Dressage with Amelia

In this episode, Nicole from Team Amelia stepped in while I'm away at a horse show and she hosts a live Q&A all about one of the most important concepts in dressage: contact.Nicole starts by breaking down the difference between contact, connection, and roundness, and explains why good contact isn’t created by the hands alone. It comes from a horse that is moving correctly through the body and a rider who is balanced, aligned, and able to follow the motion.From there, she answers a variety of great rider questions from the community. The conversation touches on what to do when a horse lifts the head or stays inverted, how to maintain connection through transitions, how rider position affects the feel in the reins, and exercises that help horses learn to stretch into the contact. If you’ve ever struggled with finding a steady, elastic feel in the reins or wondered why contact sometimes feels inconsistent, this episode offers helpful perspective and practical ideas to try in your own rides.Thank you for being part of this community and for continuing to learn and grow alongside us!Happy Riding,Amelia

Last night's episode was a special Dressage 101 winter webinar to help you kick off your spring with clarity and motivation. If you have been feeling frustrated by the weather, stuck without a plan, or just a little disconnected from your goals, this is your reset.We talked about why we love dressage in the first place, what dressage actually is, and why it is truly for every horse and every rider. I also share simple ways to keep progressing even when you are not riding consistently, including mindset, visualization, fitness, and groundwork.Most importantly, I walk you through the four pillar system I use with every horse and rider: groundwork, independent seat, clear aids, and then exercises. When you have a system, you stop feeling lost and start feeling confident.I hope this gives you a little spark and reminds you that spring is coming and you are absolutely capable of making progress.Happy Riding,AmeliaPS If you are ready for a structured spring kick start, 30 Days to Dressage: Foundations with Amelia begins March 1. It is designed to help you confidently say, “I am a dressage rider,” and actually know what to focus on next.

Tonight’s Top Three Riding Principles Q&A was a fun chat all about the basics that never stop mattering, no matter what level you ride at. We talked through key dressage terms (because words have specific meanings), and how having clear definitions helps you understand your trainer, your test sheets, and your own training plan so much faster.A big theme was personalization: yes, there are frameworks and “systems” that work… but every horse and rider pair needs a slightly different focus. That’s exactly why 30 Days to Dressage starts with an assessment so you know what to prioritize first, and how to build your month in a way that actually fits you.We also dug into a few foundational terms:Dressage (yes, it literally means training) and why it’s so much more than movements in an arenaIn front of the leg- responsiveness, not speedIndependent seat and why it’s the gateway to clearer aidsThe difference between rhythm vs tempo, and why counting is such a powerful toolSuppleness as both mental + physical relaxation (and how our own tension transfers straight into the horse)We finished with a really helpful mindset piece: when you’re learning something new, a little tension is normal. The goal is to work in moments; try the thing, then soften, breathe, reset, and try again. And bonus: visualization matters more than we think (hello Winter Olympics inspiration)If you’re joining 30 Days to Dressage, I can’t wait for Sunday’s training principles lecture,and Nicole’s “plan your month” session is going to help you feel so organized and clear heading into the month. 💛Happy Riding,AmeliaPS Download my free 10 Dressage Terms PDF here.

This Valentine’s Day live was very on brand for us… horse time at the barn! We had a very patient Future wearing bows, ribbons, and full Valentine’s Day decorations (please tell me in the comments… on a scale of 1–10, how fabulous was he).The real theme was something I talk about all the time: learning to love your ride. Because when you don’t know what to do, you don’t feel safe, and you can’t communicate clearly with your horse, it’s hard to truly enjoy it. But when you have a plan and you understand the “why,” riding becomes fun again and you start feeling that connection we’re all chasing.We focused on the four pillars that I use as my foundation every single ride (no matter the horse or the level):GroundworkIndependent seatThe aidsExercisesThank you for spending part of your Valentine’s Day with us!Happy riding,AmeliaPS. And if you’re wanting a clear, supportive way to build those foundations, this is exactly what my new program is built around: 30 Days to Dressage Foundations with Amelia. It officially starts March 1st and it’s designed as a 30 day kickstart to get you feeling confident and ready for spring and summer riding.

