FIRST TIMER
How did you first get involved in dressage?
I’ve been eventing for over 25 years, but it
wasn’t until 2025 that I competed in my first
USDF show. When I retired my OTTB from
eventing in 2017, I took eight years off from
competing, and then another two and a half
years off from riding altogether. I purchased In
Hindsight, aka Kobe, spring of 2025 and have
been building a partnership with him since.
2026 has been my first full year competing
exclusively in USDF, and the transition has
been wildly educational—and so much more
fun than I could have ever imagined!
What’s one thing your horse has taught
you throughout your partnership?
It’s all about the journey. The clichés are all
true, as it turns out! Before this season, I often
found myself getting sucked into tunnel vision
to produce the end result and forgetting to
enjoy the process along the way. Stepping
away from competing for a few years gave me
such a greater appreciation for the sport as a
whole, the village it takes to do it and, most
importantly, the love of the animals. I think I
previously treated riding and competing as a
birthright, but now I feel such a sense of pride,
astonishment and appreciation for it all. I’m
eternally grateful to Kobe for helping me slow
down and focus more on the why.
What do you do when you’re not riding?
My full-time job is as an airline pilot, so my
days at home are sacred, and I love spending
them in the barn. Being able to provide
myself with this lifestyle is one of my greatest
accomplishments. I’m also very fortunate to
have such a supportive spouse! I dabble in
cycling and love spending time in my beautiful
garden as well.
ADULT AMATEURS
KATHRYN SCHICK
Region 1 – Free Union, VA - First Level AA Championship
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026