Dressage Today Podcast

In this special episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, we talk to rising dressage superstar and Team Prac memeber Christian Simonson fresh off his double silver podium placing with Indian Rock at the 2026 Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Fort Worth, Texas. Christian tells us about his experience at his first-ever World Cup™ Final, his close partnership with "Rocky," what he loves so much about the sport and why he's excited to see dressage riders having more fun.As always, if you love our podcasts, make sure to subscribe, like and share them with your friends!About This Episode's Guest: Christian SimonsonGrowing up in Ventura, California, Christian Simonson had plenty of hobbies. From mountain biking and downhill skiing to scuba diving to getting his student’s pilot license at 15, he’s always had a sense of adventure, but dressage is where his heart lies. Having started dressage at 6 years old, Christian dedicated himself to the sport and had an illustrious junior career, which included competing at four FEI North American Youth Championships, winning junior team gold and individual silver in 2017, young rider team silver in 2018 and young rider team, individual and freestyle gold in 2021. He also won the Horseware Ireland/USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship title at the 2021 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions.Christian has been part of the U.S. Dressage Young Rider European Tour three times, winning team bronze at the Future Champions CDIY in Hagen, Germany, twice, first with Zeaball Diawind in 2021, then with Son of a Lady in 2023. Under the tutelage of his coach, Olympian Adrienne Lyle, he has competed at CHIO Aachen, finishing third in the young rider freestyle with Son of a Lady twice in 2022 and 2023. He and Son of a Lady were named to the U.S. Dressage Team for the 2023 Pan American Games, where they helped secure team gold.Christian's success didn’t stop upon making it to the senior levels; in fact, he’s just gotten more competitive. Before Heidi Humphries of Zen Elite Equestrian Center purchased Indian Rock for him to ride, the 23-year-old had never competed at Grand Prix, but with the 13-year-old stallion, he’s been unbeatable. They’ve never lost a class and were champions in the Neue Schule/USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship at the 2025 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions. In addition, he rode Fleau de Baian, who is also owned by Humphries, to the Adequan®/USEF Brentina Cup Dressage National Championship.He started the 2026 season with “Rocky” by winning the CDI-W in at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida, qualifying them for this year’s Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Fort Worth, Texas. In their World Cup™ Final debut, the pair brought the crowd to their feet with an explosive freestyle choreographed to the “Rocky” movies’ soundtrack to take silver on a personal best score of 83.81%.About This Episode's Sponsor: Zoetis® Equine Has your horse experienced lameness? Did you know that your veterinarian can use the healing power of your horse’s own blood to help manage lameness, joint pain and more? The Pro-Stride APS regenerative medicine device is designed to help keep horses feeling and performing at their best. Ask your vet if Pro-Stride APS may be a great option to help support your horse’s joint health journey. Zoetis® is always by your side in the barn, down the centerline and everywhere in between.Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected])Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Christian SimonsonOur Sponsors this month: Zoetis® Equine

In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, we have a twist on our usual format with two interviews! Instead of doing our normal catch-up and “Ask the L” segment, we welcome back our friend and former Dressage Today editor Stephanie Ruff. She tells us what she’s been doing at The Horse and offers insights on her new podcast, “Feeding Horses.”Our other interview in this episode arose from a suggestion from one of our amazing listeners, who suggested we talk to an Israeli dressage rider after Aviva discussed her recent trip to Israel. In response to your request, we interviewed dressage rider, judge and coach Na’ama Segev Hasson. With more than 30 years of experience in the sport and as a member of the National Equestrian Federation’s Dressage and Education Committees, Na’ama is a central figure in Israel’s equestrian community and plays a vital role in shaping the sport’s future.She is also the co-founder and program manager of the “Pegasus” project, an equestrian leadership program designed to advance youth, instructors and trainers in Israel, and serves as chief examiner for their federation, overseeing the certification and training of instructors and coaches at all professional levels. Outside of her official roles, Na'ama is the proud mother of three, including daughter Maya, who is carrying on her mother’s riding tradition in both dressage and jumping.It was amazing to hear about the riding programs in Israel, as well as how both horses and riders are coping with riding and training during war times. We enjoyed getting to hear more about dressage in Israel, and we know that you will, too. Take a listen!As always, if you love our podcasts, make sure to subscribe, like and share them with your friends!About This Episodes Sponsors: Tribute Equine Nutrition and KPP Elevate®Tribute Equine NutritionYou know that feeling when everything comes together—the rhythm, the balance, the connection. At Tribute Equine Nutrition, that same pursuit of excellence drives us to keep improving. We’re upgrading our entire line with advanced formulations to better support your horse’s health, performance, and longevity. To celebrate, we’re hiding golden tickets in select bags—each one worth 40 free bags of feed… about a year’s supply for one horse. Ready to elevate your program? Visit TributeEquineNutrition.com for a free, personalized feeding plan. If you’re new to Tribute, your first bag is on us—and everything we make is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. Be sure to mention Dressage Today sent you!Kentucky Performance ProductsDoes your performance horse have sore, stiff muscles? Does he lack energy or tire quickly during exercise? Does his competition schedule require travel? Studies show that horses in regular training and those with limited access to pasture often require additional vitamin E. They also show that horses being trailered even short distances can face immunity challenges. Elevate® natural vitamin E can help. A research-proven, powerful antioxidant, Elevate maintains healthy muscle, nerve, and immune functions. It does this be delivering a highly bioavailable source of natural vitamin E that is preferentially absorbed and retained in a horse’s tissues. For more information, visit KPPusa.com or call 859-873-2974.Our Sponsors this month: KPP and their product Elevate® & Tribute Equine NutritionConnect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected])Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Stephanie Ruff,Guest: Na'ama

Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Coming back after missing a new show in July, Aviva and Stephanie jump right into the Ask the L question of how to know when it is appropriate to move up to the next level. Then together they talk to Stephany Fish Crossman, who they first interviewed in December 2022. They find out what she has been up to since they first talked and share a special announcement to make.Listen in!As the global leader in equine health, Boehringer Ingelheim is focused on sharing our passion to improve the life of every horse. We understand that no one cares for a horse alone; it takes a whole network of passionate people to provide the highest level of care. Our team goes beyond our comprehensive product portfolio to support veterinarians, equine care professionals and horse owners alike in raising equine health to an art form. To learn more about our philosophy of care, visit TheArtofHorse.com.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]: Boehringer Ingelheim