Last night we had so much fun with For the Love of the Horse – You CAN Ride Dressage Trivia Night, hosted by Nicole.It was such a lighthearted and energizing way to celebrate Valentine’s weekend together. We tested our knowledge on dressage terms, basics, and key concepts, and it was amazing to see how much everyone already knows… and how much we’re all still learning.What I loved most was the feeling of community. Riders at all different stages coming together, laughing, thinking, learning, and just enjoying the process. That’s what this sport is really about. Loving our horses. Loving the journey. And realizing that yes, you can ride dressage.I hope you play along and see how many you get right 😉So grateful for this community 💛AmeliaPS, check out my FREE PDF "10 Dressage Terms Every Rider Should Know"!

This episode kicks off our Valentine’s Day weekend series, and it’s all about the love of the horse and what actually makes riders successful in dressage.We share three simple truths.Dressage benefits every horse, physically and mentally, no matter their breed or “type.”Kicking and pulling doesn’t create harmony, so if you feel stuck in that cycle, it’s a sign to pause and change the approach.And lessons matter, but they can’t be the only thing, because progress comes faster when you’re also learning between rides through good education, ideas, and a system you can follow.You’ll also hear some of our favourite transformation stories, including Sparky and Chocolate, plus a really helpful reminder about not over facing your horse. Break everything into smaller pieces, build confidence, and let it take the time it takes.We answer some great community questions too, why so many riders feel stuck at Training and First Level, and how judges score tests. The big takeaway is to keep measuring you versus you, use feedback as information, and stay focused on the journey with your horse.Happy Riding,AmeliaPS tonight, Friday Feb 13th, Nicole is hosting a fun trivia night, if you want to join that live you can join it here on YouTube, then Saturday we’re live from the barn, and Sunday we’re back again for another live chat.And don’t forget to share why you love to ride with #ILoveRiding for a chance to win enrollment in 30 Days to Dressage Foundations with Amelia 💛

This week’s Q&A was a mix of real-life Florida barn chaos updates (frozen pipes, frozen water, and Germán learning how to break ice for horses 😅) and a really useful training discussion on how to shape your rides for progress.Germán kicked things off with a short reading on the theory of the aids, and we talked about how good riding comes down to clarity, consistency, and (most importantly) timing. We covered why your aids shouldn’t be “on” all the time, how to get your horse truly in front of the leg, and why your seat can either allow the movement through… or block everything.Then we answered rider questions on:How to make a plan for your ride (and adjust it when your horse tells you the plan isn’t happening today)What to do when you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start (hint: come back to rhythm and the basics)How to use the whip effectively for a laid-back horse without creating resistance (and my simple whip “re-sensitizing” exercise)I hope this helps you go into your next ride with a clearer plan and a better feel for what to focus on first.Next week we’ve got a little Valentine’s weekend series with extra lives and a “love of the horse” theme planned, stay tuned!AmeliaPS. Download my free 10 Dressage Terms PDF here! 

This week’s live was a fun mix of posting trot chat, Strides Q&As, some Florida move updates, and of course a little groundwork talk.We covered how to post without slapping down into the saddle, why sitting trot is better with shorter, high quality moments, and how to think about lengthening the trot as longer steps rather than just faster steps. We also touched on simple rider focus points like looking through your horse’s ears to help with straightness, plus a few easy groundwork ideas to support your horse’s back and topline.I shared a little bit about my free “10 terms every rider should know” PDF, breaking down common dressage jargon in a clear, simple way, and a sneak peek at a new course coming soon that builds on topline, throughness, and correct basics.Enjoy the episode, and thank you for being here!Happy Riding,AmeliaPS. Download that "10 Terms Every Rider Should Know" here!

