The Amateur's Advantage

This week on The Amateur's Advantage, Laura Ashley sits down with Krista Kehoe — life coach for equestrians and 40-year dressage rider — to explore the powerful and often overlooked role that mindset plays in every ride. Together, they unpack why riders can invest in all the lessons, clinics, and training in the world, yet still find themselves stuck in the same patterns — and how shifting the way you think can unlock results that no amount of extra ride time alone can produce. From scarcity mindsets and self-judgment in the warm-up ring to learning how to emotionally regulate before you even put your foot in the stirrup, this conversation bridges the gap between what's happening in the saddle and everything happening in life outside of it. Whether you're battling imposter syndrome at a show, wrestling with perfectionism, or simply want to get more out of every training session, Krista's practical tools and frameworks will help you ride with more clarity, confidence, and intention. If you've ever felt like your brain is getting in the way of your riding — this episode is for you.   What You'll Learn: Why your thoughts — not your circumstances — are creating your results in and out of the saddle How the pressure and stress you carry into the barn directly affects your horse's behavior The simple five-step "Model" framework for identifying the mindset patterns quietly running your rides What "emotional adulthood" really means and why suppressing your feelings isn't the same as managing them How strategic pessimism (WPOs — Worst Possible Outcomes) can actually build your confidence and resilience The difference between a fixed mindset and an open one — and how it might be standing between you and your next goal Why knowing your purpose for each ride changes everything about how you show up Resources + Mentions: Krista’s Clear Goals Worksheet: https://bit.ly/RideWithClearGoals Join the Barn Family:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraashleydressageTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraashleydressage?lang=enFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351291468943842/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Lauraashleydressage Want to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressage Leave a review to help more riders find us!

In this episode of The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura sits down with equestrian physical therapist Tag Wilbur to break down the biomechanics behind great riding. Together, they explore how alignment, core stability, breath mechanics, and balanced strength directly influence your effectiveness and harmony in the saddle. Tag shares the most common rider imbalances he sees, how these patterns affect your horse, and simple at-home tools to help you move better — both in your body and in your riding. Whether you’re dealing with pain, asymmetry, or just want a more stable and educated seat, this conversation will help you build the body your horse wants to carry. Join the Barn Family:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraashleydressageTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraashleydressage?lang=enFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351291468943842/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Lauraashleydressage Want to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressage Leave a review to help more riders find us!

This week on The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura sits down with longtime student and friend Donna Hammond for a deep dive into The Visual Rider and the brand-new Laura Ashley Dressage online membership. Donna shares her perspective as an amateur rider, educator, and lower-level instructor on why Laura’s analogies work, how they help riders feel concepts they’ve struggled with for years, and how the new membership brings those tools to life through videos, masterclasses, and community. Together, they explore the power of multi-modal learning, how foundational skills carry through all levels of dressage, and why great riding starts with curiosity, exploration, and understanding your own body. Whether you’re new to dressage or working toward medals, this conversation will leave you inspired — and ready to learn in a whole new way. Be a part of the Laura Ashley Dressage Membership!bit.ly/LADMembership Join the Barn Family:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraashleydressageTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraashleydressage?lang=enFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351291468943842/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Lauraashleydressage Want to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressage Leave a review to help more riders find us!

In this episode of The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura breaks down exactly how she prepares herself, her horses, and her riders for a successful dressage show, long before stepping into the competition arena. She shares how to map out your training schedule, manage your horse’s energy, optimize your mental game, and handle mistakes with strategy rather than panic. From schooling smart to planning your warm-up, Laura walks through the mindset and preparation that help riders peak on show day and ride with confidence, clarity, and intention. Join the Barn Family:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraashleydressageTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraashleydressage?lang=enFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351291468943842/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Lauraashleydressage Want to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressage Leave a review to help more riders find us!

This week on The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura Ashley dives into one of her favorite topics — the art and science of gymnasticizing your horse. Using detailed analogies and accessible dressage theory, she explains how walk work, serpentines, and thoughtful frame changes can transform your horse’s body and mind. From balancing athletic development to preserving long-term soundness, Laura shares her “nerdy” insights into how small, subtle details create supple, happy athletes. Whether you’re schooling Training Level or Grand Prix, this episode will inspire you to slow down, think deeper, and ride with purpose. Join the Barn Family:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraashleydressageTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraashleydressage?lang=enFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351291468943842/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Lauraashleydressage Want to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressage Leave a review to help more riders find us!

