Kimberley Jones

~ Words by Samantha Mattocks (The Arabian Magazine) ~ written February 2007  

Known to many as “Rhodri Jones’ fiancée”, Kimberley Smith has been showing horses since she was nine years old. Thanks to the influence of friend and mentor Sally Etchells, Kimberley embraced the Arabian breed at a young age and has enjoyed success in the Arabian show-ring ever since. Now 21, Kimberley is looking forward to 2007 and speaks to The Arabian Magazine about her long-term hopes and dreams.

How long have you been involved in the Arabian horse breed?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a love for horses. My parents owned a farm and rented out our stables. When I was seven years old, Sally Etchells moved onto the yard and shortly after, she purchased an Arabian gelding. He proved to be the first of many and, as numbers increased, my fascination for the breed grew and grew and from then on, I knew nothing other than Arabian horses.

How old were you when you started to handle the horses?
Since I was about three years old I have tried to be involved with horses as much as possible. However, from seven onwards, I had the opportunity to work with horses more independently. I spent all my spare time helping Sal on the yard. And I was even lucky enough to be able to ride anything that was backed including Sally’s stallion Vodolej** (Mashuk x Mechta), who I rode in a stallion parade when I was just 12 years old.
I also started going to the Arab shows: I remember watching and thinking how much I would love to do this. I had already competed successfully at many riding club shows, both in-hand and ridden. Then, with the help of Sal and Raymond Fox, I started to learn how to train, show and condition the horses and prepare them for the show-ring. I also attended a training clinic held by Dean Ingham to further my knowledge.

How old were you when you first went in the ring?
I was aged nine and I went in with my part-bred pony. It was the young handlers’ class at the Bolton Riding Club Show and I was so nervous that, at one point, I refused to go into the ring! I did go in, though, and once I was in there, I really enjoyed it and we ended up in third place. As soon as I was out of the ring, I couldn’t wait to go back in!
When I was about 11 years old, I got my first taste of showing a pure-bred Arab with Sally’s gelding, Sireem. We took him to all our local shows and won quite a lot. The best part for me though was the fact that he was so high spirited; he would bounce and snort his way to, around and then from the ring and everyone would stop and stare at us!
My first experience of a “proper” Arab show was in the young handlers’ class at the British National Championships, held at Malvern. This was when I was 14 years old. Initially I was pulled in ninth, but after my individual show, I was moved up to second; that was a good day for me! After that, I went to show horses for Sally and Raymond at Arab shows all over the country.

Have you ever wanted to do anything other than work with horses?
I used to want to be pathologist; however, I soon realised that going away to university and being without the horses just wasn’t me. After I completed my A-levels, I got a job as a supply teaching assistant, which meant that I could choose when I wanted to work and so could always have time off to go to the shows. The horses have always been a major part of my life and I can’t ever imagine that changing.

How many horses do you yourself own?
I currently own one horse, a 13.2hh part-bred pony called Siran. She was the first horse I ever had and I got her when I was nine years old. Over the years, we went hunting and we won at many shows – now at the age of 27, she enjoys a more relaxed lifestyle! I also owned an Arabian filly: ZK Valantinja (Vodolej** x Khamilla Bint Kerim) in partnership with Sally. I trained her myself and we competed at some shows, but we sadly lost her in May 2004 to an unfortunate accident. However, I have to say that I have never felt “horseless” as I’ve always been free to work with any horse on the farm and so I treat them all like they are my own.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?
The biggest achievement for me so far was when I had the opportunity to run Vodolej in at Paris. Even though there was no winning involved, just to be on the end of the lead rein of such a great and well-known horse at the World Championships was just amazing! I have also taken great pride in showing Tracey Edwards’ gelding Marazakim to many wins, including the Reserve Championship at the Classic Show. For me, however, I feel a great sense of achievement when a horse which I have trained shows well. If I can get the horse to pose and be both relaxed and responsive in the show-ring, then I feel that I have achieved something, even if we aren’t at the top of the line.

What are your plans for the future?
I would like to continue training, showing the horses and, hopefully, learning new things along the way. Last year, I showed a two-year-old filly at the European Championships, an experience which I thoroughly enjoyed: I would really like to be of the standard where I can show at more European shows at some point in the future.

What would you have done differently?
Looking back, I doubt that I would have done anything differently. I have always been lucky enough to have the horses around me and the support to take any opportunity which came my way. For that, I will always be grateful.

What advice would you give to youngsters today who are hoping to become a professional handler?
I have found that it is important to watch and learn from the advice of the professionals. Listen to your horse – each one is an individual and may need a different approach when it comes to training. I think, too, that you can learn a lot from the horses that you work with. I also think that it is important to enjoy what you are doing; whether you win or lose, just keep going and don’t get too strung up on placings or it can take the enjoyment away. Even professionals have bad days!

Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions relating to Arabian horses?
One day, I would really like to have a collection of top-class show horses and be a successful hander. I would also love to see Master Design (Versace x BEA Society Belle) win the World Championships. He may be Rod’s horse on paper, but he is also very special to me and it would just be a dream come true.

Anyone you’d like to thank?
Firstly, I would like to thank Sally Etchells for starting me off and believing in me. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am today! Then I would also like to thank my family for all their help and support, both at the shows and behind the scenes. Raymond Fox for helping me to get started – and teaching me how to run properly! And, of course, to Rod [Jones] and his family for all the opportunities, support and advice which they have given me.
Finally, I wish to thank all the people who have put their faith in me to train and show their horses; it means a lot!

On the spot
Favourite horse in your yard: Siran and Master Design
Favourite horse on the showing circuit: Master Design and Vodolej**
Favourite colour: Red
Favourite drink: Water!
Best way to relax away from horses: On a beach
Top pin-up: Johnny Depp
At a show, most likely to be found: In the ring or at the stables
Favourite show: Paris.