This week’s Q&A was a fun mix of behind the scenes Florida move updates, rider position chat, and a really great discussion on groundwork.We talked about using the inside leg on a circle and why it isn’t something you hold on constantly. Instead, the idea is a "breathing leg" so your horse stays responsive and balanced. From there we break down the “point and shoot” idea for turning, pointing the line of travel first, then sending the horse forward from a balanced moment with the legs while the hands allow.We also answer questions about half halts on hot horses, there’s a great discussion around fussy contact and we share why groundwork and lunging can be such a helpful support for horses that are still finding their balance.We touch on simple ways to release tension in your lower back, including an easy stretch at the walk and the wood and jelly idea to help you notice when you’re locking up. We also reflect on why groundwork matters so much, not just for training, but for real life moments like travel, loading, and busy environments, when you really need your horse to feel confident and connected.Thanks so much for listening and being part of this community. I’m really grateful you’re here.Happy Riding,AmeliaPS. Sunday is the last day to join the Groundwork Superpack, check it out here!

In this live Q and A, we talk about rider straightness and symmetry and why it is such an ongoing conversation for every horse and rider. This session blends rider position, training priorities, and a deeper look at how groundwork supports both safety and progress.Straightness Begins With SupplenessWe discuss why straightness cannot be forced. Bend and suppleness have to come first, whether you are working from the ground or under saddle. Without that foundation, riding straight often creates tension instead of balance.Groundwork as a Foundation and Safety NetGroundwork plays a bigger role than many riders realize. It can help prevent accidents, give you options when something feels off, and allow you to address connection, bend, and mental focus before getting on. Groundwork also helps you safely manage your horses energy.Sitting to the InsideA key part of this Q and A focuses on rider symmetry, especially sitting to the inside seat bone. We talk about why this matters on circles, in lateral work, and in the canter.Progress Over PerfectionStraightness is something every horse and rider continues to refine over time. Awareness, patience, and consistent basics make the biggest difference.Thank you so much for being here and for all the thoughtful questions.Happy Riding,AmeliaPS If you have not already, make sure to RSVP for tomorrow’s groundwork webinar. We will be diving deeper into how groundwork supports safety, connection, and better rides overall.

In last night's session, we dove into some topics that can truly unlock your riding success: the importance of soft, effective aids, developing rhythm & suppleness, and building balance in your horse.We explored how to apply your leg aids without creating tension. It’s all about practicing and finding the right balance: applying the aid and then softening immediately. Consistency is key—it’s about being aware of your body and rhythm while giving your horse the right amount of support.To get your horse to move from their hindquarters in a balanced and supple way, you need to feel the rhythm. When practicing the sitting trot, the trick is to stay relaxed and in rhythm—feel your hips move with the horse’s back while your elbows follow their neck. Keep practicing at the trot, maintaining soft contact. The key to success? Stay consistent with your aids and rhythm, and stay mindful of your seat.We also answer some questions from our nwe Strides members: How do I make sure my horse isn't heavy on the forehand in the stretch circle? How do I prepare for a right canter departure? And more!I am so glad to have welcomed so many new Strides members after bootcamp, thank you for being a part of the Strides community. I'm excited for everything that’s coming this year. We’ve got so much in store, including special guest speakers and new exercises for you to dive into.Happy Riding,AmeliaPS. Make sure you RSVP for my Groundwork Webinar coming Saturday 17th Jan at 8am PT.

