WILL SIMPSON: GET A GOOD HORSE & STAY OUT OF ITS WAY
(No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the permission of HT)
IN HIGH STAKES SHOWJUMPING SPORT, A GREAT HORSE IS EVERYTHING - BUT SOMETIMES THE GREATEST PARTNERS ARRIVE WITH A SURPRISE TWIST.
IN THIS EXCLUSIVE HORSE TIMES INTERVIEW, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST WILL SIMPSON SHARES THE STORY OF HOW HIS GREEN YOUNG STAR KEMINKO N (KEMMY) WON A 3-STAR GRAND PRIX BY ACCIDENT, THE FUNNY CIRCUMSTANCES THAT LED TO THE PURCHASE OF HIS CHAMPION CHACCO P, AND WHY HE THINKS THE WATER JUMP IS COMPLETELY "OUTDATED."
ENJOY A CANDID LOOK INTO THE LIFE AND LESSONS OF AN EPIC HORSEMAN.
1. How would you describe Kemmy's development, given that you mentioned the horse was still so green but already performing like a pro under the lights?
In my opinion we entered the wrong class. It was a 3-star, but it was an Olympic qualification class, a solid 1.55m class. Some horses shrink and some horses rise to the occasion under pressure, and Kemmy rose and didn’t look back. It was his first 3-star show, first 3-star Grand Prix and first 3-star win all in the same week. I trusted him and his capability, but it goes to show, you really should check the fine print in the prize list.
2. Can you elaborate on the biggest training challenge you faced in the initial stage of building your partnership with Imar?
He was a slow-moving horse with a lot of scope, but a little touchy. Just getting him to settle in so that the adjustments weren’t as drastic as they were a challenge. He learnt to trust me and over time he was able to process the intricacies of the distances and the turns without it affecting his carefulness.
3. We read that there’s a funny story behind your purchasing Chacco P. Please spill the tea.
I went to Europe to look at a ¾ brother of Carllson Vom Dach, my Olympic horse. I bought him as a foal, and now he was 4 years old. The night before I got there the barn had a fire, so they didn’t want any visitors. My friend, Harm Seivers, who was with me, said we could go look at another horse a few hours away. I arrived at the stables in jeans, and as I went to change, I saw a rider trying to mount Chacco. He was rearing, and everyone was laughing.
I was thinking, why me?
Well, I ended up getting on, I liked the way he moved, I liked the way he jumped, and he had a lot of blood! I again I thought to myself, well I can probably calm him down a little bit.
Boy was I wrong. Eight years later he’s still the hottest horse I’ve ever ridden.
4. What was your favourite non-winning performance from the summer seasons where Chacco really exceeded your expectations?
In 2021, Chacco was 8th in the $2.5million ‘CP Grand Prix’ at the Spruce Meadows’ Masters. He only had a foot in the water and we both didn’t know it. He really rose to the occasion in that class and riding through the clocktower is always a special moment.
5. We’ve watched you ride all summer at Spruce Meadows this year and you've mentioned being excited to return to the venue after some time away. Did you notice any significant or unexpected shift in the atmosphere, course design philosophy, or general rider culture compared to your last time there?
Not much has changed there, they keep the standard high, they keep the grass fields, the top materials, and the best course designers. The competition remains the best in the world. Part of my excitement to return is for the tradition, the prize givings, and the fantastic hospitality from the Southern family.
6. Having continued to compete and train after an Olympic gold medal, how has your overall philosophy on training evolved in the last few years?
Get a really good horse and stay out of its way. Train the horses to whatever level they are capable of. Some horses are 1.60m horses, some are wonderful 1.10m horses, and some are great teachers. Train the horses to their God-given ability, and recognise their limitations.
7. Who from your current team has been absolutely essential to your training and competitive success?
Bryn Stromberg. We call her Dr. BS! The horses are healthy, happy, conditioned, and ready to compete. She handles logistics and organises everything.
8. You've previously spoken about the unwritten oath as horsemen to do our best. As a successful Olympic veteran now competing alongside your children, how has the meaning of that oath changed for you?
We owe it to the horse to continue to learn as much as we can, so that we can make the horses’ lives better. So as we evolve, we want to teach the younger generation the things we have learned through experience and try to shorten their learning curve, which is the best thing we can do for the horse. Most horsemen have done that for me as I was coming up and I want to pass that along to the up-and-coming horsemen.
9. What is the funniest single story you have about coaching both Sophie and Ty in the same session?
Sophie at 7 years of age was riding her pony at home. Ty was 4 and was playing with his trucks under the tree in the middle of the ring, making a little bit of noise. Sophie yells out, Dad! Make Ty stop! He's scaring my pony!! I said, no, you're in control of your pony, I won't make Ty stop. Sophie thought I was really mean and taking Ty's side over hers. Now that she's evolved as a horseman, she knows the responsibility lies with the rider to keep control of the horse, not to change other people's behaviour around them.
10. Is there something about showjumping sport that you would like to change?
I think the water jump is outdated. I don’t think we need a jump that is scored subjectively, the score should come from the rails falling or not. It’s starting to change already, but these things take time in this sport.
11. Which famous horse would you like to own?
Laura Kraut’s Bisquetta.
12. We understand that you're an avid tennis player. Who is your all-time favourite tennis player and which one of your top horses do you think has the temperament, foot speed, and natural competitive fire to be a champion doubles partner?
Favourite tennis player of all time is John McEnroe. He put the colour in tennis! Chacco P would be an amazing doubles partner, he’s so athletic and he never gives up.
13. Hard court, clay or grass, and why?
Hard court because I like a fast game.
14. What’s the one thing you cannot do or live without when travelling to compete at shows?
My bus. I have everything with me and it’s all the luxuries of home but on the road.
15. We also read that you make the best ribs anyone's ever had. What’s the secret?
I have a professional smoker, and I’ve learned some very good marinades over the years from various sources. When you’re passionate about it and spend the time, you usually come out with an amazing result.
16. If you were asked to give away your Olympic gold medal, which athlete (equestrian or other) do you think would be worthy?
I would say Hap Hansen. He was one of the world’s greatest riders even though he never left California. He could ride any horse.
17. Do you think there’s a question we should have asked you but did not?
The question should be, what’s the greatest influence in your whole career and who deserves the credit for your success? And the answer is the horse! The horse teaches us every aspect of what you need to know in life, mostly how to be humble and how to persevere. HT
*Will was born on 9 June, 1959
**Some of his major 2025 results are:
Winner of CSI5* Mission: Possible 1.50m class - Spruce Meadows Pan American presented by Rolex, Canada – riding Chacco P.
Winner of CSI5* The Crew 1.45m class - Spruce Meadows North American presented by Rolex, Canada – riding Chacco P.
Winner of CSI5* Coril Holdings Jumper 1.30m class - Spruce Meadows The National presented by Rolex, Canada - riding Chacco Blue II
Winner of CSI3* Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix - World Equestrian Center, USA - riding Keminko N
Winner of CSI4* Live Oak International Stake Presented by Horse Flight 1.50m class, USA - riding Keminko N
Photos courtesey of Will Simpson and Spruce Meadows
Photo Gallery
Prev 1 of 5 Next