This week on The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura Ashley answers your most asked questions from Instagram in a special Q&A. From finding soft, steady contact to improving your seat and communication, Laura dives into the real issues riders face every day, the ones that don’t always come up in lessons. Through relatable advice and practical analogies, she explains how classical dressage principles can help riders of every level build better connection, clearer aids, and more confidence in the saddle. Whether you’re riding in a dressage saddle or on the trail, this Q&A is packed with bite-sized insights you can take straight to your next ride. What You’ll Learn: How to maintain soft contact without losing communication The difference between contact and connection Simple ways to ride with quieter hands and steadier elbows Why consistency builds confidence for both horse and rider Join the Barn Family:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraashleydressageTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraashleydressage?lang=enFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351291468943842/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Lauraashleydressage Want to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressage Leave a review to help more riders find us!

This week on The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura Ashley explores what it really means to become a thinking rider, one who can problem-solve, adapt, and guide their horse through challenges with confidence and empathy. Through real examples from lessons and training rides, Laura unpacks how letting riders make mistakes, struggle a little, and experiment builds true understanding and feel. She shares the importance of curiosity, patience, and communication in the learning process—and how classical dressage principles create riders who think, not just follow. Join the Barn Family:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraashleydressageTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraashleydressage?lang=enFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351291468943842/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Lauraashleydressage Want to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressage Leave a review to help more riders find us!

*Reupload* This week on The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura Ashley shares a behind-the-scenes recap from a successful weekend at a local dressage show. She reflects on the progress of two standout horses, Caracol, a young Andalusian making his debut at Training Level, and James Brown, a newer Third Level partner for one of Laura’s riders. Laura discusses how consistency, confidence, and preparation made all the difference in the ring and how thoughtful training can build trust and success for both horse and rider. Join the Barn Family:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraashleydressageTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraashleydressage?lang=enFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351291468943842/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Lauraashleydressage Want to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressage Leave a review to help more riders find us!

This week on The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura Ashley sits down with hunter-jumper and equitation rider Amanda Roland to unpack the physical and mental tolls of an equestrian lifestyle. Together, they talk about how dressage principles like body awareness, balance, and self-preservation can help riders stay strong and healthy, so they can keep showing up for their horses and their goals, no matter what discipline they ride. Stay strong in and out of the saddle—grab your free Equestrian Health Rubric now and make rider wellness part of your routine: https://bit.ly/EqHealthRubric What You’ll Learn: How the physical demands of the horse world, from long days to injuries, can impact riders of every age and level. Why learning to “listen to your body” isn’t weakness—it’s what keeps you in the saddle longer. The importance of recovery habits like sleep, hydration, and mental reset to prevent burnout. How self-awareness and honest boundaries are the true foundation of longevity in the equestrian industry. Join the Barn Family:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraashleydressageTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraashleydressage?lang=enFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351291468943842/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Lauraashleydressage Want to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressage Leave a review to help more riders find us!

Episode Title: Horsemanship First: Thinking Outside the BoxGuest: Amanda OrlandoEpisode Summary:This week on The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura Ashley sits down with Amanda Orlando of Orlando Sport Horses to unpack how horses hit training walls when routines get too rigid. Together, they dive into how dressage principles like returning to basics, embracing cross-training, and focusing on horsemanship before goals helped them move past roadblocks and how you can apply the same tools in your own rides, no matter what discipline you ride. What You’ll Learn: Why mixing in variety—like jumping, trail riding, or groundwork—creates happier, more focused dressage horses. How horsemanship and groundwork build self-regulation, confidence, and long-term soundness in every horse. Why slowing down to revisit basics often leads to faster breakthroughs in training. How letting go of ego and outsourcing to other professionals can benefit your horse’s progress. Join the Barn Family:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraashleydressageTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraashleydressage?lang=enFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351291468943842/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Lauraashleydressage Want to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressage Leave a review to help more riders find us!