Last night's Q and A was a really good reminder that progress in dressage is rarely linear and that both riders and horses need space to learn, rest, and reset.Boot camp is coming upI shared a quick overview of our New Year boot camp, which starts on December 31 with goal setting and runs for five full days. The focus is not just on setting goals, but on giving you practical tools for rhythm, balance, rider position, connection, and throughness so you start the year with a clear plan and momentum. If you are in Strides, you are already enrolled and have VIP access. Otherwise, make sure you RSVP!Winter training and groundworkWe talked about winter reality and how to stay productive when riding is limited. In cold or slippery conditions, simple groundwork like hand walking, walk-halt-walk, rein back, and the poll release can be incredibly effective. Safety matters, so footing and common sense always come first.Riding without your own horseOne great question came from a rider who does not own a horse and was feeling less motivated. Riding different horses can actually make you a stronger rider! When you do not have one horse, your goals can shift toward your position, clarity, and feel rather than what one specific horse can or cannot do.Staying motivated and redefining consistencyWe talked a lot about motivation and consistency. Consistency does not mean riding every day. It can include learning, watching videos, reading, groundwork, fitness, and even rest. Fewer high quality rides with real focus are often better than doing everything every day while exhausted.Handling setbacksOne of the most important takeaways was about setbacks. Bad days do not mean you are failing or that you will never get there. They are thoughts, not facts. Confidence comes and goes, and so does doubt. What matters is remembering why you ride and allowing yourself to be on your own journey without comparison.Thank you for being part of these conversations and for bringing such thoughtful questions. I am really looking forward to starting the new year together.Happy Riding,AmeliaPS Bootcamp will be a great way to reset your mindset and your training plan if you are feeling a little stuck or uninspired right now. If you are not a member of Strides, RSVP here to save your spot!

This week’s Growing and Developing With Your Horse Q and A was a really special one, as my mom JoElyn stepped in to host it. She shared so much wisdom from her own riding journey, from choosing horses to developing bend, setting goals, and learning to truly love the horse you have at every stage.Why bend mattersJoElyn spent time explaining why bend is so foundational. Bend supports safety, helps the horse stay attentive, and allows the inside hind leg to step under and strengthen the body. True bend comes from the rib cage, not just the neck, and you can see it when the head and tail stay on the same line of the circle.Your body influences the bendShe reminded us that rider position plays a big role. If we collapse or tip, it becomes harder for the horse to bend around the inside leg. Thinking about your alignment and allowing your body to guide the bend can make your aids much clearer and more effective.Groundwork and patternsGroundwork is a powerful way to improve bend. Asking for more bend on the ground helps it show up more easily under saddle, and riding clear patterns helps keep both horse and rider organized and balanced.Goals and long term developmentThere was a thoughtful discussion about goals, from big long term dreams to small daily steps. Breaking goals down and focusing on rider position, learning, visualization, and consistency helps you make progress even when saddle time is limited.Loving the horse you haveOne of the most touching parts of this conversation was the reminder that loving your horse matters, regardless of the level. Horses can continue to grow, improve, and connect with us deeply, even as their bodies change with age.Thank you for being part of this community and for bringing so much care and thoughtfulness to your horses and your riding.Happy riding,AmeliaPS Bootcamp is coming up soon. If you have not signed up yet, be sure to do that so you do not miss the daily lives, exercises, and motivation to head into the new year feeling focused and inspired. RSVP here for bootcamp. 

