Dressage Today Podcast

Welcome to the Dressage Today Podcast, sponsored by the Horse Week.  Hosts Stephanie Ruff and Aviva Nebesky talk about the first Horse Week, coming up October 3 through October 9. Then Aviva tackles a tricky question in her “Ask the L” segment. Together they interview Aviva’s clinician and friend Philesha Chandler, head trainer at Chandler Dressage Inc. in Wellington, FL. Originally from...

Welcome to a “mindful” episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, sponsored by the Horse Care Loyalty Rewards Program.  Hosts Stephanie Ruff and Aviva Nebesky first discuss their ideas of what makes a good student, and then Aviva talks about her favorite test and level to judge in her “Ask the L” segment. They interview Chelsea Canedy about her road to enlightenment and how that has influenc...

In this special Olympic wrap-up episode, sponsored by Vita Flex, co-hosts Stephanie Ruff and Aviva Nebesky share their thoughts on the recent Olympic dressage event. The conversation shifts to what the riders were wearing and Aviva’s latest saddle pad adventure. That rolls right into the "Ask the L" question about the preferred color of gloves when showing. Together they interview Morgan Klin...

In this episode, sponsored by ADM, co-hosts Stephanie Ruff and Aviva Nebesky talk about their latest dressage adventures. Aviva answers a great question about where riders throw away the most points during a test in her "Ask the L" segment. Together they interview Michelle King who is a “r” USEF Technical Delegate. Michelle, better known as “Shelli,” is an Adult Amateur rider who has competed thro...

In this episode, sponsored by ADM , host Stephanie Ruff talks about her recent trip to Wellington, Florida for the U.S Equestrian Dressage Mandatory Observation Event. Then co-host Aviva Nebesky explains her saddle pad “collection” and answers a listener’s question in her "Ask the L" segment. Together they interview long lining expert Jennifer Hoffman. Jennifer came up through the 4-H program...

Thanks to Collegiate for sponsoring this episode. Listen to co-hosts Stephanie Ruff and Aviva Nebesky share stories of their horse history, and Aviva answers a listener’s question in her segment "Ask the L." Then Stephanie interviews international Grand Prix competitor Todd Flettrich. A native of New Orleans, Todd Flettrich is a veteran competitor and trainer at the FEI levels of dressage. &n...

Thanks to Vita Flex for sponsoring this episode. In this special Olympic podcast, co-hosts Stephanie and Aviva share recent personal news, and Aviva answers another great question in "Ask the L." Then listen in on their interview with leading Olympic contender Adrienne Lyle. Born and raised in a small town in the state of Washington, horses have always been a part of Adrienne’s life. She firs...

Thanks to SmartPak for sponsoring this episode. Listen in to co-hosts Stephanie Ruff and Aviva Nebesky sharing stories of their current horses and Aviva answering a listener’s question in her segment "Ask the L." Then Stephanie interviews international Grand Prix competitor Shannon Dueck. Born in Austin, Texas, Shannon grew up outside of Vancouver Canada. Her mother Jacqueline Oldham was...

New hosts Stephanie Ruff and Aviva Nebesky introduce themselves and talk about how they got involved in horses and dressage. Then they premier a new segment called "Ask the L" where Aviva will give tips from a judge's perspective. In this segment, she talks about proper turnout for both horse and rider for a dressage schooling show. Then Stephanie interviews FEI 5* Judge Janet Foy about how she go...

In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, we look forward to a time when we are able to vacation again. We have a great conversation with Stacey Adams of Active Riding Trips. We chat about dreamy equestrian vacations, some of her most memorable travel experiences, advice on scoring the best deals and tips for packing and gear. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...

In this episode of the Dressage Today podcast, we're sharing some inspiring short stories from important women in our dressage community, including Lendon Gray, Jane Savoie and Sarah Geikie. These are all stories that come from our Dressage Today magazine archives and they are reflections on philosophical lessons from dressage. These popular figures in our sport share a lesson from their life call...

In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, equipment expert and USDF gold medalist Stephanie Brown-Beamer joins us for a chat about bit and bridle fit. We chat about types of bits, materials, tips to choose a bit for your horse and common misconceptions about bitting. Stephanie's passion for her work shines through as she shares some fascinating stories from her experiences of traveling around...

