Judy Reynolds is a German based, Irish Olympic dressage rider. She’s really been a quiet achiever, creeping up the world rankings and winning top level shows. Success was put on hold a few years ago when her star gelding Vancouver K sustained an injury, but they’re back better than ever. At the Europeans last year, the pair scored personal bests and helped Ireland qualify the first dressage team ever for an Olympic Games.

In this interview, Judy talks about how the Irish won their Olympic spot, her superstar Vancouver, what he’s like at 17 years of age and how he came back from injury. Daily management of the horses as well as the daily training. How she got into dressage in the first place and her rude awakening in Germany. Teaching riders…including a few pretty well known jumpers and how she enjoys the crazy horses.

Judy goes into detail on how she transforms the “problem” horses that come to her and her aim that anyone can ride her horses once she’s trained them and the importance of really knowing the horses. What’s it like warming up with Isabell, she tells us her show routine and her plan towards Tokyo. Judy explains how “normal” people can make it in the sport but why it’s important to be on the continent. And how did Vancouver get his nickname, JP?