Dressage Today Podcast

This month is a little different for a couple of reasons – first, we do not have Ask the L question for the first time in a long time! Please, loyal listeners, send us your burning questions about showing, your tests, a specific movement or anything else that Aviva can answer in that segment!We introduce our new segment, Hometown Heroes – we are interested in hearing form our listeners about people in their world that have been a positive influence In their dressage journey. Even if they are not typical dressage people, send us your favorite hometown hero. We will select some of our favorites across 2026 and interview them!Aviva tells us all about her 5 day whirlwind tour of Israel, from the riders and horses to the amazing landscapes and the food – oh my goodness, the food! You can practically taste it through the recording!Stephany recaps her time at USDF Convention, including some potential rule changes that might affect you (we will know more after January!). We talk about the purpose and importance of Convention, reasons to go, and why it may be changing in the future.All in all, it is great to catch up with the ladies, and we encourage you to have a listen!As always, LIKE, share and subscribe to our podcast! We love hearing from our listeners, so here is how to get in touch...Dressage Today S6 E13 Show Notes:Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky (horsepenhillfarm@aol.com) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman (stephanyfish@gmail.com) | Plus, look them both up on Facebook!Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestLink: TDF AuctionLink: Video Subscription SiteToday's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

It’s November, the month to be thankful.  Aviva and Stephany open the podcast with the things that they are thankful for in their worlds.  In the Ask the L segment, Aviva talks about the 2x coefficient on the tests, where it shows up, why it shows up and what it should tell you!  In this month’s episode, Aviva and Stephany speak with Jenny and Sara from The Dressage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization, whose mission is to cultivate and provide financial support for the advancement of dressage in the United States. Jenny and Sara tell us how they each started with TDF, and the background of TDF as an organization.  We learn about all sorts of fascinating programs available to riders of all ages and levels, and how passionate TDF is about helping the sport of Dressage continue to bloom and flourish.  Jenny and Sara tell us how to go about looking at the various grants, applying for them and how the grants have made many people’s horse dreams come true!  We also get information on how to give back to TDF, with the various ways to donate.  It was a terrific interview with Jenny  and Sara, and their enthusiasm for helping Dressage riders of all levels was contagious! Take a listen, you might find yourself applying for a grant!As a side note – we did not get to share the big news about TDF’s upcoming online Auction, which starts November 23rd and runs through December 7th.  There are over 170 items for auction, from custom riding boots, clothing, lessons with various people, clinics, horse goods, books and more!  To give you an extra little boost to check it out, both Aviva and Stephany donated services to support TDF – go check it out and put a bid on something today!  To check out the TDF Auction:  http://www.32auctions.com/TDFAuction2025Dressage Today S6 E12 Show Notes:Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky (horsepenhillfarm@aol.com) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman (stephanyfish@gmail.com)Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestLink: TDF AuctionLink: Video Subscription SiteToday's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

In this month’s episode, Aviva and Stephany catch up with each other, talking about their latest wins, losses and learns.  Stephany shares her experience at Regional Championships and Aviva shares some very exciting news about going to Israel!  In addition to these big moments, Stephany talks about her 2 latest articles that came out, one on DressageToday.com and one in print In Practical Horseman.  As the year is speeding by, they both thought it would be a good thing to simply stop and appreciate the time together, sharing with our listeners!  We didn’t forget your Ask the L Question, though! Stephany asked Aviva her thoughts on how to best use the time around the outside of the arena, both before and after the bell has rung. Aviva gave us great tips on what is ok, what should be avoided, and what to do if the horse has a “moment” as you are about to enter the arena!  All in all, it is a great smaller episode, and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording it!Dressage Today S6 E11 Show Notes:Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky (horsepenhillfarm@aol.com) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman (stephanyfish@gmail.com)Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestLink: Video Subscription SiteToday's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

In this episode, Aviva and Stephany catch up about what they have been doing, including some interesting conversation about Stephany’s Fourth Level Freestyle with Dante. Aviva tackles a difficult Ask the L question from Cass about horses being behind the bridle in the show arena, and gives us some different things to think about in relation to that! In our interview, both of the ladies got to chat with Kathy, and it was more of the magic that makes her Kathy Connelly! We get a little more insight into some of the many hats Kathy wears around the Dressage world. Kathy also gives her take on what makes great students and horsemen, and helps us to remember why we started doing this in the first place! It is another magical time with Kathy, and we can’t wait for you to take a listen!As always, we are grateful to our sponsors. Remember, if you like what you hear, hit the Like button AND the Subscribe button, so you don’t miss an episode!Dressage Today S6 E10 Show Notes:Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky (horsepenhillfarm@aol.com) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman (stephanyfish@gmail.com)Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Kathy Connelly | Email Kathy (KathyConnellyavf@aol.com)Link: Video Subscription SiteToday's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

