Dressage Rider Spotlight: Kendal and Her Thoroughbred Ice

Some partnerships begin as a whisper — a quiet connection that grows into something life-changing.
For Kendal, horses have been part of her world since she was six years old, shaping her childhood, fueling her dreams, and grounding her in the rhythm of barn life. But her partnership with Ice — a 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding named I’m Chillin, known lovingly as Ice — is unlike anything she has ever experienced.

A Gift That Changed Everything

Horses have always been a part of Kendal’s life, but Ice is the first horse she has ever owned — and their bond is something truly extraordinary. She has had Ice for six years now, and their story began in the most heartfelt way. His original owners were so impressed with Kendal’s connection, dedication, and gentle way with him that they gave her the horse and even shipped him to Kentucky at no cost. Before becoming her heart horse, Ice raced 32 times and earned $82,000, but Kendal will tell you his biggest win was finding his forever person. “I’ve never had a relationship like the one I have with him,” she says. He knows the sound of her car, pricks his ears the moment she arrives at the barn, and can’t wait to be by her side — proof that some horses choose us just as much as we choose them.

Their connection was immediate, unmistakable, and strong enough that his former owners trusted her with a horse they deeply cared for. Fate had stepped in — and Kendal’s life hasn’t been the same since.

A Horse With a Big Personality (and a Baby Face to Match)

Ask Kendal to describe Ice and she’ll smile before she even speaks.
“Horses are like really big cats,” she says — and Ice fits that description perfectly. He’s expressive, curious, a little mischievous, and absolutely loves to be right beside her. Whether he’s nudging her for attention or simply standing quietly in her space, Ice has a way of making his presence known. And with his sweet, baby-faced expression, it’s impossible not to love him right back.

Training, Trust, and the Team Behind Them

Kendal trains with Kimberly Wallace at Fairhaven Farm in Rome, Georgia, where the pair has grown tremendously together. With patience, consistency, and a supportive training program, Ice has proven that a Thoroughbred can shine just as brightly as any warmblood in the dressage arena.

Breaking Barriers in the Dressage Ring

Ice may be small in stature compared to the traditional warmbloods typically seen in competition, but he has a heart that more than fills the arena.
Together, Kendal and Ice have celebrated incredible achievements — each one a testament to dedication and belief in the journey:

• 9th place at the Dressage Regionals, making Ice the only non-warmblood to place

• 23rd out of 66 horses in the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover

• 2nd place and an impressive 67% in Training Level Test 3 at only their second major show

Every milestone reflects not just talent, but a partnership built on trust and pure love for the sport.

A Journey Still Unfolding

What makes Kendal and Ice so special isn’t only their show record — it’s the bond that’s evident in every quiet moment. From grooming sessions and early-morning rides to those little nudges Ice gives when he wants attention, their connection is the kind you feel instantly when you’re near them.

Their story is a beautiful reminder that with heart, patience, and passion, incredible things are possible — no matter the breed, background, or beginning.