Hilda is truly an icon of American dressage. Being on my first Olympic team with Hilda as my teammate showed me how amazingly intelligent, honest, and passionate she is. Whether as a trainer, judge, or breeder of horses, Hilda embodies the words "consumate professional."
Robert Dover
6-Time US Olympic Equestrian
Former Olympic Coach for USA and Canada
Jan Ebeling
Former US Olympic Equestrian
Hilda’s been an icon in our industry and our sport, helping so many riders achieve their dreams. She’s a super teacher. I liked her teaching style because it was not the style I grew up with in Germany. She gives an explanation of why. Hilda’s as straight forward as they come. She will tell you exactly what she thinks and is so honest.
Hilda is a passionate teacher, mentor and superb judge. She has made dressage available to all riders! She's not an elitist. She wants everyone to share in the sport.
Louise Koch
USDF "S" Judge
Hilda helped me train my first Grand Prix horse, a difficult thoroughbred mare named “Moon Shadow.” I have since trained 9 horses up to Grand Prix and am currently working on my 10th! She is a well loved, respected, honest, and generous contributor to so many people. We are all so lucky to have trained with her, and learned from her.
Barbi Breen-Gurley
USDF Bronze, Silver, Gold Medalist
USDF "S" Judge
Hilda Gurney changed my life. She took me from a mediocre huntseat rider and turned me into an international Grand Prix dressage rider. I am forever grateful.
Patty Mayer
USDF Bronze, Silver, Gold Medalist
USDF "R" Judge
All I can say is, she's an American icon. I admired Hilda when I was a kid in school, first interested in dressage. I've always looked up to her work ethic, her attitude toward her horses, and her commitment to the the sport. I was thrilled when she rode in a clinic of mine with her two horses. Then, she invited me to her farm to give a clinic; I was over the moon!
Bill Warren
FEI 4*, USDF "S" Judge
You cannot deny Hilda's contribution to dressage in the United States. She had a huge influence on many of the California trainers including Debbie McDonald, Kathleen Raine, Marie Meyers, David Wilson, Laurie Falvo, and more.
Glenda McElroy
Board Member,
Calif. Dressage Society, Los Angeles Chapter
Owner, Cornerstone Events Management
Barbara Parkening
Dancing Horses, Owner/Trainer/Breeder
USDF Bronze, Silver, Gold Medalist
I started riding with Hilda in the early ‘80s. She’s trained at least 10 of my horses to Grand Prix, including a half Draft. Hilda is always willing to train any kind of horse. She’s a fantastic trainer and teacher. I’m inspired by her years of dedication to horses, animals, and people. And, I’m honored to be a part of it.