Dream it.

Dressage in the classical sense = training. It can be the basis for all good riding and can be applied as an art form, a sport, and a way to rehab and strengthen both horses and riders much like yoga and Pilates and dance do for humans. Dressage requires, strength, flexibility and discipline and is good for every horse.

As a teenager, I was extremely passionate about three art forms- Dressage, Sculpture and Movement arts/dance. I knew I wanted a career in one of them, however choosing was incredibly hard. In the end, I chose a career as a Dressage trainer because it actually encompasses all three. Movement art, sculpture, and riding horses. The feeling of Piaffe is second to none. It truly is a sculpture in motion- and that could be said for all properly executed dressage movements.

Build it.

We are lucky to live in a world of research and science. I believe that it is our duty as horse professionals to keep learning and discovering how we can serve our horses and riders better. Sport horses are athletes, and just like human athletes a balanced approach for ultimate success is key! At KD dressage we balance, wellness and training to achieve sound and happy horses for sport.

Chemical Free feed and balanced equine nutrition , equine wellness therapies and bodywork, proper fitting tack and equipment combined with a systematic training approach keep the horses in our program feeling their best. To succeed in their training and advance as riding and sport horses, the horses must be comfortable in their environment as well as in their bodies - This is why we choose the best feed, tack and therapies!

Soundness - for both horse and rider : Here at KD Dressage, we work closely with our vets and farrier to make sure every horse is feeling their best 100% of the time. For the rider, we encourage healthy eating and exercise habits and flexibility training so you and your horse can perform your best as a team.

Develop it.

True partnerships are formed through trust. Unfortunately throughout history horses have not always been given a voice. Much of what we are traditionally taught puts an immense amount of pressure and tension on the horse and often makes them feel confined- when by nature they are an animal of movement, that frightens easily yet is very curious and a born follower. Learning to communicate with our horses in a way that they can actually relate to, instead of just reacting to us, takes time and is a big adjustment for many.

I practice and teach my students to be a clear and consistent leader for the horses. Horses appreciate a fair leader and understands that we will keep them comfortable and safe even in distracting and frightening situations. By spending lots of time with my training horses on the ground and at liberty ( loose without a halter and rope) I am able to refine the communication and the aids. All horses benefit from liberty and ground work as it enhances their physical suppleness, and mental focus and responsiveness. Lazy horses get quicker, and the tense ones relax, and the horses that are clumsy get more agile and the distracted horses begin to focus. Later all these refined aids translate undersaddle in the most organic way. Going from moving a horse in space with the slightest cues to shaping the horse in space with correct seat, leg and hand is the reason I do what I do.

Horses are far superior to us as movement beings. In fact body language and energy is the the language they understand with ease, if we can learn to speak horse the possibilities for partnership are endless.