Welcome to the Training Buzz sponsored by Purina. Hear a bit from Grand Prix rider Laura Ashley Killian on riding the centerline. She explains and has her student demonstrate how to ride straight down the centerline as well as halt at X. They also go over common rider mistakes and how to fix them.Members of Equestrian+ can watch the full video with Killian here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.There’s more talk than ever about the importance of probiotics in equine health. But not all probiotics are created equal. New Purina Systemiq Supplement remains live & active after the pelleting process and throughout the digestive system making it all the way to the hind gut. Systemiq was designed to support normal recovery after exercise and occasional gastrointestinal stress. Whether you’re using a probiotic now or not, it’s time to use a live and active supplement from a name you trust. New Purina Systemiq probiotic.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://www.equestrianplus.comSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageToday

Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Purina. Aviva and Stephanie talk about the not-so-easy journey horses can travel with their owners, and then Aviva answers the question “When you are halting/making any change in gait on any letter- do you want your leg and/or the center of the horse to cross the letter when the change is being made?”Together they interview up-and-coming international rider Anna Marek. Marek began showing and training dressage horses in 2001, and she is currently based in Dunellen, Florida, which is close to Ocala. With her Grand Prix horse, Unico, Anna rose to #12 nationwide in the USA during 2016. Just last year she made a statement on the international stage with a team gold and individual bronze with Fire Fly at the Pan American Games in Chile. Last month she finished ninth, the highest finish for a U.S. rider, with a second Grand Prix horse, Fayvel at the FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Saudi Arabia. And most recently, she and Fire Fly were named to the short list for the horse and rider combinations traveling to Europe hopes of making the Olympic team.Anna loves animals and strives to make the most ethical choices possible. These two qualities along with incredible talent have earned her a reputation as a fierce rising competitor in the dressage arena and as a successful, kind trainer.Listen in!At Purina Animal Nutrition, we are focused on helping horses live their best lives. For wholesome nutrition that performs, try Purina Omolene horse feed. Formulated with Outlast gastric support supplement to support gastric health and proper pH, it keeps your horse performing with confidence. Put our research to the test. Stop by your local Purina retailer or visit PurinaMills.com to learn more.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected] Editor: Merek Alam, http://brightafternoonproductions.com Sponsor: https://www.purinamills.com

Welcome to the Training Buzz sponsored by Purina. Today we hear from accomplished Grand Prix rider and trainer Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel. At a clinic, before taking to the saddle, she talks about the importance of systematic training and understanding the horse’s body parts before you can get the horse to stretch and use his back properly.Members of Equestrian+ can watch more videos with Felicitas von Neuman Cose here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.Attention horse owners. Are you looking to help your horse recover with ease, after a strenuous workout? Would you like to nourish your horse and their digestive system? If so, try the new Purina RepleniMashProduct. It’s much more than a mash. RepleniMash promotes hydration, replenishes electrolytes and supports gastric comfort. Put Purina’s research to the test. Stop into your local Purina retailer and grab a bag of Purina Replenimash product.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://www.equestrianplus.comSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageToday

Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Equithrive. In this episode, Aviva talks about the newest addition to her herd – Ralphie the Dutch Harness Horse. She also explains the difference between the submission score and the effectiveness of the aids score on the collective marks of a dressage test in the “Ask the L” segment.Together they have an engaging conversation with dressage TD Robyn Nunnally. Nunnally, who currently lives in Suffock, Virginia, grew up riding hunters and Arabians before making the switch to dressage. Today she is an USEF “R” judge and C2 steward in Western Dressage, a USEF “r” dressage Technical Delegate and a USDF L Graduate with Distinction and Bronze Medalist.Listen in!Trying to choose the right supplements for the right horses often feels like a chore…and you have enough chores as it is. Fortunately, there’s Equithrive, whose mission is to make this whole nutrition equation easier on you, and much more beneficial to your horses. Equithrive’s lineup of pelleted supplements are developed with care, backed by science, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Not to mention picky-eater approved. Whether you need advanced joint care for your equine athlete, plus hoof, gut, or metabolic support, Equithrive is your one-stop-shop for feed tub fortification.So, stop wasting your time and money. Do your horses–and yourself–a favor and visit equithrive.com. Use the promo code DRESSAGETODAY to get 20% off your first order, plus free and fast shipping nationwide. www.equithrive.comWebsite: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected] Editor: Merek Alam, http://brightafternoonproductions.com

Today Grand Prix trainers and competitors Todd Flettrich and Ruth Hogan-Poulsen discuss riding haunches-in. It is ridden on four tracks, and the bend comes primarily from behind the saddle, and the neck and shoulders stay straight on the direction of travel. They cover the proper aids for riding it as well as common mistakes and how to address them.Members of Equestrian+ can watch more videos with Todd Flettrich and Ruth Hogen-Paulsen here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://www.equestrianplus.comSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageToday

Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Equithrive. In this episode, Aviva and Stephanie talk about the mental health aspect of the horse industry and how their interviews with Nancy Lavoie and Dr. Jenny Susser can help start a conversation. Then Aviva talks about how a canter transition is scored when it happens early or late.Together they interview Dr. Jenny Susser who did a series of articles with Dressage Today in the past. Dr. Susser has a PhD in Clinical Health Psychology, specializing in Sport Psychology. She has been engaged in the art and science of human performance her entire life, beginning with her own athletic journey. A four-year All-American swimmer, she served as assistant coach at UCLA, swam on two national teams, and competed at the 1988 Olympic Trials.After retiring from competition, Dr. Jenny shifted her focus to helping high-performing athletes in every sport. She has worked with individual athletes in the 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympic Games and served as Team Sport Psychologist for the 2012 Olympic Dressage Team in London.Athletes aren't the only people who rely on Dr. Jenny's high-performance expertise. As a keynote speaker and corporate trainer, she has prepared leaders around the world to thrive in high-pressure environments. Dr. Jenny's seamless blend of science/research, education, experience, and intuition creates a powerful experience and remarkable results for people who are ready to accept and activate her guidance.Listen in!Trying to choose the right supplements for the right horses often feels like a chore…and you have enough chores as it is. Fortunately, there’s Equithrive, whose mission is to make this whole nutrition equation easier on you, and much more beneficial to your horses. Equithrive’s lineup of pelleted supplements are developed with care, backed by science, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Not to mention picky-eater approved. Whether you need advanced joint care for your equine athlete, plus hoof, gut, or metabolic support, Equithrive is your one-stop-shop for feed tub fortification.So, stop wasting your time and money. Do your horses–and yourself–a favor and visit equithrive.com. Use the promo code DRESSAGETODAY to get 20% off your first order, plus free and fast shipping nationwide. www.equithrive.comWebsite: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected] Editor: Merek Alam, http://brightafternoonproductions.com Sponsor: https://equithrive.com