Intro and Ask the L – Aviva and Stephany catch up and talk about the heat and how they are each dealing with it. In the Ask the L segment, Aviva answers a question from Sarah about what to do if your horse does a flying change in a 2nd level test instead of the proscribed movement.Interview with Dr. Wendy Rice – Aviva and Stephany get to know Dr. Wendy, how she got to be a psychologist and how she decided to blend her career with her love of horses and riding. They cover a wide variety of reasons why and how imposter syndrome can come into someone’s life, where it originated from and who it can affect. Dr. Wendy gives some great tips for how to help yourself with this sometimes crippling thought process, and how to be your own best friend when it comes to success, both in and out the barn and the arena!Dressage Today S6 E9 Show Notes:Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky (horsepenhillfarm@aol.com) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman (stephanyfish@gmail.com) of SerendipityDressageConnect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Video Subscription Site | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Dr. Wendy RiceToday's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

In this month’s episode, Aviva reflects on the weight of social media on our riding, how easy it is to criticize in the name of “critiquing” and how we can never know the full story just from a picture of a video. She and Stephany share their thoughts on how we can all be kinder, and as riders we can always work to be better, but that most people are out their doing their best every ride. Stephany shares her latest win with Dante and getting qualified for Regionals.In the Ask the L segment, Aviva talks about posting versus sitting in Training and First Levels. She discusses the various reasons behind what judges are looking for and how you can best help your horse with either choice.We have a word from our sponsor, EquestrianPlus, and then Stephany meets back up with Beth for round two of the bit discussion.This month, we dive deeper into some of the things Beth talked about last month, including metals, bit sizes and weight. They go on with the discussion to talk about double bridles - what the purpose is, when to try it, and how different curb bits work in the mouth. It was another fascinating dive into the world of bit fitting, and we are so happy that Beth could join us for a second chat!Again, If you have questions for Beth, please forward them to her directly, or send them to us so we can share them with everyone on a future episode! As always, if you like what we are doing, please like and share our podcast!Dressage Today S6 E8 Show Notes:Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky (horsepenhillfarm@aol.com) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman (stephanyfish@gmail.com) of SerendipityDressageConnect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Video Subscription Site | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Beth Haist of TheHorseofCourse.com, Email Beth (beth@thehorseofcourse.com)Today's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

Aviva and Stephany catch up about Stephany’s recent horse show experience and how Dante is now an official 4th level horse! They also talk about one of Stephany’s cows coming home, and the new babies…In the Ask the L segment, Aviva talks about switching the whip during a class, the do’s and don’ts of that. We also talk about when you are allowed to carry a whip in a class and when you cannot!We speak with Beth and learn about how she got involved with horses, how she ended up in the tack selling business and how she got so smart about bits! Beth gives us valuable information on the different “levels” of bits – what to use when starting horses, why and when you could switch bits, and what the different rings affect in the horse. We talk about the different metals and why you would use one over another. Beth gives us great information about why the Baucher is not the bit it used to be and why the French Link is no longer a legal bit to show in. She talks about fitting bits, the ins and outs of horses’ mouths and why different bits “help”. It was a fascinating conversation, and one that we will be continuing later this summer!If you have questions for Beth, please forward them to her directly, or send them to us so we can share them with everyone on a future episode! As always, if you like what we are doing, please like and share our podcast!Dressage Today S6 E7 Show Notes:Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky (horsepenhillfarm@aol.com) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman (stephanyfish@gmail.com) of SerendipityDressageConnect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Video Subscription Site | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Beth Haist of TheHorseofCourse.com, Email Beth (beth@thehorseofcourse.com)Today's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

Aviva and Stephany catch up on what’s going on – Stephany’s travels, her new baby cows, Aviva has a potential buyer for Ralphie!  Aviva has an amazing question from Alex about conformation, effort and how that is recognized in a test.  She gives us a lot to think about with her answer – are you riding a 6 mover?  Are you a 6 rider?  What is a good expectation for an average horse, and where are there places that you can shine no matter what?Mark talks about his background and how he came into the natural horsemanship world. He discusses different ways to think about helping your horse into a better mental state, what he really means when he says pressure, and how even our dressage horses could feel better if we changed our approach a little. It is a fascinating interview with lots of places where we tie his work into dressage examples, so take a listen! Feel free to let us know your thoughts, and if you have further questions for Mark.Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky (horsepenhillfarm@aol.com) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman (stephanyfish@gmail.com)Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Mark Langley | YouTube (@MarkLangley) | Facebook (@MarkLangleyhorsemanship)Today's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

