper Creek and the winter months in Florida. They won their 3rd level class at Red Tail with scores in the mid 60’s!
Natasha Smith and Individu, a 9 year old KWPN Dutch warmblood mare sired by Negro, ship into Upper Creek for weekend sessions and travel with Kim to train in Florida. They have trained with Kim for 2 years and are looking forward to moving up to 3rd level this winter season in Wellington. Natasha also helps Kim with the care of the horses during her visits to Upper Creek Farm, and during the winter season in Florida, which is greatly appreciated!
Lori Bruno, owner of Holgazan, a 2014 PRE imported from Spain, has had “Hugo” training and competing with Kim at 4th level this season with scores in the mid 60’s. He showed at NJHP, and Red Tail and the 4-2 at Devon with his highest score to finish up (66.8%).
“Kim has a keen understanding of the mentality, sensitivity, and way of going for the Iberian breeds, as is reflected in her educated training of both Hugo and myself.
Hugo is currently showing 4th level and is schooling the PSG in preparation for next spring.
“Kim’s training is always focused on Hugo’s balance and my riding position. We currently spend half of my lessons without stirrups, as she insists on the best rider biomechanics.
“Hugo and I have come a very long way since the inception of our training together, and I look forward to our team Herslow Dressage training and showing in Wellington this coming winter.”
Teresa Cooper, who has had Whimsey at Upper Creek for over 17 years, was unable to compete Bolt this year, but is looking forward to returning to 3rd level on Bolt in 2023. Kim is very grateful to Teri for being in her program for so many years and for all of her support!
Kim showed her own Feymar OLD, an Oldenburg mare by Furstenball/Weltmeyer, 4th level this past season with scores up through 71%+ in the 4-1 and the 4-2, and scores of 70% in 4-3. They finished the season on a high note at Dressage at Devon, Placing 2nd in a big class at 4-2. This mare has really matured this season and Kim is looking towards moving up to PSG and the small tour by Florida’s end!
Kim also continues to show her own Elvis HI, owned in partnership with Ailene Cascio. In his first I2 last month at Red Tail Farm in Bedminster, NJ Elvis achieved scores of 72.5% and a 68%. The plan in Florida is to continue competing I2 and move up to GP.
Prior to DAD, Upper Creek Farm also enjoyed a Freestyle with Boy DeWinter, who demonstrated how to create musical arrangements for horses and riders of all levels. It was fun for clients who had a chance to be involved with selecting appropriate music for their horses and freestyle tests. A great learning experience for everyone!
Kim is also grateful to her connection with Linda Zang, who continues to come once a month to teach at Upper Creek Farm throughout the spring and the summer!
Looking Forward to Winter 2023!
Kim is planning to head South to Wellington in early January with Elvis, Feymar, Hugo, Individu to train and compete thru the end of March. They will be based at Neve Myburgh’s farm on C Road From January through March with plans to show at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and potentially at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala.
During the winter months, Kim will also have open stalls at home in Stockton, NJ for a professional looking to have access to train in the comfort of the indoor arena at Upper Creek Farm. There are up to 6 stalls available in the upper barn, with plenty of turnout and a 2 bedroom cottage on site for rent as well.
Please reach out to Kim directly at kherslow@uppercreekfarm.com or cell 732-259-0412, and on IG @Kimherslow!