Head: Rider Warm-up StretchesDek: Try some exercises in the saddle with Laura Ashley KillianThis Training Buzz episode is sponsored by Purina. Today hear from USDF gold, silver and bronze medalist Laura Ashely Killian. She goes over mounted rider stretches that she does at the beginning of her ride and focus on loosening the hip, seat and leg. If you are on an appropriate horse, you can do them while your horse relaxes in a free walk. Try listening to her before you get on or even while you are walking on your horse at the beginning of your ride.Level up your horses’ performance this season with choices from Purina Animal Nutrition. From Purina Ultium Competition Formula to Purina Impact Pro Performance and everything in-between, Purina has the right option for your horse – including supplements like Purina SuperSport Amino Acid Supplement, Purina Amplify High Fat Supplement, and Purina Outlast Gastric Support Supplement. There are many choices for optimal nutrition when you choose Purina…all backed by science. Level up your performance this season and put Purina’s research to the test. Ask for Purina at your local feed retailer today.Members of Equestrian+ can watch more videos with Laura Ashley Killian here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://www.equestrianplus.comSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageToday

In today’s Buzz, bit and bridle expert and USDF gold medalist Stephanie Brown-Beamer gives an overview of bitting basics for your dressage horse. She shares what she has learned, what she often sees, trends she has observed and what you should keep in mind when bitting your own horse. She discusses her process for assessing a horse and his mouth to select the most appropriate bit.Members of Equestrian+ can watch videos with Stephanie Brown-Beamer here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://www.equestrianplus.comSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageToday

Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Equithrive. In this episode, Stephanie gives an update on her horse Nadia, and Aviva answers an Ask the L question about the correct amount of angle in shoulder in. Together they have an excellent conversation with Nancy Lavoie about her history in teaching dressage and how changing the conversation (both internally and externally) can help improve riding and the sport of dressage.  Nancy Later Lavoie is a lifelong equestrian with a special love for dressage. In addition to being an accomplished competitor through the Grand Prix level and a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist, Nancy is an accomplished trainer, clinician, and life coach. After many years of training and managing top performance horses, Nancy has taken an avid interest in Performance and Mindset Coaching. She is certified through Tony Robbins Core 100 and Mindvalley's Evercoach Program as a Life Coach. Nancy also became certified in Mindfulness to bring more awareness and perspective to her training.  In addition to attending many High-Performance Seminars, Nancy has completed Dr. Zack Bush's Intrinsic Health Program. Nancy is passionate not only about proper training and horse care, but the overall quality of life of her clients and their horses. The shift from fulltime competitor to Performance Coach, although recent, is bringing Nancy a tremendous amount of fulfillment, and her clients continue to succeed not only at the shows, but in the arena of life. Nancy lives with her husband Matthew Lavoie in Rindge, New Hampshire.Listen in!Trying to choose the right supplements for the right horses often feels like a chore…and you have enough chores as it is. Fortunately, there’s Equithrive, whose mission is to make this whole nutrition equation easier on you, and much more beneficial to your horses. Equithrive’s lineup of pelleted supplements are developed with care, backed by science, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Not to mention picky-eater approved. Whether you need advanced joint care for your equine athlete, plus hoof, gut, or metabolic support, Equithrive is your one-stop-shop for feed tub fortification.So stop wasting your time and money. Do your horses–and yourself–a favor and visit equithrive.com. Use the promo code DRESSAGETODAY to get 20% off your first order, plus free and fast shipping nationwide. www.equithrive.comWebsite: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected] Editor: Merek Alam, http://brightafternoonproductions.comSponsor: https://equithrive.com

Welcome to Dressage Today’s Training Buzz sponsored by Purina. Today we hear from USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist Michele Wellman. She practices what she preaches when she says to advocate for the horse. In this clip, Michele tells the story about one of her horses who encountered various physical issues and the long road to determine the cause.Members of Equestrian+ can watch Michele Wellman’s cavalletti series here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.Your horse has unique feed needs, and Purina has you covered. From breeding and growing to senior horses, from performance horses to easy keepers and everything in between, Purina has an extensive portfolio of research-backed options for your horse. There’s no shortcut for quality nutrition – cheaper isn’t cheaper if it doesn’t work. Put Purina’s research to the test. Find optimal nutrition at any level at your local Purina retailer or visit PurinaMills.com to learn more.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.equestrianplus.comInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageToday

In today’s Buzz, horsemanship expert Chelsea Canedy explains how meditation can help work with clients and horses. It makes her more comfortable with a sense of stillness, allowing her to take moments of silence both externally and internally and locating a warmth of presence and gratitude.Members of Equestrian+ can watch many videos with Chelsea Canedy here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://www.equestrianplus.comSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageToday

Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Spalding Labs. Stephanie and Aviva start with talking about Stephanie’s recent trip to film the Adequan®/USDF FEI-Level Trainers Conference that was held just outside of Wellington. Then Aviva answers the question of: In first level can you switch between sitting trot and posting trot? Then together they talk to equine nutritionist and physiologist Dr. Debra Powell. Dr. Powell is a native of Charleston, SC. In 1984, she obtained a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University, 1992, a master’s degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and 1999 her PhD from the University of Kentucky, with an emphasis in Equine Exercise Physiology and Nutrition.  She has been active in the equine industry and academia for over 20 years. Dr. Powell was an equine researcher and farm manager at the University of Kentucky. She was an associate professor at Ohio State University-Agricultural Technical Institute, being the first African American faculty member within this institution. She also taught at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and Hocking College. Throughout her career, Dr. Powell has been an advocate for the promotion and increased diversity inclusion of minorities within the equine industry.Because of her passion for animal welfare that goes beyond just traditional medicine, since 1999, Dr. Powell has owned and operated Powell Equine Canine Therapy Services, LLC (PECTS), a business that specializes in non-invasive therapies and nutritional consulting for equine and canine family members. This business allows her to work with local, national, and international clients. She has had two opportunities to work on horses at the Summer Olympic Games, once in Atlanta and the other in London. She hopes to return as one of the equine physiotherapists for the Olympic games in Paris. Dr. Powell believes in providing scientifically proven methods of alternative therapies for the benefit of the equine and canine family members.Stop the kicking, stomping and tail swishing this fly season with Fly Predators®! By killing flies before they hatch, Fly Predators dramatically minimize your fly problem, saving you and your horse from battling them all season long. Take it from our 23,000-plus five-star reviews — Fly Predators are the effective, natural fly control that works! Learn more about Fly Predators and other Spalding Labs’ fly control solutions at spalding-labs.com.Listen in! Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected] Editor: Merek Alam, http://brightafternoonproductions.com

On this week’s Training Buzz, we hear from Hilda Gurney, Olympic dressage team bronze medalist, international judge, trainer, instructor, and breeder. In this clip, she talks about how to execute the half halt as well as how to use the half halt to gain lightness in the bridle and re-balance the horse.Members of Equestrian+ can watch many videos with Hilda Gurney here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]