We Interview Mehrdad Baghai of JRD Saddlery about saddle making and saddle fitting.Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky (horsepenhillfarm@aol.com) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman (stephanyfish@gmail.com)Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Mehrdad Baghai of JRD Saddlery | Connect with JRD Saddlery on FacebookLink: Video Subscription SiteToday's Episode Brought to You By: Purina

Aviva and Stephany catch up on what’s been going on lately – Stephany talks about her 6 days with Mary Wanless, the selling of her Brooksville farm and the purchase of her new young horse, So Special!  In the Ask the L segment, Aviva answers a great question from Jamie:  If I am in a test and things start going badly and I feel unsafe – is it ok to dismount?  Thanks Jamie for a great question, and Aviva for having such a complete answer!We have a word from our Sponsor, Purina, and their Systemiq Supplement.In the interview with Kathy, Stephany delves into Kathy’s riding career, her time in the Pony  Club and all the cool people she grew up riding with.  We talk about how she evolved from Eventing to Dressage, as well as the amazing coaches she got to work with throughout her riding career.  We talk about Kathy’s beliefs and our moral responsibilities while working with horses, and you get to see why she has been a shining light in the Dressage world for a long, long time!Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky (horsepenhillfarm@aol.com) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman (stephanyfish@gmail.com)Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Kathy Connelly | Email Kathy (KathyConnellyavf@aol.com)Link: Video Subscription SiteToday's Episode Brought to You By: Purina

Stephany and Aviva catch up on their own pony journeys, with Aviva dealing with yet more snow and Stephany recounting how her latest lessons went with Kathy Connelly.  We get a really great question for “Ask the L” about corners, and as usual, Aviva makes it so much more digestible!  We have a word from Purina, who is the sponsor of this month’s podcast.  In this episode, Stephany and Aviva chat with Suzanne DeStefano, a Pennsylvania based Feldenkrais practitioner and dressage rider/trainer.  We delve into the mysterious question of “what IS Feldenkrais?” and get some examples of how it can help people, both in and out of the saddle.  We discuss the founder, Moishe Feldenkrais, and how he came to develop this interesting way of helping people get more in touch with their bodies.  We got to hear how Suzanne’s personal journey in riding led her to discovering this modality, and how it has shaped both her riding and her practice with other riders.  It is an interesting practice, and one that some of our listeners might find valuable if they are struggling with their own riding journey.  Take a listen!Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky (horsepenhillfarm@aol.com) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman (stephanyfish@gmail.com)Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Suzanne DeStefano, Feldenkrais Practitioner and Dressage Trainer/RiderLink: Video Subscription SiteToday's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, sponsored by EQUESTRIAN+, our interview is with Aviva herself! We talked about how she started riding, what prompted her to fall in love with dressage, the decisions she’s made and the horses she’s loved—all the pieces that have shaped her career. Aviva also shared her experience representing the U.S. at the Maccabee Games in Israel, and what it meant to her. We finished up by chatting about what she’s doing with her current horses and encouraging her to stay in the game until she and her horse Tiger do their Century Ride.Additionally, cohost Stephany Fish Crossman shares how her sessions with renowned dressage trainer Kathy Connelly are going, the ups and the downs experienced in the sport and new learning opportunities. In our “Ask the L” segment, Aviva explains how to determine when you’re ready to progress from First to Second Level and provides tips on what judges want to see to know you’re in the right place. It was a blast catching up with our hosts, and we hope you enjoy getting to know them better!This month's podcast was sponsored by Equestrian+. From short training tips to how-to videos and insider-access to private clinics and lessons, learn from top dressage experts with EQUESTRIAN+. Watch exclusive interviews and lectures, slow motion demonstrations and step-by-step tutorials taught by top-level pros and explore cross-discipline topics such as groundwork, rider fitness and stable management. Visit equestrianplus.com to sign up for a 7-day free trial with subscription.  Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky (horsepenhillfarm@aol.com) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman (stephanyfish@gmail.com)Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestLink: Video Subscription SiteToday's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

