Quick Fire Questions with dressage rider Sorrell Klatzko

Here at Overlander Horseboxes, we’re lucky to work with some incredible riders — and one thing we love most is hearing the stories behind the sport.



This week, we caught up with our Overlander Ambassador, Sorrell Klatzko, for a fun round of quick-fire questions.

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1. You've enjoyed success at the highest levels of international dressage. Looking back, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
“The recent summer results is actually what I am most proud of. I feel I have been able to stand up, brush myself off and perform to my best and the horses are feeling the positive vibes. In particular our first ever CDI Win at Hickstead was extra special.”

2. Every top rider has a horse that leaves a lasting impression. Which horse has had the biggest influence on your career and what made that partnership so special?
“Toto (Turbo) for sure… and the best is yet to come is what is so special.“

3. Dressage is often described as the pursuit of perfection. What keeps you motivated to keep improving every single day?
“For me, dressage is actually the journey of every partnership I either help or every horse I train, especially the ones I’ve bred myself. It’s all about the progress rather then the perfection. It’s about finding what makes each horse special.”

4. You've produced a number of horses from youngsters all the way to Grand Prix level. What do you enjoy most about developing horses through the levels?
“The satisfaction of listening to each horse and trying to always give them the time they need to grow physically and mentally so they learn to enjoy the work and nearly learn all the fancy moves without even realising it. Sometimes knowing when to back off is even more important then when to push on! That kick of another one got to GP never gets old!”

5. What does a typical training day look like for you, both in the saddle and behind the scenes?
“In the saddle it’s always heavenly! My time quietly training the horses is my favourite time of the day. I typically ride only 3 to 7 horses a day and try keep their work varied and fun. But the jiggle of being a mum of 3, teaching a whole range of students, managing social media, trying to run a home with my husband is chaos… pure chaos… and long days often starting at dawn and not sitting down ‘til 11pm! But I wouldn’t change my chaos for the world!!”

6. Coaching is a huge part of your life. What do you find most rewarding about helping young riders achieve their goals?
“There is no buzz that beats the feeling of seeing my young students smash their goals and achieve their dreams... learn from their mistakes and the best bit is seeing them shine and fly. What I really love is seeing the young riders who learn to truly believe in their horses and turn a negative start point into positivity.”

7. You've been involved with Pony Club riders throughout your career. Why do you think Pony Club plays such an important role in developing not only riding skills but confidence, teamwork and sportsmanship?
“Pony club always did and still does offer a really all-round education into horse girl life and care of the ponies. It brings children together who often form friendships for life and offers opportunities that many families couldn’t afford if they tried via the affiliated pure eventing, jumping or dressage avenues. I’m still close to friends I grew up beside in pony club. And for me… to this day getting my Pony club A test with honors is one of my proudest achievements!”

8. What's the best piece of advice you've ever given to a young rider who's just starting their competitive journey?
“It’s a bumpy, expensive, emotional ride but worth every tear, sweat and hug when it finally comes together and you feel your horse achieve things you maybe never thought possible. Go for it!!”

9. Many children dream of riding internationally one day. What habits should they start developing now to give themselves the best chance of success?
“Work hard. Keep dreaming. Never stop learning. And always remind yourself to enjoy the process. Life can be so short and having horses in our lives is such a blessing… never take the chance to do it for granted… but always have a back up plan in case for any reason it doesn’t work out.”

10. Horses teach us so many life lessons. What do you think is the greatest lesson horses have taught you?
“To be humble, grateful and love.”

11. Balancing international competition, coaching, family life and producing young horses must be incredibly demanding. How do you manage to keep everything in balance?
“Honestly… I don’t think Ive cracked that nut yet… still struggling daily!!! I am last on my list of to do… and I try make sure I do the odd thing for myself to help me feel human… like my nails, my hair and the odd Salt Float!!! I’d love to have more time for the gym but hey ho!!”

12. Safe, comfortable travel is so important for both horse and rider. What features do you value most in an Overlander horsebox when travelling to competitions and training?
“There are so many features. I find them highly comfortable to drive and love being higher than in a car driving. The horse area is so robust… I know it doesn’t matter if I have my brood mare and foal, or wild youngster, top international dressage horse beside my tack locker, or our kids ponies on board… they will always load happily as it’s so light and spacious and all travel well.”

13. As an Overlander Brand Ambassador, what attracted you to the brand and why are you proud to represent it?
“I was always attracted to the brand because its so so local, has always had friendly, upbeat and helpful staff and in the beginning it was because it was the only place I knew I could rent a van for a few months at the time that would have all the EU and British regulations for international travel. I am so proud to be an ambassador of such a great company and love how everywhere I go people ask me about it… I love showing them all the great features.”

14. Looking ahead, what goals or ambitions are you most excited about over the next few seasons, both in competition and in your coaching?
“I have a dream to represent Ireland in dressage at the LA Olympic Games 2028. Saying this out loud makes me nervous and excited all at once. There are many bucket list shows I hope to be able to compete at along the way… including World Cup shows and 4 and 5 star shows!

For my students, I have dressage students aiming for Europeans next year at junior and young rider, eventing young riders also aiming for europeans and my own daughters hoping to qualify and compete show jumping at the RDS!”

15. Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to every young rider reading, what would it be?

“GO FOR IT AND TRY STAY POSITIVE AND HUMBLE 🍀🎊 “