In this Training Buzz, FEI 5* judge Janet Foy and Team Olympic Bronze Medalist Debbie McDonald answer questions from auditors of a clinic. Foy first explains how she judges the turn on the haunches and gives useful tips on how to ride the movement the best. They next talk about how to work with a horse that has conformational challenges, and the last question is about the tongue being out during a test and how that is scored.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]

Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by USRider. Stephanie and Aviva take a look back at who they talked to in 2023, and Aviva answers an “Ask the L” question about how long to halt and salute. Then Stephanie does a reading of Half Halts Simplified with Kathy Connelly, which was the most read article on Dressage Today’s website in 2022.Kathy Connelly, a renowned dressage trainer and instructor, breaks down the concept of half-halts in dressage riding. In this article, she simplifies this often-misunderstood technique and explains its importance in improving communication between horse and rider.She also delves into the different types of half-halts and their purposes, such as the preparatory half-halt to prepare for a transition or movement, and the balancing half-halt to improve collection and balance in more advanced movements.Connelly addresses common mistakes riders make when attempting half-halts, such as using too much rein or not engaging the hindquarters enough. She provides helpful tips and exercises to improve the rider's understanding and execution of this technique.Whether you’re headed across the country or just down the road, you could be traveling with the peace of mind knowing you and your horse are protected by USRider’s 24/7 roadside assistance coverage. From lockouts and jumpstarts to towing and stabling/veterinarian/farrier referrals, USRider ensures a breakdown won’t leave you stranded—join today and save 15% with the code­­­­ USRDT at USRider.org.Listen in! Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected] Editor: Merek Alam, http://brightafternoonproductions.comSponsor: https://usrider.org

This Training Buzz is sponsored by Purina. Grand Prix trainer Jackie Kinney works with an amateur rider who gets nervous. She is riding a large, older FEI-level schoolmaster. They start with breathing exercises and the feet out of the stirrups in order to focus on feeling the horse's motion. Breathing with the horse's movement can help both horse and rider relax.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Your horse has unique feed needs, and Purina has you covered. From breeding and growing to senior horses, from performance horses to easy keepers and everything in between, Purina has an extensive portfolio of research-backed options for your horse. There’s no shortcut for quality nutrition – cheaper isn’t cheaper if it doesn’t work. Put their research to the test. Find optimal nutrition at any level at your local Purina retailer or visit PurinaMills.com to learn more.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]

Today’s Training Buzz is sponsored by USRider. Whether you’re headed across the country or just down the road, you could be traveling with the peace of mind knowing you and your horse are protected by USRider’s 24/7 roadside assistance coverage. From lockouts and jumpstarts to towing and stabling/veterinarian/farrier referrals, USRider ensures a breakdown won’t leave you stranded — join today and save 15% with the code­­­­ USRDT at USRider.org.Charlotte Bredahl-Baker is an Olympic dressage team bronze-medalist and an FEI 4* international dressage judge who has competed and judged all over the world.This training clip, even though she is riding, Charlotte does a great job of explaining how to ride the counter canter, gain balance and prepare counter canter test movements. She discusses the issues one can encounter within the counter canter and how to counteract those issues.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video (and many more with Axel Steiner) here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]

Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Equithrive. Stephanie and Aviva talk about the latest happenings in the dressage world, and Aviva answers an “Ask the L” question about explaining the purpose of the level that is at the beginning of each test.Together they interview Julio Mendoza Loor who recently won the individual gold at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. It was a fun conversation with the ever-enthusiastic rider who competed for Equador.Growing up in South America, Mendoza Loor rode horses and taught students at his father’s farm in Ecuador. In 2006 he and his wife Jessica started training together, and they moved to the United States in 2007. Mendoza Loor has trained numerous horses to the Grand Prix level, including Ivan, to date the only Friesian to compete at the Pan American Games, Chardonney, his partner at the 2015 Pan American Games and 2018 World Equestrian Games and current star Jewel’s Goldstrike. He specializes in piaffe and passage training as well as the art of long lining. Mendoza Loor, his wife and their three children currently reside just outside of Tryon, North Carolina. Trying to choose the right supplements for the right horses often feels like a chore…and you have enough chores as it is. Fortunately, there’s Equithrive, whose mission is to make this whole nutrition equation easier on you, and much more beneficial to your horses. Equithrive’s lineup of pelleted supplements are developed with care, backed by science, and carry a 100% satisfaction guarantee - not to mention being picky-eater approved. Whether you need advanced joint care for your equine athlete, plus hoof, gut, or metabolic support, Equithrive is your one-stop-shop for feed tub fortification.So stop wasting your time and money. Do your horses–and yourself–a favor and visit equithrive.com. Use the promo code DRESSAGETODAY to get 20% off your first order, plus free and fast shipping nationwide.Listen in! Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected] Editor: Merek Alam, http://brightafternoonproductions.comSponsor: https://equithrive.com

Today’s Training Buzz is sponsored by Purina. The PhD Equine Nutritionists at Purina Animal Nutrition tackle problems using science. And their love of horses keeps them at it until they get it right. Even with the most established feeds, they keep innovating. Even when it takes years of research, they don’t stop until it’s right. They are dedicated to the scientific method, but it can’t capture the feeling of seeing a horse reach their full potential. It takes science and love to help your horses live their best life. Put their research to the test at Horse Innovation dot com.In this clip, retired FEI 5* judge Axel Steiner talks about some of the movements introduced in third level, including the extended gaits and the release of rein contact on a canter circle.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video (and many more with Axel Steiner) here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]

Today’s Training Buzz features Isabelle von Neumann-Cosel. She is the sister of well-known U.S. dressage rider Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel and the cousin of Susanne von Dietze, columnist for Practical Horseman. Isabelle works as a journalist, author, dressage rider and trainer with a special interest in biomechanics, seat position and the functioning of the aids for riders at every level. In this clip, Isabelle discusses proper contact and how a lack of positive tension will create boredom or insecurity in some horses who want to feel the rider's support.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video (and many more with Isabelle von Neumann-Cosel) here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]

Today’s Training Buzz is sponsored by US Rider and features Jan Brink. Swedish equestrian Jan Brink has participated in three Olympic games. In this clip from a clinic ride, he first talks about the uniqueness of the Spanish and Portuguese breeds. Then he discusses the three mental zones of horses: 1. comfort zone 2. stretch zone 3. panic zone. He also explains how these mental zones come into play when training the horse.Member of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the entire video here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Whether you’re headed across the country or just down the road, you could be traveling with the peace of mind knowing you and your horse are protected by USRider’s 24/7 roadside assistance coverage. From lockouts and jumpstarts to towing and stabling/veterinarian /farrier referrals, USRider ensures a breakdown won’t leave you stranded — join today and save 15% with the code­­­­ USRDT at USRider.org.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]: https://usrider.org/usrdt/

Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Equithrive. Stephanie and Avival talk about how horses keep us grounded no matter what else is happening. Then Aviva answers an “Ask the L” question about a tense, forward-thinking horse. “Is it better to ride the correct tempo which causes tension or ride slightly below the tempo but keep the relaxation and harmony?”Stephanie talks to Emily Donaldson, a successful Grand Prix level trainer. Donaldson grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and started riding horses when she was 5 years old. She garnered a well-rounded equestrian education through fox hunting, hunter/jumpers and horse trials. And when Emily was 13 years-old she decided to focus on Dressage. She received her USDF Bronze Medal and trained her off-the-track Thoroughbred gelding "Thanks A Bunch" from First Level to Prix St. Georges.After earning a Bachelors Degree in Art History from the University of Pittsburgh in 2005, Emily spent the summer as a working student for Courtney King Dye and then in 2006 with Jennifer Baumert. In 2007 Emily returned to her hometown of Pittsburgh to pursue a career in fundraising and marketing. Emily spent eight years working for several influential non-profit organizations while continuing to compete and train. In 2014, Emily married equine veterinarian, Mark Donaldson, and relocated to eastern Pennsylvania. It was at that time that Emily also decided to officially launch Emily Donaldson Dressage LLC. They relocated to Sewickley Farm in June 2018.Trying to choose the right supplements for the right horses often feels like a chore…and you have enough chores as it is. Fortunately, there’s Equithrive, whose mission is to make this whole nutrition equation easier on you, and much more beneficial to your horses. Equithrive’s lineup of pelleted supplements are developed with care, backed by science, and carry a 100% satisfaction guarantee - not to mention being picky-eater approved. Whether you need advanced joint care for your equine athlete, plus hoof, gut, or metabolic support, Equithrive is your one-stop-shop for feed tub fortification.So stop wasting your time and money. Do your horses–and yourself–a favor and visit equithrive.com. Use the promo code DRESSAGETODAY to get 20% off your first order, plus free and fast shipping nationwide.Listen in!Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected] Editor: Merek Alam, http://brightafternoonproductions.comSponsor: https://equithrive.com

Today’s Training Buzz is sponsored by Cosequin. Cosequin® ASU Joint & Hoof Pellets contain quality ingredients to support joint and hoof health and leave out the fillers molasses and alfalfa — all while delivering the taste horses love. The colors of their ingredients shine through for a difference you can see. Visit cosequinequine.com to learn more.This Training Buzz episode is a little bit different. We are bringing you a preview of training tips provided by Matt McLaughin that will be posted on Dressage Today in the coming months. Matt spent many years in the equine entertainment industry and is a USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist as well as a small r judge. He has trained many horses to the Grand Prix level.In this tip, he goes over his fundamental idea of ask, tell, demand and the importance of ending a training session on a positive note. Look for the video version of this tip, along with many others, coming soon to dressagetoday.com. Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]: https://www.cosequin.com/horses/

Today’s Training Buzz is sponsored by Purina. The PhD Equine Nutritionists at Purina Animal Nutrition tackle problems using science. And their love of horses keeps them at it until they get it right. Even with the most established feeds, they keep innovating. Even when it takes years of research, they don’t stop until it’s right. They are dedicated to the scientific method, but it can’t capture the feeling of seeing horses reach their full potential. It takes science and love to help your horses live their best life. Put their research to the test at HorseInnovation.com.In this excerpt from a video, Catherine Haddad Staller explains what the elements of submission are and how to tell if a horse is in submission. She looks at the ears and the facial expression, how he carries his tail, his relaxation, as well as his mouth. She discusses how the horse’s frame plays into this as well as his obedience and offers tips on how to improve the submission.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video (and many more with Catherine Haddad Staller) here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]

Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by US Rider. In this episode, Stephanie and Aviva talk about some of the great things Aviva is doing for Dressage Today OnDemand. They recorded audio of Aviva reading the movements and directives of all the Intro through Fourth level tests. Member of Dressage Today OnDemand can go to the 2023 On the Levels test video and download the corresponding audio file. Then they can listen to it anytime to help learn the test. They are also working on a new benefit for members where riders can submit a video test to the private Facebook group for Aviva to score and comment as she would at a show.In today’s Ask the L from Sally, Aviva gives a great explanation of the differences between tempo, rhythm and cadence.Together, Stephanie and Aviva interview Heidi Wardle and Samantha Silver, two experts in the equine insurance world. They answer all sorts of questions about the hows and whys of insurance your horse.Heidi Wardle grew up in Castle Rock, Colorado and relocated to the northern Virginia after school to become a working student for Olympic eventing rider Phyllis Dawson. After spending the first part of her adult life riding and training horses professionally, Heidi turned to the normalcy of a job behind a desk but never wanted to give up that daily passion of work with horses. In 2017 she stumbled into a career in equine insurance and finds it just as rewarding as trotting down the centerline or jumping a cross country fence. When not busy explaining the ins and outs of major medical coverage, Heidi is training and competing her off-track Thoroughbreds ‘Cold Spice’ and ‘Generalist’ in the sport of 3-day eventing.Samantha Silver has called Richmond, Virginia home her entire life. She is a lifelong horsewoman who has been doing equine insurance claims for over 15 years. She tried her hand at eventing before settling into dressage and earning her USDF Bronze medal on an OTTB that she trained herself. Samantha feels that her varied personal experiences with horse injuries and death make her a better, more empathetic claims handler.Whether you’re headed across the country or just down the road, you could be traveling with the peace of mind knowing you and your horse are protected by USRider’s 24/7 roadside assistance coverage. From lockouts and jumpstarts to towing and stabling/veterinarian/farrier referrals, USRider ensures a breakdown won’t leave you stranded — join today and save 15% with the code­­­­ USRDT at USRider.org.Listen in! Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected] Editor: Merek Alam, http://brightafternoonproductions.comSponsor: https://usrider.org

Today’s Training Buzz is sponsored by US Rider. This clip features Olympic team dressage bronze medalist Debbie McDonald, who has been part of high performance, international dressage as a rider, trainer and coach for decades. In this clip from a clinic ride, a young rider and schoolmaster gelding are given a great reminder of making sure the horse is sensitive and responsive.  They work on suppleness and straightness, and Debbie give an excellent explanation of correcting the outside shoulder and lack of flexion.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video (and many more with Debbie McDonald) here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Whether you’re headed across the country or just down the road, you could be traveling with the peace of mind knowing you and your horse are protected by USRider’s 24/7 roadside assistance coverage. From lockouts and jumpstarts to towing and stabling/veterinarian /farrier referrals, USRider ensures a breakdown won’t leave you stranded — join today and save 15% with the code­­­­ USRDT at USRider.org.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]: https://usrider.org/usrdt

