Chatting with Ally Dunlop

Ally Dunlop is a twenty-nine-year-old dressage rider originally from Burlington, Ontario. Currently based in Wellington, Florida, on an athlete’s visa, where she works as an assistant dressage trainer, helps with horse sales, and juggles part-time university studies. Ally says “horses pretty much run my schedule — and I wouldn’t have it any other way”.

Ally considers herself incredibly lucky to ride two “very special” KWPN geldings.

“Kick Pleasure is as talented as he is sensitive. He’s athletic, hilarious, full of electricity, and keeps life exciting both in the saddle and in the barn. Building our partnership over the past year has been a true adventure — sometimes graceful, sometimes acrobatic, always rewarding. We have a lot of fun together.”

“Knock Out is currently developing toward Grand Prix. He’s all charm, swagger, and heart — a fiery chestnut with the softest eyes and a deep nicker that greets me daily. Riding him feels like creating art. He’s sensitive, generous, and genuinely wants to please.”

She has developed a wonderful relationship with the pair and says “Both horses have completely stolen my heart. I feel incredibly grateful to ride and care for them every day”.

 

Who have been your mentors?

I have been super lucky to have had lots of great training. My real education started with Olympian David Marcus. He ran a dressage training barn near where I grew up. He was training for the 2012 Olympics in London.  Robert Dover would come to Ontario periodically to train David, and I participated in several clinics. When in Wellington, I had the opportunity to learn from Olympian Adrienne Lyle and observe her training with the US team dressage coach Debbie MacDonald. I also receive mentorship from Olympian Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven, Caroline Darcourt, Tuny Page, Levan Jishkariani and Trixi Marienau.  I appreciate the opportunity to observe riders in training, as I consistently gain valuable strategies and insights that help improve my own riding.

 

What do you love about dressage?

Everything! Improving the horse’s athleticism, the feeling of pure communication and connection, the energy underneath you, the dance. I love Dressage but I love horses first. So honestly even if I just get to be around them, I am plenty happy.

 

Your proudest achievements to date?

I have competed with many horses through FEI levels, from FEI pony up to U25 Grand Prix. I love showing CDI and really enjoyed showing on the Wellington circuit. One of my favourite shows is the CDI Dressage at Devon. I have developed several horses from the age of seven through FEI levels and it is incredibly rewarding to build partnerships.

 

What difficulties have you overcome?

There have been many challenges and difficult times. This sport is an art, but it is also highly competitive — and when you add living, breathing horses into the mix, it becomes even more complex.

As a sensitive person, navigating conflict can be especially difficult. Yet those experiences have also strengthened my resolve. At the end of the day, no one knows your horse better than you do, and sometimes that means making difficult decisions in the best interests of the horse that don’t necessarily align with others’ expectations — and you have to stand by that. My horse’s well-being will always be the priority.

It has also been challenging coming from a country where dressage is not very popular, as access to everything is more limited — fewer barns, trainers, and competitions. It was a difficult decision to base myself in Wellington, Florida. I am frequently homesick, but it has afforded me many opportunities I would not otherwise have had. I have invested literal blood, sweat, and copious tears into this sport, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. I feel very fortunate that my family and I have been able to make so many incredible opportunities possible, and I am grateful for that every day. It is also very challenging to come up as a young professional. It’s a middle ground — you are too old for the young rider program but still developing and shaping into the rider you hope to become.

 

Horses that have been instrumental?

Erin Meadows Oke Doke – my first Dressage partner, taught me so much and brought me tremendous joy. We competed through FEI ponies until I became 5’10 and he went on to compete Open GP with his next rider.

Danero- I remember the first time I saw him and I just knew. We competed extensively with much success in the FEI JR and YR divisions across Canada and USA. He was quite hot and taught me an enormous number of lessons both in and out of the saddle and about life. There was not a single thing I wouldn’t do for him. He was a distinguished gentleman and consummate professor for me even though he came into my life as a 6yr. He was super spoiled with treats, many seasons in Florida, hacking, trips, showing, he loved to be well dressed. He was a fabulous brother to Givarro also by De Niro.

Givarro –  was really steady, I would go on so many adventures with him. He was very athletic and very attentive, and we grew into a partnership I was really proud of. I loved him thoroughly. I felt the safest with Drake of any horse I have ever ridden. He would hack out with my little mum, and I wouldn’t have a worry. I enjoyed riding him along the canals, through the forest, in cross country fields, around a racetrack and many shows. He taught me so much, he brought so much into my life and shaped me. Drake was at times a workout to ride but was very generous and helped me become more confident. He was my partner and I feel he is watching over me now. And my heart will forever be broken from losing him.

 

What is your training philosophy?

 My training philosophy follows the training pyramid foremost. It is most important that when you are training with your horse, it is a positive experience where the goal is harmonious communication. Training is about building a language to help the horse develop athletically, methodically.

 

Your future goals?

 My goals are to learn as much as possible in the sport and go as far as it takes me! I would love to compete at the top level and represent my country. I am curious by nature so developing each horse and learning their language to bring out the best in them motivates me.

 

Your Top Tip

Build a team – this sport might appear individualistic, but I can assure you no matter the level you are training at, your support team is crucial! Having a great vet, farrier, saddle fitter, trainer, and program is important to reach your goals.

Less is more- it’s about quality not quantity. If you are having a tough go, change the subject, shorten your ride. In my experience, over training does not do you any favours.

 

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?

The best piece of advice I have been given is listen to your horse. Advocate for them. My Grandfather encouraged me to make your own path – don’t expect anyone else to get you up the hill – it’s your job to hike it. This has rung true many times because I have certainly taken a unique route.

 

It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?

Sandy, my beloved mum has been on this journey with me through thick and thin, good times and bad. She has worn every hat that has ever existed (sometimes against her will). She has been the consummate enabler and the brightest light in the darkest tunnel. My dad, thank you for still letting me do this, and being proud of me, and accepting that I have reached a higher level of pony princess. I am proud to be your daughter. My brother Jack, thank you for supporting me, and making my freestyles, and listening so much.

My amazing team Dr Selina, Dr Noam, James thank you for the support and keeping my boys in top form. And Charlie Tota for saddling them to perfection and dealing with me being the literal princess and the pea.

Heidi for the positivity, opportunities and support. Levan this wouldn’t be complete without your wisdom and your guidance. You are a true horseman with a rare gift. Thank you for your friendship, support and somehow always knowing when I need a call. This wouldn’t be complete without Tuny Page, who has time and time again been a voice of support and reason and a source of inspiration. And thank you to the community that has coached and trained me and taught me so much about horses and life.