STYLE RIDER
Kristen Hiller Fitting riding into an already busy schedule has always been well worth it for Kristen Hiller. She grew up taking riding and swimming lessons at the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton, CA, competing up to a national level in swimming. In college she returned to riding and found it to be the ultimate balance with the rest of college life; she would always look forward to getting away on the weekends to ride. That hasn’t changed now that Hiller is in the midst of a busy career as Director of Operations and Risk Management at MedExpert International, Inc; she still savors her time at the barn and lessons with her trainer, John French. In addition to riding, the USC alum loves spending time with her family and dog, traveling, working out, shopping and hanging out with friends in Atherton, which she still calls home.
Horse & Style: Describe your riding style: Kristen Hiller: I always wear classic riding clothes. I do not
wear a lot of color when riding but instead stick to the classic and beautiful basics.
H&S: What is your head to toe riding outfit? KH: La Mundial boots, Tailored Sportsman or Pikeur breeches, Essex show shirts, Grand Prix Jackets, and a Hermés belt.
H&S: Do you wear anything for good luck? KH: Yes, I always wear a watch. H&S: What are your favorite equestrian brands? KH: Ariat, Pikeur, Equiline and Grand Prix. H&S: How would you describe your non-horse show style? KH: Similar to my riding style, I stick to the classics. I love my timeless pieces of clothing. I believe that beautiful 3/4 length jackets are a must in every closet.
H&S: What have been your biggest accomplishments as a rider? KH: Winning the Del Mar Classic and being 16th at the 2012 $250,000 Diamond Mills Hunter Derby in Saugerties, New York.
H&S: What are your riding goals for the future? KH: In the near future I want to become successful at the grand prix level and someday ride for the U.S.A. in the World Cups or better yet, the Olympics. I want to continue riding in the hunter rings and have great success at the large hunter derbies.
H&S: If you weren’t a rider, what would your dream profession be? KH: Lucky for me I get to do both. I have my dream job, which is
being an executive in a large, multi-national company, and that gives me the ability to work hard and to follow my riding dreams.
H&S: Who has been the most influential in your riding career? KH: John French and Carlton Brooks have by far been the most
influential individuals in my riding career. Carlton started me as a little girl and trained me to have the softest hands; his lessons have stuck with me through this day. John has not only taught me the technicalities of riding but has pushed me to be a better competitor. Plus, he is a great friend.
H&S: What is one thing you never go in the ring without? KH: I never go in the ring without taking a deep breath and petting
my horse on the neck. And I usually slip in “be a good boy/girl.” Photos ©Cheval Photos
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