Today we hear from Jody Hartstone, a Grand Prix rider and practitioner of equitation science based in New Zealand. She is an expert in retraining offtrack thoroughbreds as dressage and riding horses. In this segment, she talks about what to look for in an ex-racehorse and some of the pitfalls and issues you may face in the retraining process.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]

Welcome to the Dressage Today Podcast. This special bonus episode, sponsored by Cosequin, is with 2023 Neue Schule/USEF Grand Prix National Champion, Codi Harrison. Codi sat down to chat with guest host Julia Buitenhuis at the 2023 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions after winning both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special aboard her 16-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding, Katholt’s Bossco. Just 27-years-old, this young star then went on to place third in the Grand Prix Freestyle, effectively securing the title of 2023 National Champion. Codi and "Bossco" began their partnership in 2015 and have made their way from Young Riders to U25 and finally the senior Grand Prix, all under the tutelage of Olympian Lars Petersen. Codi shared that she feels lucky to have a trainer that did not want her to buy a made horse and would not make the horse for her. Instead, Lars taught her how to create a Grand Prix horse. That hard work paid off in 2018 when Codi and Bossco won the USEF Young Adult Brentina Cup Dressage National Championship. Now, five years later, they were crowned national champions at the senior Grand Prix level, and Codi has her sights set on a spot on U.S. team for the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile this October.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]: https://www.cosequin.com/horses

Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by US Rider. In this episode, Stephanie talks about her recent trip to San Diego, and Aviva answers an “Ask the L” question. Linda says, “My horse sometimes tilts his head to the right especially in leg yield. He’s had his teeth checked, and there does not seem to be anything physically wrong with him. How will this affect our score?” Then Stephanie talks to legendary Quarter Horse trainer Lynn Palm.For more than 50 years Lynn Palm has championed the partnership of horse and rider. An international clinician and competitor, she travels extensively teaching the fundamentals of Palm Equestrian Academy throughout the country and abroad. Palm is an American Quarter Horse Association judge and holds her USEF R Western Dressage Judge’s License. She continues to compete in both the United States Dressage Federation and the Western Dressage Association of America. Palm’s competition record is second to none, having earned 4 AQHA Superhorse titles, over 30 AQHA World and Reserve Championships, several AQHA European Championships, more than a dozen WDAA World Championships, 15 USDF All Breed Awards Champions and most recently the Dressage and Western Dressage Championships at the AQHA World Show.Lynn was a special guest performer at the 1996 Olympics and was named 2000 AQHA Female Equestrian of the Year by the Women’s Sports Foundation. In 2003 she was the recipient of Equine Affaire’s Exceptional Equestrian Educator Award, and she was titled Horsewoman of the year in 2007 by the American Quarter Horse Association. In 2010, she presented at the World Equestrian Games as a clinician and entertainer and did the same at the 2017 FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha. Lynn and her husband, Cyril Pittion-Rossillon, lead their annual European Journeys and she presents Winning Ways with Western Dressage alongside Marie-Frances Davis. Lynn is also an author who frequently contributes articles to leading equine publications along with an activity online community. Her extensive educational library of DVDs and Books can be found at http://www.lynnpalm.com. Whether you and your horse are headed across the country or just down the road, the new USRider app helps you be prepared. From free travel planning, checklists, travel document storage, health alerts, emergency vet/farrier referrals and more, you’ll find everything you need to stay organized and have a safe trip at your fingertips. Plus, USRider members can easily request roadside assistance within the app! Ready to make traveling with your horses easier? Download the new USRider app from the Apple and Google Play app stores today! Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]: https://usrider.org

Today’s clip comes from a clinic with Olympic team bronze medalist Allison Brock. She works with a rider on a sensitive mare to help keep the horse walking forward in quarter turns on a square before schooling the walk pirouette.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video here. Not a member? Sign up for a free 10-day trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]

This podcast is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition, with three research-backed ration balancers to fill nutritional gaps in your horse's diet. Enrich Plus delivers a concentrated source of protein, vitamins and minerals without unnecessary calories. Enrich Plus Senior features ActivAge Prebiotic Technology and Outlast Supplement for aging easy-keepers. Omega Match is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, great for horses without access to green grass. Find a ration balancer for your horse at purinamills.com/RationBalancers, or visit your local feed store. International Grand Prix rider and trainer Chrissa Hoffmann helps a rider with an upper-level horse. The horse previously tended to get behind the vertical. He knew the upper-level movements but had nervous energy and was lacking some basics of balance and rhythm. They focus on getting him to relax, which helps him improve his gaits, balance and suppleness.  Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video here. Not a member? Sign up for a free 10-day trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]: https://www.purinamills.com/product-family/detail/purina-ration-balancer

Welcome to the Dressage Today Podcast. Aviva and Stephanie talk about dealing with horses in the heat and poor air quality. Aviva answers this "Ask the L" question. Does it matter what posting diagonal you are on during a test? And when trotting across the diagonal in the arena, where is the best place to change your posting diagonal?Then Stephanie talks with Mimi Stanley, a USDF Gold medalist based in Bismarck, North Dakota who has ridden many Arabians and Half-Arabians in dressage. Mimi, along with her mother Karla Stanley, own and operate Prairie Rose Training Center in Bismark, ND. Mimi has earned USDF bronze, silver and gold medals as well as Gold Freestyle bar on Arabians and Half-Arabians. Some of her accomplishments include being one of only four young riders from the US chosen to experience international-level dressage in Europe on the 2010 Olympic Dream Team; being selected to attend the 2014 USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program, which helps promising young riders prepare for international competition; earning 28 National Championships and 15 Reserve National Championships at Arabian Sport Horse National competitions; and earning 17 USDF All Breeds Championships or Reserve Championships, including the USDF Young Rider Grand Prix.Listen in!

