Kimberly
Kimberly Martin-Bench has been active in the West Michigan equine community for nearly 20 years as well as coaching professionally since 2003.
Kimberly developed her skills by working with some of the area's top equine professionals as well as by working with countless horses, ranging from off the track racehorses to upper level Dressage horses, jumpers and everything in between. Kimberly has been teaching and training at Great Lakes Equestrian Center alongside Erika since 2007 and continues to refine her skills as both a rider and coach under her direction.
Although all of Kimberly’s teaching is Dressage based, she uses cross-training techniques to make sure all of her riders are well rounded, fit and balanced. She has students at various levels involved in many different areas; in addition to Dressage, she has riders participating in Hunter/Jumpers, 4H, Pony Club, Saddle Seat and even Western riding. Her goal as an instructor is to provide her students with a solid foundation that will allow them to pursue the riding discipline of their choice whether it is for pleasure or show. Kimberly's teaching philosophy is safety first, followed by good overall horsemanship and love for riding.
Kimberly is very active in the Dressage community. She currently serves as President of the USDF Region II GMO, the All Dressage Association of West Michigan. She was also a delegate at the 2009 USDF National Convention and Symposium.
Kimberly is a strong believer in Centered Riding and has been studying Sally Swifts riding techniques for many years. She instructs students how to use the knowledge of human and equine anatomy to work harmoniously with their equine partners. She uses a combination of visual examples, knowledge of biomechanics, and demonstration as well as practical application to teach students how to ride more effectively and comfortably.
Kimberly continues to pursue her own professional riding career. In additional to receiving regular instruction from Erika, she also takes advantage of clinics and other learning opportunities whenever she can. She believes that a rider is never truly "finished" and is dedicated to continually improving her own skills in order to provide the best possible experience for her students and horses.