Dressage Today Podcast

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) la...

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 clin...

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...

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...

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 dre...

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."&nbsp...

In today’s episode, listen in on long-time Grand Prix trainer Nancy Later Lavoie as she talks about her approach to showing and gives great advice on how to make your show experience more enjoyable including setting realistic goals and showing at the appropriate level.   Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video here: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/programs/nan...

Welcome to the Dressage Today Podcast sponsored by  Wellness Ready . In this episode, Stephanie and Aviva talk about their recent outings with their horses Lily and Tiger, respectively. Then Aviva leads a discussion on how skillsets differ for judging, teaching, riding and training in “Ask the L”. Together they interview para dressage rider and newly elected USEF board member Ellie Brimmer. E...

Today’s Training Buzz is sponsored by Purina. 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...

In today’s Buzz, we hear from FEI level trainer Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel. As part of the training scale, she looks at impulsion from the rider's point of view. In this clip, she talks about how the rider can develop impulsion by finding swing in the hips. She stresses the importance of not driving the horse forward with the seat, which interferes with the relaxation and connection that was...

Welcome to Season Four of the Dressage Today podcast. In the first episode of 2023, Aviva shares some memories of riding with Elizabeth Madlener who recently passed away. Aviva and Stephanie also discuss the month’s “Ask the L” question, “Are you judged on what happens between the movements? Or is it just the movement itself?” Together they interview Alison O’Dwyer, a successful dressage and event...

In today’s Buzz, five-time Olympian Steffen Peters and internationally recognized trainer Scott Hassler answer questions from the audience at a clinic they gave at Riveredge Farm in Chesapeake City, Maryland. Steffen takes the first that is “What causes the horse’s head to tilt and how do you fix it?” Then Scott discusses the following “Rising trot vs. sitting trot for warm-up, connectio...

In today’s Buzz, we hear from Grand Prix trainers and competitors Todd Flettrich and Ruth Hogan-Poulsen. They discuss what leg yield is, how to ride it and challenges people may encounter. Executing a proper leg yield helps the horse with rhythm, straightness and suppleness and teaches him to move sideways and cross all four legs. Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video here: h...

Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Purina. In the last episode of 2022, Stephanie and Aviva reflect on the year, and Aviva answers a tough question about keeping older horses supple. Then together they interview Stephany Fish Crossman, an accredited biomechanics trainer based in Brooksville, Florida who also has a popular series of videos that covers a wide range of riders and bree...

In today’s Buzz, we hear from four-time Olympic team bronze medalist and former Technical Advisor for the U.S. dressage team, Robert Dover. In this first part of a lesson with Heather Mendiburu riding her Hanoverian mare, What Happen (“Happy”), he discusses the three types of the rider’s seat along with his philosophy of riding a complete half halt. Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the...

In today’s Buzz, we hear from biomechanics expert Stephany Fish Crossman. She starts by watching a young rider moving on her thoroughbred at a walk and trot in both directions, making some observations as to where the rider carries more weight. Then Stephany explains how repositioning the rider can help her be more effective. Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the full video here: https:...

Welcome to Dressage Today Podcast's Training Buzz. This week, Laura Ashely Killian, of Laura Ashley Dressage, talks about how she improves the connection in the trot because her horse’s mouth is busy, and she is a little low in the poll. Laura works on shoulder-in and goes through the what, how and why of the rider’s aids and the horse’s responses. She also explains what happens when the rider’s b...

Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Purina. In this episode, Stephanie talks about preparing for her first licensed competition in almost 15 years and Aviva answers a question about how to ask for more brilliance in the show ring. Then together they interview FEI 4* judge Mike Osinski and talk about, among other things, the new 2023 dressage tests. Mike Osinski grew up in Michigan r...

Welcome to Dressage Today Podcast's Training Buzz. Today, Olympian Laura Graves explains how to take the next step in training the piaffe. If the horse needs to be more active, driving him in the piaffe is basically telling him not to stay on the spot. Instead, she suggests bringing him back in the trot and then asking him to have quicker steps. Members of Dressage Today OnDemand can watch the ful...

Welcome to Dressage Today Podcast's Training Buzz. Today’s tip comes from Michael Bragdell, USDF gold medalist, certified instructor and head trainer at Hilltop Farm. Bragdell regularly works with his horses in-hand, and in this clip, he explains and demonstrates executing a shoulder-in. He does not look for the exact bend and position that he would want under saddle. Rather, he looks for an attem...

Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Purina. In this episode, Stephanie shares details on her trip to Raven Hill Farms in New York to film a Steffen Peters clinic for Dressage Today OnDemand. Then Aviva talks about horsemanship and sportsmanship in the dressage arena in her “Ask the L” segment. Then together they interview Mica Mabragana who won the CDI3* Grand Prix and Grand Prix Sp...

Welcome to Dressage Today Podcast's Training Buzz. Today’s insight comes from USDF-Certified Instructor Beth Baumert. She explains that when your horse is balanced, he can have a relaxed rhythm. From this state, his movements become easier, his gaits improve, and he becomes more beautiful and mentally relaxed. This video series helps you determine why your horse is out of balance and gives exercis...

Welcome to Dressage Today Podcast's Training Buzz sponsored by  Horse Week . October is for horses - Horse Week brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim is back for its second year October 9-15, 2022! Tune in from the barn, office, or the comfort of your couch—Equine Network is making it easy to watch the week-long celebration from any smart device. Visit HorseWeek.tv for more informa...

Welcome to the September edition of the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by  Purina . With Dressage at Devon starting, Aviva and Stephanie talk about their experiences with the show. For “Ask the L,” Aviva answers a question about a horse jigging at the walk during a test. Then Stephanie talks to Hilltop Farm’s head trainer, Michael Bragdell. Originally from Sweden, Michael Bragdell started a...

Welcome to Dressage Today Podcast's Training Buzz sponsored by  Horse Week . October is for horses - Horse Week brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim is back for its second year October 9-15, 2022! Tune in from the barn, office, or the comfort of your couch—Equine Network is making it easy to watch the week-long celebration from any smart device. Visit HorseWeek.tv for more informa...