Last night’s Q and A was such a fun conversation about horse personalities and how to adjust your riding to match the horse you have. Stacie joined us live, which was a treat because many of you know her from the comments section and as a Strides member. We covered everything from reading your horse’s natural tendencies to adjusting your own energy and building confidence in both young and experienced horses.Understanding personalitySome horses are hot, some laid back, and many shift depending on our energy. The big takeaway was noticing the small signs and matching your approach. Raise your energy for a dull horse. Slow everything down for a sensitive one.Groundwork builds confidenceFor green or new horses, groundwork is the place to start. Leading, bending, yielding, and responding to pressure help the horse feel safe and give you tools you can use later in the saddle. It has made a huge difference for Stacy and her boys.The basics always winWinter is the perfect time to revisit stretching, bending, rhythm, and suppleness. Going back to basics makes everything easier when you start schooling movements again.Thank you to the Dressage FoundationWe also highlighted the Dressage Foundation and the many grants that support riders. Stacie recently received the Gifted Memorial Grant, and our own “Dressage for All” Youth Fund will award its first grants this spring. Community support truly keeps our sport thriving.Thank you all for joining and for being part of this amazing community. Your questions and your stories are what make these live sessions so meaningful.Happy ridingAmeliaPS. Don’t forget to RSVP for Bootcamp coming in January!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!Last night Nicole from Team Amelia stepped in to teach a super helpful session on soft hands, following elbows, and how your alignment and seat create the foundation for everything. If you have ever struggled to keep your hands steady, wondered why your elbows lock, or felt like your horse braces when you pick up the contact, this Q&A has so many clear explanations and practical tips you can take straight to the saddle.Why soft hands start in your seatNicole breaks down how your alignment affects your entire arm position and shows why your hands cannot stay quiet unless your seat is absorbing the horse’s motion. She explains the difference between following elbows in walk and canter versus your elbows in the trot and how to feel the movement through your core instead of through your reins.How to actually teach your horse to listen to lighter aidsInstead of pulling or fussing with the reins, she explains the simple sequence of fingers, wrist, elbow and how horses learn to respond to the smallest whisper when the progression is consistent. She also explains why soft hands are not loose hands and how subtlety always depends on the clarity of your seat.Understanding the training scaleIf your horse feels heavy, braced, or inconsistent in the connection, she explains how the issue rarely starts in the hands. She walks through the steps of the training scale and explains how each layer influences the feeling in your reins.Following the motion in each gaitShe uses her famous shoelace demo to show why your elbows must open and close in walk and canter and why locked elbows in canter lead to tension and loss of balance. She also shares practical tips for keeping your hands from posting with your body in the trot.Fixing common problemsShe also shared some tips for fixing some common problems many riders experience such as reins slipping, how to supple the inside rein when holding a whip, how to feel the horse’s mouth without pulling on it, how to avoid hollowing your back when you bring your shoulders back, and more useful tips!Coming upIf this Q&A got you thinking about how much your seat influences your hands, my Independent Seat Webinar will take you even deeper, it's at 8am PT on Friday 28th November. RSVP Here! I'll cover how to ride from your core, absorb movement without collapsing, and more! I hope to see you there!Happy ridingAmelia

This week I'm travelling so Nicole from Team Amelia stepped in to host a Q&A on developing a clearer leg, a softer following seat, and more effective communication with your horse. If you have ever wondered why your aids feel muddled, why your horse braces in transitions, or how to use your seat without gripping or driving, this session is full of ideas that will help everything make more sense.What she covered:Nicole breaks down the quiet signals your horse listens for and how subtle changes in your body can transform the feel of your transitions.Why your inside leg solves more than you thinkIf leads are tricky, circles lose shape, or your horse drifts through the outside rein, she shares some simple adjustments that make a noticeable difference.Nicole also shares practical ways to keep communication sharp when your riding time is limited and your horse has extra energy.Coming upGrateful Week begins Monday with daily live sessions, and on Thanksgiving morning at 8am PT I will be sharing a very special announcement that I am incredibly excited about. I hope to see you there live.Happy ridingAmelia

In this week’s Q and A we focused on creating real suppleness and throughness in your horse. We also talked about gratitude month and shared a few updates from around the barn.What we covered:Turn on the forehandThis simple exercise is one of the best ways to unlock the inside hind leg and soften the ribs. You can start from the ground or under saddle. It improves control, helps refocus a distracted horse, and prepares the body for leg yields and shoulder in.Suppleness from groundwork and circle workFor horses that struggle to bend, begin with bending on the ground, then add spirals and circles. Long backed horses especially benefit from this combination.Rider position mattersOnly a balanced rider can give correct aids. When you are centered and soft, your horse can move with more relaxation and swing.Takeaways from the Cark Hester masterclassWe also shared some of our favourite insights from Carl Hester's master class that I attended last weekend. He had powerful thoughts on balance, stretching, straightness, and how he uses simple exercises to create real change.Coming upTo celebrate Thanksgiving, we have Grateful Week coming up with daily live sessions, a Black Friday webinar on the independent seat, and a special Thanksgiving announcement that I cannot wait to share with you.Thank you for joining us and for the work you put into improving yourself and your horse. Suppleness comes from patient, thoughtful communication and steady practice.Happy ridingAmeliaPS. Check out the Inside Leg to Outside Rein Workshop here.

