Ok, I’m going to jump on my soap box for a hot minute. Unpopular opinion here:  inside leg to outside rein is not the gospel, magic...

This is so important because it can let the rider know when they are presenting the horse well, or part of the problem.

Some visual indicators of having good impulsion are the flexion of the grounded hind leg, lowering of the croup (which in turn the whither w

The gait score is important because it can tell you if there is a problem with a gait, which can indicate a hole in your training.

Moving to Second Level in dressage? Emphasize balance, suppleness, and collection. Non-brilliance moves hold value. Learn more!

First Level in dressage demands heightened balance, suppleness, and thrust. Master lengthenings, transitions, and 15m circles for a polished

As written on the USDF tests the purpose of training level is: “To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, by showing...

If you are new to dressage or showing, I’d love to bring some clarity to the different levels for you. I’ll break it down into a new...

Unwinding the crooked horse for straightness and soundness

Tracking your horse's progress with photos. Tips for taking good photographs.

Which is most important for riding, rhythm or relaxation?

Recap of a weekend of learning equine bodywork and posture.

Quick tips for your equitation and horse back riding position you can do yourself.

Do you have a checklist for your horseback riding position? Here are ideas for creating your own dressage riding position list.

Top tips for an expert clip job on your horse!

In the northern hemisphere, we are in that season of sun, sweat and popsicles! For some us, the most sand we are going to see is arena...

Appreciate your horse's asymmetry through your own.

Giving your horse some grace… There are times when your horse will get time off. Chances are, if your horse hasn’t been worked in a week...

In my training I always try to show the horse what I want, not what not to do. Same with small kids, if they are doing something you...

Let it go! Let it go! And by “it” I mean your horse’s face. I see and feel more results in the let go part of the aid than I do the...

How to use spurs and how not to.

Why the negative comment on a 7 or higher? When I first started showing, I didn’t understand why sometimes I would get a negative comment...

Reasons to Try a Virtual Show and 3 Handy Tips! Just a few months ago, virtual horse shows were mostly ignored. Then, overnight, they...

Show them the way. My coach used to tell me this in lessons with young horses long ago. It is an important theme we need to keep in our ridi

In my Facebook Group, Open Minds Dressage (check it out, all riders welcome), We recently began a group challenge with three exercises to...

Have you ever noticed the little nuances in your horse's face? Your horse could be revealing important information about himself. ...

I purchased this book because I need some more ideas on developing more topline and correcting patterns of movement for my mare. I have...

As we are drawing closer to that festive time of year filled with mistletoe and carols, it is also a time for reflection. I know so many...

Foundation vs. Basics As riders, we hear the word, “basics” constantly. How many riders really know what that means and how to apply it?...

Tips for dressage and horsemanship training. How to keep horses interested in the work.

It’s wonderful when we can have a professional to come to us and do some bodywork for our horses. Horse owners may not be able...

If you’re a horse person thinking of babies this a must read! If you already have babies, or grown children, I hope you’ll chuckle along...

Welcome to my blog! Here you'll find original content and training and horsemanship (not as though those things are separate), recaps of...

It’s been about three weeks since I have arrived in Austin, Texas.  My mare, Layla arrived two weeks ago and has settled in at her new...