Discipline: 3 Day Eventing
Date of Birth: January 8, 1969
Place of Birth: Calgary, AB
Height: 6’2
Home: Elgin, Ontario and Ocala, Florida
Coach: Gina Smith and Jeane Moyer – dressage
Do you have a favorite author? Who?
Steven King would be his favorite author, but his favorite book is Fountain Head by Ayn Rand.
What, other than riding, do you do to keep fit?
Kyle does a lot of running. He used to compete in running when he was younger and he also is hoping to compete in a marathon in the next couple of years.
Do you watch a lot of television? Do you have any shows that you can’t go without?
“I can go without the whole damn thing!” When the TV is on though, it is usually Friends or Seinfeld re-runs.
What mentors do you have, in and outside of the horse industry?
The people Kyle looks up to most of all are those that are there to give him advice when he really needs it. Leslie Law (event rider in England); Gina Smith; Peter Gray and Jeffery Taylor all have been people in Kyle’s life willing to provide him with advice at key times.
Where do you want to see yourself in 5 years, not only in regards to horses?
Kyle and his wife Jennifer have bought a farm in Ocala, Florida and a lot of his hopes for the next 5 years lie in it. He would like to have the farm completed and up and running. This includes building a house, which the property currently does not have. He would also like to have another 10 horses in the barn to expand his sales business.
What was the most memorable/important horse show moment to you? Why?
For Kyle, Rolex 1999 was the most memorable with his 2nd place finish. Actually the third trot up to the judges in the morning was the best for him “he absolutely floated.” “When they can do that you know that your program is working.” That experience gave Kyle the confidence that his training was working and it transferred into his other horses.
If you could be granted one wish what would it be that you would wish for?
“Never to have a lame horse again!”
What is something you have done in your life that you truly regret?
Kyle feels that he hasn’t made any conscious decisions that were truly awful. There were more “small things that made big differences.”
What are some words of advice for readers of our magazines that you’d like to be remember for?
He wants everyone to “think more of how the horse sees things, not just how we see it.” People need to be more open minded when dealing with their horses.
What is one of you worst habits?
Kyle has a tendency to take on too many tasks at one time. With riding the horses in the barn, coaching and the renovations on his new farm in Florida he barely has any extra time on his hands.
What has been the scariest experience in your life so far?
Kyle feared for his life once while being dragged by a galloping horse for quite some time. “Too big of a boot in too small a stirrup.” Luckily the stirrup came off of the stirrup bar and he survived unhurt. For days afterwards he was thoroughly shocked and happy to be alive.
In your opinion, what is Canada lacking to make itself at the top of the international rankings?
“PATIENCE – They all think they belong there and their horses belong there…No one has patience to become great.” Kyle feels, “we should belong there internationally, not just because we are the best of what we have.”
Do you have any good luck charms or superstitions that you live by? What?
His “lucky whip”. Kyle and his friend both had whips many years ago that brought them BAD luck, but once they switched whips their luck seemed to change.
What is your all time favorite movie?
Four Weddings and a Funeral
What do you do to relieve stress before a big competition?
“I don’t get all that stressed out, I am quite laid back. I live for the feeling of galloping cross country.”
What is your new up and coming horse?
Kyle runs a business of selling horses along with being an international competitor, so sometimes it is hard to keep your ‘up and coming horse’ in the barn and not sell it. Rideau Ridge, a 7 year-old 16.1hh bay thoroughbred gelding, is Kyle’s newest competition horse. He has already shown Advanced and has been very successful at that level.
What do you get out of coaching students?
“A different perspective on things, I can see how different approaches can either make or break.” Kyle is a person who does get nervous and likes to see “the different psychology of how some people prepare.” He likes to be able to help people who don’t have a grasp and are not reaching their full potential to get there and reach it.
If you could not ride anymore, what would you do with your life, besides coaching?
“If this means that I am filthy rich – I’d sail competitively.” Kyle is not a person who likes a 9-5 job; he likes options and probably would be involved in selling something too.
What has been the most embarrassing moment you have had in riding?
Kyle has had a few embarrassing moments. Once, after weighing for Phase A, he realized on course that he had not done up his girth – it was only on the first hole and his saddle was falling to the side. Luckily, no one could see him as he made the adjustment. Another time last fall he was on an intermediate X-country course and his horse got hung up on a small log fence. The horse would not get off the jump and course officials decided they were going to have to take the fence apart to get him out. At that point Kyle’s horse, obviously was not nervous in the slightest, began to eat grass off the ground beside the jump. As soon as the sound of the chain saw started the horse just popped off the fence as though he hadn’t even tried yet.
What is one item that you cannot leave home without?
After a little thought Kyle decided it would have to be his appointment book. He used to have a tendency to be late, but now with the appointment book he is better. “I can’t for the life of me figure out where I will be without my calendar.”