This week on The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura Ashley sits down with Kat McDonald of Form and Flow Dressage to unpack the mental struggles riders face when progress feels messy or slow. Together, they dive into how dressage principles like mindset shifts, growth over perfection, and positive self-talk help riders break through fear, frustration, and comparison and how you can apply the same tools in your own rides, no matter what discipline you ride. What You’ll Learn Why shifting from “I can’t” to actionable, positive language changes both your mindset and your horse’s response. How embracing a growth mindset opens the door to progress, even when training feels messy. Why comparison and imposter syndrome hold riders back—and how reframing them creates freedom to learn. The role of empathy, patience, and self-compassion in creating a positive barn culture for both horses and riders. Resources + Mentions: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Dr Carol Dweck  Psycho-cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz The Bottom of the Pool by Andy Andrews High Performance Habits by Brendan Burchard The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** by Mark Manson Atomic Habits by James Clear The Mountain is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-Mastery by Brianna Wiest Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg Join the Barn Family:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraashleydressageTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraashleydressage?lang=enFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351291468943842/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Lauraashleydressage Want to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressage Leave a review to help more riders find us!

Episode Title: Wellington Dressage Classic Show Recap Episode Summary This week on The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura Ashley recaps her weekend at the Wellington Dressage Classic and unpacks the highs, challenges, and lessons learned from showing two very different horses. She dives into how classical dressage principles like patience, forward energy, and building confidence helped her guide each horse through the show atmosphere and how you can apply the same tools in your own rides, no matter what discipline you ride. What You’ll Learn Why breaking tests into chunks during schooling builds confidence and clarity for both horse and rider. Forward energy and relaxation are universal tools—whether you’re in a dressage arena, a western pen, or a hunter ring. Progress often comes from compromise, patience, and celebrating small wins, not just chasing perfection. Join the Barn Family: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraashleydressageTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraashleydressage?lang=enFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351291468943842/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/LauraashleydressageWant to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressage Leave a review to help more riders find us!

Episode Title: How It All Started Guest: Deb Medina Episode Summary This week on The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura Ashley sits down with Deb Medina to unpack the journey from ponies to dressage and how a lifelong love of horses shapes the way we ride and train. Together, they dive into how dressage principles like patience, foundation work, and connection helped Deb navigate transitions in her riding life—and how you can apply the same tools in your own rides, no matter what discipline you ride. Join the Barn Family: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraashleydressage TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraashleydressage?lang=en Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351291468943842/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Lauraashleydressage Want to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressage Leave a review to help more riders find us!

Episode Title: Training Challenging Horses & Managing FearGuest: Iza Bieniecka, DressageEpisode Summary: This week on The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura Ashley sits down with Iza Bieniecka of Bieniecka Dressage to unpack the challenges of training difficult horses while managing fear in the saddle. Together, they dive into how classical dressage principles, like riding forward to prevent rearing or bucking, helped Iza rewire her approach, build confidence, and create lasting breakthroughs. You’ll hear how shifting mindset, focusing on fundamentals, and embracing the “messy middle” can transform training rides and give both horse and rider a stronger foundation. What You’ll Learn: Forward solves fear: Riding forward creates balance and prevents evasion behaviors like rearing or bucking. Training isn’t always pretty: Real progress comes from pushing through the uncomfortable stages to rebuild foundations. Mindset matters: Managing rider fear with clarity, confidence, and patience unlocks growth for both horse and rider. Resources + Mentions: Iza Bieniecka: www.instagram.com/izabieniecka Bieniecka Dressage: www.facebook.com/people/Bieniecka-Dressage/61560851870124/ Join the Barn Family: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraashleydressage TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraashleydressage?lang=en Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351291468943842/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Lauraashleydressage Want to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressageLeave a review to help more riders find us!

Welcome to The Amateur’s Advantage! The Amateur’s Advantage is the podcast for riders who want clarity and confidence in every ride, no matter the discipline. Each week, Grand Prix Dressage trainer and Gold Medalist Laura Ashley talks with equestrians across the horse world about training challenges, mindset shifts, and how classical dressage principles help all riders. Whether you’re new, returning, or competing, these honest conversations empower you to grow and remind you that dedication and love for the process are your true advantage. Join the Barn Family! Follow @LauraAshleyDressage on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, abd YouTubeJoin the Facebook Group: Laura Ashley Dressage RidersWant to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressageLeave a review to help more riders find us!