In March 2020 we caught up with Irish Dressage Rider Kate Dwyer after her Historical Win with her super horse, Snowdon Faberge, in the 5* Grand Prix Special in Qatar. The following is the Interview from that Issue of Irish Sport Horse Magazine.
Hi Kate, thanks for taking the time to chat with us. We know that you are from a horsey background, but when did you start to ride, and has dressage always been your Equestrian Sport of Choice?
Horses have always been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mother Maureen had me up on horses from a very young age and I never wanted to get off! I used to ride my pony Mirana bare back all the time. As a child I did try some show jumping and cross country and even did a hunt but my love has always been Dressage and from the age of 10 it became my main focus.
Who has been your greatest Inspiration and who did you train with through the years?
My greatest inspiration is firstly my mother Maureen, it was through watching her riding that my love of dressage began and she has been, and still is, my main trainer and biggest supporter. My mum always had a love for horses and even though she grew up in the city of Dublin she always found a way to spend time with them.
Her passion and love for them has completely rubbed off on me and I am always grateful to her for continually passing on her fountain of knowledge to me. A lot of riders inspire me but I have to say that I think Carl Hester is fantastic as he is not only a lovely harmonious and empathetic rider, he is also a kind person with a true love of animals. I also have a lot of respect for the Danish rider Cathrine Dufour and the German rider Jessica Von Bredow Werndl who are two exceptional riders.
Through the years I have been fortunate to have training from some amazing trainers including Conrad Schumacher, Ferdi Eilberg, Gareth Hughes, Johann Hinnemann and Jochen Rothleitner to name a few.
Of all the Equine Partners you have had to date, which ones have been the most memorable for you?
I have had many memorable horses and ponies throughout my life and I wish I could mention them all but there have been three horses who have launched my Dressage career. Firstly my Young rider horse Montana Bay known as Monty. He was a ¾ bred who we found thanks to the dressage judge Claire Fitzsimons. We purchased him as a 9yr old and trained him up to Small tour level and competed at the European Young Rider Championships in 2003 and 2004. We were members on the first ever Young Rider Dressage team for Ireland at the European Championships. He finished his career as Intermediare 1 National Champion.
Then there was our stallion Reve D’Or known as Tito in the yard. He was a very special horse who brought myself and my mother Maureen to International Grand prix level. He was a real character who made us laugh every day. In 2012 he was the National Champion.
Finally, there is Snowdon Faberge – “Fabio”. He was purchased as a 4 year old to make an ideal all round amateur horse. “Diamond in the rough” sums him up perfectly. When Fabio came into our lives I never would have imagined that he would bring me on this incredible journey. Fabio is not your “typical” dressage horse as he is part Shire. He truly is one in a million, big, powerful and surprisingly light on his feet!
Another Amazing Result for you in Qatar, being the first Irish Dressage Rider to Win a 5* Grand Prix Special! What a Result! Can you tell us a bit about how the competition went for you and Snowdon Faberge and what it felt like to take that win?
To be honest I am still on cloud nine after Doha! It was an amazing experience for both myself and Fabio. The venue, people and of course the weather were all fantastic! Fabio travelled brilliantly which was a huge relief for me as he had never flown before and it was good experience for him in the run up to Tokyo.
In the Grand Prix on the Friday I was delighted with his performance. He felt strong and confident in his work and took the atmosphere all in his stride.
On Saturday morning I was the last competitor into the arena for the Grand Prix Special. He felt really good in the warm up and was really with me when I entered the arena. The test was fluent, harmonious and confident.
When I realised I had won I was completely overwhelmed. It was just a fantastic result and I was so proud of Fabio and so proud for Ireland. Standing on the podium with the Irish national anthem playing is something I will never forget!
What are your plans for the rest of the season, leading up to Tokyo?
Fabio is confident at the competitions and very dependable and behaves impeccably, so my focus will be on more training right now with more Internationals from May onwards. I will also be focusing on building myself and Fabio’s aerobic fitness in preparation for the very hot and humid weather we will be faced with if we are selected for Tokyo.
Have you any young horses in the pipeline that you are excited about?
I currently have two younger horses who are moving up the ranks. Vaalserberg (Joey) is an 8yr old who is working at Advanced Medium level and then a 6yr old mare called Harmony who is currently working towards Medium level. They are both lovely horses and I am excited to see what the future holds for them!
Slightly different question now; when going out to buy a new dressage prospect, what qualities do you look for in a horse?
For me I like to look for a horse with 3 good paces. I love a good walk and canter and a rhythmical trot with an active hock. It is also so important that I feel a horse is trainable and “workman” like. I have ridden horses that have amazing movement and they look beautiful but they don’t have the trainability and this ends up being what stunts their progress up the levels.
Fabio is not your typical dressage horse as I have already mentioned but he has always had a fantastic work ethic. He has a super walk and a good canter and although he does not naturally have the most extravagant trot, through correct training and the fact that he is so rhythmical and active in his hock he has had the ability to move all the way up the levels.
Last question, if you had one piece of advice to offer a Young Equestrian starting Off in Dressage, what would it be?
I am going to struggle to keep this to just one thing! For me I feel success in any equestrian sport all stems from good training. It is so important to have help on the ground. I have been fortunate to always have my mother Maureen to support me through the levels and her knowledge of the sport has been so beneficial to me.
Knowing the importance of the basics is fundamental to your progress. Find a trainer that you like and you work well with and always remember that there will be lots of highs and lows along the journey – if it was easy everyone would be doing it! I would also say to remember to have fun and enjoy the journey with your horse/pony. They are amazing creatures and we are incredibly lucky to have them!
“For me I feel success in any equestrian sport all stems from good training. It is so important to have help on the ground.”
Kate Dwyer – Irish International Dressage Rider.
This Interview was originally published in March 2020 Issue of Irish Sport Horse Magazine. All pictures were provided courtesy of Kate Dwyer.