This week’s Thursday Live was all about building confidence, on the ground and in the saddle.Germán and I dove into one of the most important (and challenging!) parts of riding: staying calm, clear, and confident, even when things go wrong. From groundwork foundations to recovering after a fall, we shared stories, tips, and personal lessons that every rider can relate to.We also talked about:The importance of groundwork and how it helps your horse relax and trust youWhy your horse’s frame of body reflects their frame of mind (thank you, Chris Irwin!)Our Groundwork Essentials course, and why it’s such a game-changer for connection and confidenceOur upcoming trip to the Carl Hester Masterclass (stay tuned for next week’s takeaways!)A behind-the-scenes story about how groundwork actually brought us togetherClinic reflections with Albrecht and some breakthroughs with both our horsesWe also answered your live Q&A questions, including:How to keep your horse active without constant naggingWhat to do after your horse (or you) has had a scary fallHow to rebuild trust and confidence through small, consistent winsUnderstanding whether your horse is “hot” or “laid back”, and how to adapt your approachOne of our favorite reminders from this chat:“You want to be the thermostat, not the thermometer.”Confidence doesn’t come from pretending you’re not afraid, it comes from time, miles, and layering positive experiences until both you and your horse start to trust again.Happy Riding,AmeliaPS. Groundwork Essentials is $100 off this week. You’ll get step-by-step videos, problem-solving lessons, and video feedback sessions to help you build calm, confidence, and connection from the ground up.

This week’s live session was one of our favorites of the year, celebrating the incredible riders, horses, and transformations from the 30 Days to Round Challenge! 🎉We announced the winners, shared your stories, and reflected on how much progress can happen in just 30 days when you focus on connection, consistency, and kindness. From nervous rides to lightbulb breakthroughs, every participant reminded us what “Dressage for All” truly means.It started as a crazy idea, could riders really make meaningful progress online in just a month? Turns out, yes. With step-by-step guidance, the results have been amazing year after year.Congratulations to our Trotter Trophy and Canter Cup winners, plus all the honorable mentions who showed beautiful community spirit and dedication throughout the challenge. You will have to watch to find out who they are!We talked about how riding’s highs and lows are universal, and how the Strides and 30 Days to Round community makes it easier to stay positive and keep learning. Riders supported each other with kindness and encouragement.Whether your win this month was a rounder horse, a softer feel, or just showing up for every ride, we’re proud of you. This community proves that Dressage for All isn’t just a motto, it’s something we live every day.Congratulations to every rider and every horse, you make this journey so special and I couldn't be more proud of you!Happy riding,AmeliaPS. Don't forget to RSVP for the free Groundwork Webinar, Sunday November 2nd at 12noon PT.

This week’s live was a solo session, Germán was off at a hockey game, so it was just me chatting about introducing lateral work and sharing a few exciting updates from the barn and beyond.HighlightsClinic reflections: I taught a clinic in Bakersfield last week at a therapeutic riding center, such a great reminder of how incredible horses are as teachers and partners.The new Mick series: Our Behind the Scenes with Mick YouTube series launched last weekend! It’s a real look at the ups, downs, and daily work behind bringing a horse up the levels.30 Days to Round: Final videos are due this weekend! We’ll announce the $10,000 prize winners next Thursday!Strides focus: This month’s theme is soft, steady hands. Remember Isabelle Werth’s advice — “ride with weak hands.” Less hand, more leg and seat.World Cup 2026: We’re planning a live, in-person event in Fort Worth with panels and rider training sessions. Stay tuned for RSVP info.Introducing Lateral WorkWe broke down the aids step by stepfor leg yield, shoulder in, and haunches in. Remember to always start with a forward, round horse! Add leg yields at the walk if needed to build suppleness and connection. No mirrors? Try head-to-the-wall leg yields for easy feedback.Quick tipsStrengthen obliques and glutes (side planks help!) to avoid collapsing at the waist.If something falls apart, go back to rhythm, balance, and forward, always think about these basics!Happy Riding,AmeliaPS. Download my Free Ground Manner PDF right here!