Vicky Walling is a lifelong equestrian, FEI dressage rider and trainer who has dedicated her career to the development of dressage through extensive experience as a working student and assistant trainer across North America. Vicky has trained many of her own horses, and is an Equestrian Canada Certified Competition Coach. Based in the Ottawa area, Vicky offers lessons, training, and clinics, while pursuing ambitious competitive goals at both national and international level.
How did horses come into your life and how did that transpire to becoming a professional dressage rider?
I’ve been lucky to have horses in my life since before I was born, my mom was riding a horse right before she went into labour with me. I grew up on my parent’s farm and tried all of the disciplines as a child, as well as spent so much time just riding bareback through the forest and settled on Dressage as a young adult. I got inspired by a handful of local riders and clinics that we went to and just fell in love with the discipline. I took the working student and assistant trainer route which had me working all over North America. I always had my own horses and prioritised my own career and progress, but settled into my own program, Walling Dressage, in 2023.
Who are the horses in your stable and what are you working on with them?
I am very lucky and have seven horses
Puzzle – my almost 30-year-old paint horse who my mom and I purchased from a newspaper advertisement as a 2-year-old. He’s spent his life with us doing all of the disciplines and being a lesson horse for both of our programs. He’s retired now and living his best life.
Poet – my 18-year-old semi-retired TB/ WB cross. I’ve had him since his weaning, and he’s been all over the country with me. I started him myself and did all his training. He competed through 3rd level at USDF shows while schooling some of the PSG. He is now a power level school master for select students of He’s got a sense of humour.
Romeo – my 15-year-old small tour horse. He is a beautiful bright bay with lots of chrome Oldenburg gelding. I got him right before the 2020 COVID pandemic. He’s currently working four to five days a week right now, a mix of work in the ring, lunging and in hand work, and hacking. He holds my heart in a very special way.
Icy – a 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding, by Bon Coeur out of Antibes, who I imported in 2025. All of my working horses follow a similar schedule. He’s schooling at the PSG level, and I’ve been taking my time to get to know him at home before trying for some big competitive goals. He’s so sweet.
Enjoy – a 7-year-old Westfalen mare, by Best Seller out of an Emilion mare, who I imported in 2025. She’s the queen of the stables. I am currently showing her at 2nd level, and she shows great aptitude for the higher level. She’s the kind of horse who puts a smile on your face every single day no matter the challenge.
I also have two 3-year-old warmblood geldings who I imported as colts. They are both black and I often refer to them as brothers even though they are not at all related. Their names are Gambit (Glamdale x Ferro x DeNiro) and Erwin (Escanto PS x Belissimo x Rubinstein). They will be started later this summer.
Who have been your mentors and who do you train with now?
My mom was a crucial influence for not only introducing horses to me (although I like to say that I would find horses on my own as I’m just obsessed) but also supporting me in my earlier years. I have had so many good influences over the years but two that are really worth mentioning.
I spent many years at Greenville Equestrian Centre in Northern California under Gina Duran’s Topline Training and Anja Ibens’s Ibsen Dressage, they both had a huge influence on how I ride and train today. My current trainer is Bri Johnson from Stonecreek Farm Dressage, and she is the absolute best. I have made so much progress over the last three years with her and her success, and her program really speaks for itself. I consider myself lucky to work closely with her and have her as a friend.
What do you love about dressage?
I love everything about dressage. I find it completely enthralling how you are always working towards excellence. I love seeing how the horses and riders change and improve overtime. I love the connection and the partnership of working with the horses. I think it’s incredible how you can think something in your mind, have that do something in your body, have the horse perceive that body and mind, and then get their mind to do something with their bodies. And sometimes a coach is involved in that conversation too all without saying a word. It’s the closest thing to magic that we have.
What achievements are you most proud of?
A few come to mind riding at CDS and USDF region 7 Championships, my first PSG, and going to Germany to source some of the horses that I currently have.
Have there ever been times when you have considered hanging up your riding boots?
Absolutely. I think it’s very normal for us all to feel that way sometimes. It can be a very difficult sport and lifestyle whether you’re a professional or an amateur. In those times I’ve given myself grace and got help if I’ve needed it. It’s good to have hobbies and support outside of horses. At the end of the day, it’s the love for the horse that always brings me back. I’ve never been out of the saddle for more than a couple of weeks.
What is your training philosophy?
My training philosophy is rooted in ethical horsemanship, where the horse’s well-being is always the priority. By building on classical basics and focusing on correctness, I work with each horse and rider to develop confident, willing partnerships capable of reaching their full performance potential. Above all, I believe the process should be enjoyable for both horse and rider.
What is important to you in the management of your horses and what are your non-negotiables?
Good quality forage, lots of turnout, and socialisation with other horses. All my horses live very normal lives, and I think it’s made a huge difference in their health and their happiness. I’m also a strong believer in a good team – good veterinary care, an excellent farrier, supportive cares like sports massage and chiropractic, and well fitted tack. We can’t expect our horses to perform if they’re not well cared for. I always try to remember that they didn’t ask for this life- we bring them into it. It’s our job to be their advocates. And you know your horse best.
Your Top Tip
Prioritise your fitness and keep making connections. You never know where your network and reputation will take you.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
If something isn’t working, try and find a solution. And remember it’s supposed to be fun.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
My husband is my biggest support. We have been together a long time, and I think he saw the drive and knew my dreams maybe even before I did. He’s very hands on in the operation and I absolutely couldn’t do it without him.
I also have a great team of professionals: my coach, my personal trainer, my vets, farrier, body workers, and lots of friends who help me work out ideas, offer a hand on the farm, or just remind me to sometimes take a day off.