According to Charles de Kunffy, classical horsemanship is based on the idea to develop a horse in a partnership that enhances his performance to the maximum of his inborn talents, totally painlessly and without emotional trauma and fear or physical pain or discomfort. As a result, it's completely horse oriented. Hear just a fraction of his theories and teachings in this clip from a lecture he gave during a clinic at JJ Tate’s Blue Ridge Farm.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video here. Not a member? Sign up for a free 10-day trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]

This episode is an excerpt from the 2014 FarmVet/USDF Complete Adult Clinic featuring retired FEI 5* judge Lilo Fore. The horse and rider combination she works with here is at Training Level. The focus of this ride is on creating responsiveness in the horse. They work on remaining forward even in the down transitions.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video here. Not a member? Sign up for a free 10-day trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]

Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Spalding Labs. In this episode’s Ask the L, Aviva talks about how to correctly excuse yourself from a class when everything goes wrong. Then Stephanie and Aviva together interview Australian Helen Fletcher with Equipoise Pilates for Equestrians. In 2013, Fletcher wrote an article for Dressage Today, and now she has a video series on Dressage Today OnDemand.Fletcher is a Pilates Alliance Australasia Professional Principal Instructor, with 30 years personal practice and 17 years teaching experience, ranging from post-acute rehabilitation to conditioning for sport. A rider from childhood, Fletcher believes all riders should aim to be the athletic equivalent of their horses, whether they are casual hobby riders or elite professional competitors. She is passionate about healthy biomechanics of both horse and rider, mindful movement, movement education, and the role that the riders body plays in the ability to influence and maintain and improve the wellbeing of the horse. Fletcher teaches both in person and online classes and runs Balanced Rider, Balanced Horse mounted clinics throughout Australia. Have you found a fly control solution that actually works? Instead of going after the adult flies, this year try stopping them before they hatch with Fly Predators, a preventative approach to fly control. Fly Predators are the all-natural fly control solution used by top professionals because they just work. Fly Predators kill flies before they hatch, meaning they’ll never get a chance to bother you or your horses. It's not too late to get ahead of flies this summer. Call their team of experts at 877-Kill-Fly (545-5359) to get started.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected] Editor: Merek Alam, http://brightafternoonproductions.comSponsor: https://spalding-labs.com

This Training Buzz is sponsored by Saddlery Brands International. Have you heard about Bates Saddles’ exciting NEW dressage saddle the Bates Isabell Icon? Combining over 35 years of competition experience and 90 years of saddle innovation, the Bates Isabell Icon stands alone in high-performance dressage, as truly state of the art. Your journey begins here. Watch the personal video with Isabell Werth at batessaddles.com.Today’s episode features Canadian Olympian David Marcus of Marcus Fyffe Dressage. In each warm-up ride, from green to Grand Prix, Marcus looks to do these three things: 1. Check and train his horse’s reactions to his seat, leg and rein. 2. Check and train his ability to regulate the length of his horse’s stride, and 3. Check and train his ability to control the horse’s overall shape. In this segment, Marcus demonstrates how to use the 20-meter circle to ride forward and back transitions. He uses these exercises to correct and control the horse's reaction time as well as the horse's balance and length of stride, two things that he believes are important to the warm-up.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full warm-up series here: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/programs/collection-dga2j21qss8Not a member? Sign up for a free 10-day trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]: http://saddlerybrandsinternational.com

This Training Buzz is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition, with three research-backed ration balancers to fill nutritional gaps in your horse's diet. Enrich Plus delivers a concentrated source of protein, vitamins and minerals without unnecessary calories. Enrich Plus Senior features ActivAge Prebiotic Technology and Outlast Supplement for aging easy-keepers. Omega Match is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, great for horses without access to green grass. Find a ration balancer for your horse at purinamills.com/RationBalancers, or visit your local feed store.Today we give you a glimpse inside the 2023 Adequan/USDF FEI-Level Trainers Conference. After a two-year absence due to the pandemic, over 300 enthusiastic individuals descended upon Mary Anne McPhail’s High Meadow Farm in Loxahatchee, Florida, in January to gain wisdom and perspective from David Hunt, Henk van Bergen, Linda Zang and Lilo Fore.The rider and horse combinations were all upper level as the intended purpose of the two-day conference was designed to educate FEI-level trainers and instructors in the classical system of dressage. Videos of the rides are available to watch on Dressage Today OnDemand.This clip is of Henk van Bergen, a member of the FEI Judge Supervisory Panel, discussing shoulder-in as he works with Cindi Wylie, a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist, a USEF 'S' Judge and a USDF Certified Instructor.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video here:https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/programs/cindi-wylie-amado-xxxv-day-1?offset=31&cid=Not a member? Sign up for a free 10-day trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]: https://www.purinamills.com/product-family/detail/purina-ration-balancer

Today’s Training Buzz is with Susanne von Dietze who was born in Germany and currently resides in Israel. She is a leader in equestrian biomechanics. An author, physiotherapist, licensed Trainer A instructor and judge for dressage and show jumping, she gives lectures and seminars throughout the world. Von Dietze is a long-time columnist first for Dressage Today and now for Practical Horseman. In this segment, she leads us through unmounted exercises to warm up the legs and hips before riding. Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video on the Rider’s Seat here: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/programs/collection-lq8yua9cjjq?offset=576&cid=574519Not a member? To watch von Dietze and many other respected professionals, sign up for a free 10-day trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]

Welcome to this month’s edition of the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Saddlery Brands. Today we’ll be talking to. Listen first to disappointing news Aviva has to share about her horse Leo.Next, Aviva shares advice for those wanting to try scribing for the first time. It may seem like an intimidating role, but it is one of the best ways to learn more about showing and the dressage tests.Then, Stephanie and Aviva interview another trainer who has done well with an alternative breed. Cathy Echternach, of Poolesville, Maryland, has successful trained and competed Morgan horses through Grand Prix for many years.Echternach has been a professional trainer and rider for more than 30 years. She's earned her USDF Bronze, Silver, Gold medals and Gold Bar, and won USDF year-end awards through Grand Prix. Introduced to dressage by Nancy Tomlinson and Elizabeth Madlener, Echternach's primary influencers include Pam Goodrich, Franz Rochanowski, Conrad Schumacher, Bill Warren and the late Uwe Steiner. She has teamed with Beth Brooke to operate Echternach Dressage at Broad Run Farm in Poolesville, Maryland.Have you heard about Bates Saddles’ exciting NEW dressage saddle the Bates Isabell Icon?Combining over 35 years of competition experience and 90 years of saddle innovation, the Bates Isabell Icon stands alone in high-performance dressage, as truly state of the art. Your journey begins here. Watch the personal video with Isabell Werth at batessaddles.com.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected] Editor: Merek Alam, http://brightafternoonproductions.com Sponsor: batessaddles.com

