Horseytalk.net Special Interview
Kim Cox
For anyone qualifying for the Horse of the Year Show is an incredible achievement, but doing so on a horse that was difficult, pushy, lazy and had no respect for your space is even more remarkable. Parelli student, Kim Cox tells us more about her journey to the prestigious event.
Kim and her difficult, pushy, lazy horse head for the Horse of the Year Show
Derbyshire based Kim Cox is heading to HOYS after qualifying for the SEIB Search for a Star Championship in the Riding Horse/ Hack class.
Kim and William >>
Kim, a devoted Parelli student has qualified her black gelding, Royden Sweet William for the prestigious show and can't wait for her time in the spotlight.
A director of a promotional gifts company, Kim started her Parelli journey in 2002 after seeing a demonstration and was awe-struck by what could be achieved.
She is now a level 3 Parelli student and is delighted to qualify for HOYS after William arrived less than a year ago, somewhat un-cooperative and was very easily distracted and would leap around if other horses played up around him.
Now eight, William is a Thoroughbred x Part Bred Arab, who has been transformed from a little horse with an attitude to forming a loving bond with owner Kim.
Said Kim: "I have a great bond with him, he is my dream horse, everything I always wanted. Qualifying for HOYS is a dream come true and has only been made possible thanks to the skills and knowledge I have learnt through the Parelli programme."
In the early months, Kim spent a lot of time using Parelli techniques playing on the ground with William before progressing to riding and training him for the show ring.
So far this season the duo have been to 7 shows and have also qualified for the Royal International Horse Show in the Part Bred Arab class although she has had to sit this one out due to a broken finger but is still looking forward to HOYS in October.
Kim and William have also qualified for seven other championships and have achieved first place in three competitions this season one of which was her qualifier for The Horse of the Year Show. The pair have consistently been in the ribbons all season.
Kim and Vie >>
Kim first started learning about Parelli more than 13 years ago because of her desire to show her then horse, Vie, a mare who was well known in showing circles but who had become sour with competing and struggled to cope in competition environments, she was an aggressive horse who hated humans!
Added Kim: "Vie was very difficult to handle and was a problem when it came to leading her out and bringing her in from the field. Also when I took her to a show she reared, spun and bolted and didn't care who she hurt. She just didn't like people and would often turn her back on them."
Kim describes Vie as a beautiful horse on the outside but very emotionally scattered on the inside.
"I was coming to my wits end with Vie but thankfully found Parelli and using the skills they taught me throughout my journey, I ended up being able to ride her bareback and bridleless and I even managed to show her again. The transformation was "just amazing," said Kim.