In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, we tackle the complex topic of saddle fit with expert Jochen Schleese of Saddlefit 4 Life. We're discussing the most common saddle-fit issues, common misconceptions, the importance of anatomy and physiology, how to find a qualified saddle expert and tips for saddle care and maintenance. Tune in for more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

The Dressage Today Podcast is back for Season 2! In this episode, hosts Lindsay Paulsen and Jennifer Mellace get together for a chat about what's been going on in the world of Dressage Today since Season 1 concluded. We're discussing updates from our own lives with horses, as well as a review of some of our favorite episodes from Season 1. We're also chatting about our virtual dressage competition...

Dressage professional Ruth Hogan-Poulsen is back with us again in this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast! She joins us to discuss the importance of planning, organization and strategy as it relates to equestrian life. She shares how journaling and keeping careful records can help you work toward your goals, monitor your horse's health and reduce stress. She also shares some tools and strategie...

Magic happens when you combine dressage with music in the form of a freestyle. Freestyles are entertaining for the audience and can be educational for riders. But their creation and execution, according to Ruth Hogan-Poulsen, is somewhat of a mental rubix cube. Ruth talks us through the process of creating freestyles and discusses the efforts that went into producing the winning performance at thi...

What's it like to be one of America's top FEI Junior riders? In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, 14-year-old Annie Klepper gives us a peek into her life. We're talking about her pathway to success, which includes cool opportunities for youth riders, like Lendon Gray's Winter Intensive Training Program and the Emerging Athlete Program. We're also learning about the lifestyle of a young,...

It's not every day that we get to have a chat with an international dressage star, but it sure is fun when we do! Especially when they are as lovely as Germany's Dorothee Schneider. We snagged Dorothee for a quick chat during her U.S. symposium to hear about her background and life outside the spotlights of the international arena. We learn about the best piece of riding advice she's ever received...

What's it like to pursue dressage on a tiny island in the Atlantic ocean? It has its distinct challenges and some surprising advantages! In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, we sat down with Bermuda's National Dressage Coach, Angela Halloran-Smith to hear about the ways this small-but-mighty community is moving forward in the sport. Geographic limitations don't stop these dedicated rider...

We sat down with George and Roberta Williams, one of America's most influential and beloved dressage couples. During our discussion with this dynamic duo, we learn about some forward strides in American dressage and take a look back on some of George and Roberta's favorite memories—most notably with the mare Rocher. Be prepared to get a little misty-eyed during this episode because we sure did! We...

In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, Phyllis LeBlanc and Angela Prenosil of the New England Dressage Association joined us for a chat. During this conversation that took place at NEDA’s 2019 Symposium with Dorothee Schneider, we learned more about what it's like to host large-scale symposia with the world's best dressage riders and trainers. Hear tales from these longtime NEDA members ab...

What's it like to bring home a gold medal from the Pan American Games? Find out in this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast! We caught up with top Canadian dressage rider Lindsay Kellock to learn about her Pan American Games experience and some of her standout memories. Our conversation took place at Dressage at Devon, where she also happened to be the leading lady of the weekend! Tune in to hea...

Maybe you pulled your old blanket out from storage and discovered it's time for a replacement. Or you purchased a new horse and need to find the right fit for him. Perhaps you need a new blanket and you don't even know it! In this episode of the Dressage Today podcast, we tackle the topic of blanket shopping to help you make the best choice for your horse—and your wallet! Tune in for expert advice...

If you’ve ever fantasized about jetting off to Europe to pursue your dressage dreams, this episode is for you! Podcast host Lindsay Paulsen sat down with young Grand Prix rider Ali Potasky to learn about her time abroad, where she worked, rode and trained with Morten Thomsen in central Denmark. Now that Ali is back in the U.S. working for Kentucky-based Kathy Priest as her assistant trainer, she t...

Meet Dressage Today! In our debut episode, we–Jennifer Mellace and Lindsay Paulsen—introduce ourselves as your hosts. We’re two adult amateurs who are passionate about horses and the sport of dressage. In this episode, we’re talking about our equestrian backgrounds and some of the greatest challenges we have faced in our own time with horses. Our conversation touches upon everything from heart hor...