This Training Buzz is sponsored by Cosequin®. Cosequin® ASU Joint & Hoof Pellets contain quality ingredients to support joint and hoof health and leave out the fillers molasses and alfalfa — all while delivering the taste horses love. The colors of our ingredients shine through for a difference you can see. Visit cosequinequine.com.Today we hear from Olivia Lagoy-Weltz. To begin the ride on her 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, Olivia spends a long time walking and stretching. To get proper turns on a 10-meter circle, she explains the need to start from a place of having the horse equal on both sides. Once that is the case, the turns will be easy, but there are many places in the alignment where things can go wrong. That’s what makes 10-meter circles more difficult.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video here: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/programs/weltz-riding-10-meter-circle-warmup-part-1Not a member? To watch Lagoy-Weltz and many other respected professionals, sign up for a free 10-day trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]: https://www.cosequin.com

Welcome to a new Training Buzz. Today we hear from Germany Olympian Dorothee Schneider. Her first U.S. teaching engagement came at the 2019 New England Dressage Association’s symposium. Throughout the two days, she coached 10 horse-and-rider combinations and shared her training philosophy—one that has helped her become the success she is today.She also took questions from the audience. Here she answers two of them. Question 1: What is the most difficult movement to ride or to teach? Question 2: When do you start sitting the trot on young horses?Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full symposium here: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/programs/collection-jvi6m7ejaxy?cid=622286&permalink=19-neda-q3_01mp4-e5c757Not a member? To watch Schneider and many other respected professionals, sign up for a free 10-day trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]

Welcome to the Dressage Today Podcast sponsored by Wellness Ready. In this episode, we talk to none other than dressage legend Steffen Peters who just finished fourth, and was the highest placing American, at the FEI Dressage World Cup Final. Then Aviva addresses the question of whether it is better to do a “poorer” transition at the letter or a “better” transition a stride (or two) later.Born in Wesel, Germany, Steffen Peters is one of the most recognizable names in American dressage. He met the U.S. trainer Laurie Falvo in Germany who invited him to work at her barn in San Diego in the summer of 1984. Captivated by the lifestyle and weather, Steffen made a life changing choice and moved to San Diego where he still resides today with his wife Shannon, an accomplished Grand Prix rider and trainer in her own right. He became a U.S. citizen in 1992 and rode in his first of five Olympic games in 1996. In a career spanning nearly 40 years, Steffen has had the good fortune to have trained and ridden many remarkable horses, including his current mount Suppenkasper, otherwise known as Mopsie. Together they helped win dressage team silver at the Tokyo Olympics.In this interview, Steffen reflects on Omaha as well as his long, successful career and lets us know what's next for him and Mopsie.Listen in! Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected] Editor: Merek Alam, http://brightafternoonproductions.comSponsor: https://wellnessready.com

This Training Buzz is sponsored by Cosequin. Cosequin® ASU Joint & Hoof Pellets contain quality ingredients to support joint and hoof health and leave out the fillers, molasses and alfalfa — all while delivering the taste horses love. The colors of our ingredients shine through for a difference you can see. Visit cosequinequine.com.Today we hear from Germany's Isabell Werth from a clinic given at the 2017 World Cup Final. Isabell talks about the training and movements appropriate for a young horse headed for Grand Prix. She explains that riders should look for a horse with three good gaits and no weaknesses in those gaits. They must have a good mind, a willingness to work, elasticity and freedom in the shoulder. With this horse, they start in walk, and she asks the rider to help the horse maintain the rhythm of the walk even through the corners. As they move to the trot, Isabell points out that swing is needed, and that each horse will need to be worked according to their age and level.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video here:https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/programs/werth-2017-world-cup-dressage-showcaseTo watch more with Werth and many other respected professionals, sign up for a free 10-day trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]: https://www.cosequin.com/horses/

Welcome to this special episode of the Dressage Today Podcast sponsored by Vitaflex. In competition, there's a fine line between where you were yesterday, where you are today and where you'll be tomorrow. It's the line we push ourselves to chase — and cross. Vita Flex Pro can help get you there. Our equine nutritionists, veterinarians and scientists are dedicated to developing the best supplements you can give your performance horse. That's our fine line. What's yours?We are coming to you from the CHI Health Center Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska, site of the FEI Dressage World CupTM Final presented by Havensafe Farm. Today Stephanie talks to Karen Pautz, one of the scribes for the Grand Prix Dressage and Grand Prix Freestyle to Music.Listen in!Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]: https://www.vitaflex.com 

Today’s Training Buzz is sponsored by Purina. We hear from international dressage competitor Gareth Hughes who talks about the correct body position for dressage. He begins by discussing the saddle choices and goes on to talk about the alignment of the body, legs and arms. He then has the rider begin at the walk on her pony while he talks about the aids available to the rider and what influence on the horse they should achieve.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video here:https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/programs/collection-wnhqg9yafy0To watch more with Hughes and many other respected professionals, sign up for a free 10-day trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]: https://www.purinamills.com

Welcome to the Dressage Today Podcast sponsored by Wellness Ready. In this episode, Stephanie gives a preview of the coverage for the upcoming FEI World Cup FinalsTM in Omaha and Aviva explains the common judge’s comments “needs more reach” and “show more difference”. Then they are joined by Ida Norris, an avid Western dressage judge and competitor, to talk about all things Western dressage.Ida Norris started riding western as a girl and was even the 1978 Maine Appaloosa Queen. Her extensive dressage background includes 8 years as a youth taking lessons with Olympian Michael Poulin, work with German judge Maria Zimmer and work primarily in Portugal with Nuno Oliveira. Kathy Connelly was instrumental in polishing her test riding skills at the FEI level, and Bo Jenå’s work with Ida developed her skills in classical long lining. She currently clinics regularly with Arthur Kottas, Bo Jena and Janet Foy.She has trained and ridden horses to numerous USEF/USDF awards and is a USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist. All the scores she earned with horses she trained herself. She is also a Western Dressage Level Five competitor, a USEF “S” Senior dressage judge and a USEF “R” Western Dressage judge. Her recreational riding and horse activities include, Working Equitation, Extreme Obstacle challenges and International Agility/ Equagility.Listen in!Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected] Editor: Merek Alam, http://brightafternoonproductions.com Sponsor: https://wellnessready.com

On today’s Buzz, we hear from Monique Potts, a USDF bronze medalist, instructor and trainer who uses groundwork to help improve her dressage riding. She credits much of her horsemanship philosophy to Buck Brannaman's influence throughout her life. "I am always willing to keep learning," Monique says. "To work with horses is to know that there is always something more to learn." In this clip, Monique talks about horse behavior and how that impacts leading the horse. The expectation is that the horse stays where he should be and in sync with his handler.Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full series here: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/programs/potts-groundwork-basics-improve-your-ridingTo watch more with Potts and many other respected professionals, sign up for a free 10-day trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15%.Website: https://dressagetoday.comVideo Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalogSocial Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageTodayInstagram: @DressageTodayTwitter: @DressageTodayPinterest: @DressageTodayEmail: [email protected]