Katy Applin is a British dressage coach and rider based in South Wales. Katy has a very lovely 9-year-old gelding who at the moment is her main focus. As well competing, Katy is kept busy running her own business coaching, training, producing and selling quality dressage horses
How did the dressage journey start?
Horses have always been the biggest thing in my life, my parents tried to fob me off with a rocking horse at two but that didn’t work and there was no other option than to actually put me on a pony. The dressage bug hit when I was about eleven and we weren’t winning because my pony wasn’t on the bit. I started lessons with an amazing lady, and the rest is history.
Do you have regular training?
I’m really fortunate that right from the word go I’ve had good training, even back to the pony club days, in more recent years we’ve trained with some phenomenal riders and trainers and we now go regularly to Serena Pincus. She’s strict on the basics and boy do you know you’ve worked but she’s always in your corner and when you’re told it’s good you know it actually is. We aim for once a fortnight but sometimes schedules change so we may do more or less depending on what else is going on.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
It’s a real team effort! From farriers, to physios, to vets and yard owners without everyone being spot on it’s just not possible. I have brilliant family support and they understand that it’s not always plain sailing, and a really strong group of friends but this industry can be toxic so you have to make sure you have the right energy around you!
What are you currently working on?
We’re a super new partnership so we’re still getting to know each other, he’s done a bit so it’s just about getting him thinking on my terms at the moment.
What do you love about riding and why dressage?
I’m still that little girl who wakes up and can’t wait to get on my pony! For me it’s about the harmony and the focus it takes to get a good feeling, every day I want to train and improve.
Highlights to date?
Oh, we’ve had some amazing times with amazing people! I’ve been lucky to ride some lovely horses and compete at some fabulous places, it’s my nature to always want more though so I’m hoping that if you ask me this question again next year I could give you a better answer.
Challenges on your dressage journey?
This year has been plagued with injuries for me. I had quite a nasty fall cantering one out hacking last summer and was off for six months and then I got kicked unloading a young horse in the spring ( I still had my lesson and drove the big lorry home though ) and broke my leg so that’s taken some time to recover from but hopefully we can have a straightforward twelve months now.
What are the competition training plans for the rest of 2025?
The aim is to finish regional qualifying and then train train train.
What are your future aspirations?
The goal is always GP but life gets in the way sometimes and horses are fragile and if this last year has taught me anything it’s to enjoy every day with them because you never know what’s around the corner.
Do you have any rituals before competing?
Pray to the dressage gods? I have a routine and if someone tries to move me off it I get rather narky. Riding with injuries has taught me how important my suppleness is, so I’m religious about stretching which hopefully my horses appreciate.
Your Top Tip
Trust your gut and keep your circle small!
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Buy the horse that in the morning you can’t wait to ride!