Victoria and Donagal

Victoria Zimmermann

Nottingham Trainer

Background

Victoria Zimmerman brings a variety of experiences to her coaching and riding with a long established history of over 25 years of accomplished riding and training experience. She has always enjoyed working with horses and teaching people to ride, and knew it was her career path from a young age. She is thrilled to be living her dream and finally devoting all of her time to her true passion. She also brings experience in the field of equine mental health, having attended the B.A. program for Equine Science at Virginia Intermont College, as well as the B.A. program in Foreign Affairs at Assumption College in Massachusetts.

While attending Virginia Intermont, Victoria discovered a special love rehabilitating ill-treated horses with behavioral problems which were either donated to, or rescued by, the school. It was at this time her eyes were truly opened to a new way of looking at horses and realized the full potential and gift of spirit each one has to offer. It was this special experience that she felt so necessary to incorporate into her riding and teaching philosophy. Unfortunately, due to a riding injury, she was forced to retire from competitive riding. Though her career path into Foreign Affairs may have been vastly different, her love of horsemanship and riding was never far away. Not one to give up, she holds a strong belief in working on your courage, always. Therefore, it was not long before she was back in the ring, limiting her practice to behavioral problems for riders and horses while working full time as Executive Director for Congressional Affairs at the Marshall International Center in Virginia. It was in 2000 Victoria returned full time to teaching and has enjoyed watching her students achieve much success and many championships. Victoria has attended numerous clinics throughout the years, from such great masters as the legendary George Morris and Victor Hugo-Vidal. Now equally in love with both disciplines, she brings a dressage background to hunter/jumper riders and vice versa, creating a strong foundation for success.

Competition

Victoria began riding as a child of five in Michigan and focused on hunter seat equitation with a strong emphasis in dressage. Her first "A" show was as a 13-year old Children's Hunter Seat/Equitation rider in the Motor City/Detroit Horse Show at Bloomfield Open Hunt on Silent Sam ("Sam"). With over 150 entries in the division, she was apprehensive and nervous but confident that Sam would get her through. Much to her amazement, she did not take anything less than a third in every class and, yes, even won a few. From that moment on, she was hooked and from there went on to enjoy success with many division championships showing both regionally and nationally as a junior rider, including ASPCA Medal Meclay and USET, qualifying twice for AHSA Finals at Madison Square Garden. As an adult rider, she competed as an A/O both in hunter/jumpers and eventually moving toward combined training and grand prix stadium jumping.

Teaching

Victoria has a strong belief in lifelong learning. She continues to train regularly with her own coach, attending and auditing clinics. "Riding is a sport that requires feedback, no matter how accomplished the rider." Victoria passionately believes in being open to learning new methods as well as being open to what each horse has to teach us. Her greatest teachers will always be the horses. Every horse, from problem horses to well-mannered school horses, have worthwhile and inspiring lessons for her every day. Victoria believes that ego has no place in riding, learning or teaching.

Philosophy

Victoria strives to use the language and instincts of the horse to create a harmonious relationship between horse and rider. By accomplishing this she says, "Combining the traditional discipline of dressage and hunter/jumpers with horsemanship techniques is a way of putting the horse first." As a result, riders discover how to be one with and in tune with their horses - a sure-fire route to success in riding. "From an early age, I learned the key is to start off with small victories and make them consistent." When asked if there is one specific tool in teaching which she utilizes, her response was a quote from George Morris, "As teachers, we must continually present solvable problems or challenges for the student to grow." Victoria firmly believes riding involves determination and hard work, developing responsibility, having respect for the sport and the horse, and bringing enthusiasm...all the while never forgetting that riding should be a lot of fun!

While some believe competition is a large part of riding, Victoria suggests competition is a small part of the experience of riding and owning horses. "The daily lessons learned from your horse and about yourself are far more important than any competition. Riding should be about horses and riding." She goes on to say, "My focus is on the horse maintaining his sense of self worth and confidence, while at the same time respecting me and partnering with me so that we may work together. It is not about dominance, it is about mutual understanding and respect, and trust. After all, I do not desire a horse who goes through the motions of his life like a machine, but rather one who has a twinkle in his eye, a free spirit and an open heart."

True horsemanship can be extremely humbling, as it brings out our "true selves" and quickly shows both strengths and weaknesses. Becoming proficient at riding can be a journey of personal growth and increased self-awareness. When questioned about her experiences with horses and how a rider knows when to pursue a specific avenue, she says, "Some people are not ready for this experience, but when you are, a whole new realm of connection and sensitivity is made available to you. It can be a leap of faith, but the rewards are endless."

Above all else, Victoria feels the horses' well-being and health, physical and emotional, is at the top of the list. "Understanding your horse is key to a positive experience, regardless of what you wish to accomplish. I believe that horses are intelligent, sensitive and caring creatures that desire relationships with people. They deserve respect, and they get it here. Riders are taught to be sensitive to the horses' experience, emotions and personality. No two horses are alike and they should not be treated as such. Horses try very hard to please the rider, and we must respect that and avoid punishment, which horses do not understand. As horse people, we need to interpret undesirable behavior in the horse as a communication, and ensure we find a way for the horse to understand our intention. At Nottingham Equestrian Center, horses and riders work together and learn from each other."

Thoughts To Ponder

Winners make true champions.
Give your students and horses alike more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
Look not from the mind, but from the soul. The world awaits to open up for all of us if we look closely and find the eyes to see.