Aviva and Stephany catch up on what is going on with them, and Stephany has some exciting news about a grant she received from The Dressage Foundation! Next, Aviva gives us input on how to improve your leg yield from the point of view at C, in our Ask the L segmentWe have a word from our sponsor, Purina and then we step into interviews from USDF Convention. Stephany interviews Lindsay Burns from GDCTA in Region 3. Lindsay is a first time convention attendee, and she talks about what she has learned at Convention, why she came and what kind of things she is taking home, both for herself and for her local GMO. Next Stephany talks with Rosa Meehan and Hilary Starzynski, President and VP of Alaska Dressage Association. Rosa was the Region 6 Volunteer of the Year, so she and Hilary decided to make the big trek down to Houston to receive her award in person! We talk about all things Alaska and dressage – when and how they ride, challenges and solutions for doing dressage in Alaska, and what they thought about the Convention. We hope you enjoy the listen, and that you too may be energized to come to USDF Convention next year in Kentucky!Connect with Hosts:Aviva Nebesky, horsepenhillfarm@aol.comStephany Fish Crossman, stephanyfish@gmail.comGuest: Lindsay Burns from GDCTA in Region 3Guests: Rosa Meehan and Hilary Starzynski, President and VP of Alaska Dressage Association

Aviva and Stephany discuss the latest L question from Sasha regarding how to ride the shallow loop in Training Level Test 3.  We go to commercial from our sponsor, Equithrive, on its supplements to make your horse’s life better and your life easier! Aviva and Stephany interview Mary Wanless, the creator of the Ride With Your Mind Rider Biomechanics system.  We talk about how Mary got started, how her program differs from the usual training people receive and how it can be an asset to any rider.  We discuss her many ways of connecting to people, including books, DVD series, her podcast and her DressageTraining.TV.  Mary talks about the differences in learning through her methods of teaching compared to a “normal” dressage lesson.  Connect with HostAviva Nebesky, horsepenhillfarm@aol.comStephany Fish Crossman, stephanyfish@gmail.com

Welcome to the Training Buzz sponsored by Purina. Hear a bit from retired FEI 5* judge Axel Steiner as he challenges a rider to ride without stirrups as she schools First and Second Level movements on a schoolmaster. He suggests practicing this skill to work on the rider’s position and help activate the rider’s core muscles during the training session.Members of Equestrian+ can watch the full video with Steiner here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.About This Episode's Sponsor, PurinaConfidently address your horse's unique weight needs and help optimize their overall wellbeing with research-proven Purina Animal Nutrition feeds—designed by passionate equine nutritionists. Partner with Purina to nourish your horse to their optimal body condition. Explore weight management resources for your horse today at purinamills.com/feed-finder.You can also follow @purinafeedgreatness on Instagram and @PurinaHorse on Facebook.

Welcome to the Training Buzz sponsored by Cosequin. Hear a bit from FEI dressage rider and trainer Ashley Donadt as she shares strategies for dealing with competition nerves. She discusses acknowledging the source of your nerves to help take away their power, looking at the physical effects nerves have on your body and thinking about how your nerves are affecting your horse.Members of Equestrian+ can watch the full video with Donadt here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.COSEQUIN®, the #1 veterinarian-recommended joint health supplement brand, is excited to bring you, COSEQUIN® ASU Balance. This formula supports joint, immune, and digestive health. COSEQUIN® ASU Balance helps moderate the inflammatory responses that can cause immune and GI tract disturbances through the innovative inclusion of postbiotics and beta-glucans. The formula also includes the joint support COSEQUIN® is known for, with ingredients such as ASU, Hyaluronic Acid, and Boswellia serrata Extract. With over 30 years behind the COSEQUIN® name, you can rely on COSEQUIN® products when performance matters. To learn more, speak with your veterinarian or visit Cosequin.com. 

REVISIT (Originally released as Season 3, Episode 31 on December 27, 2022) 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 breeders our subscription video site, Dressage Today OnDemand.Stephany Fish Crossman began riding as a young girl in Maine. By eighteen, she discovered Dressage and left college to join Michael Poulin as a working student. After a successful management career in Florida's hospitality industry, working for a large, small, and exotic animal vet, and grooming for Jane Savoie, Stephany attended the now defunct International Academy of Equestrian Studies in Warendorf, Germany where she graduated with her National Trainer Certificate. She is a USDF bronze and silver medalist as well as one of only nine accredited coaches for Mary Wanless' Ride With Your Mind Biomechanics System in the U.S. In addition to her Dressage and Biomechanics background, Stephany furthers her knowledge of how horses think and how to work best with them by working with Harry Whitney, a little known horsemanship treasure based in Arizona. She is currently based in Brooksville, FL with her husband Chris, who is a cattle rancher, her two horses that she’s up the levels, and her pet cows.Connect with HostAviva Nebesky horsepenhillfarm@aol.comStephany Fish Crossman, stephanyfish@gmail.com

Welcome to the Training Buzz sponsored by Purina. Hear a bit from dressage and horsemanship trainer Monique Potts as she works with a rider on a horse that gets easily distracted by new objects. She has the rider pay attention to the horse’s ears. When they fixate on something, then the rider needs to do an exercise like a small circle or transition to get the ears to switch back to the rider.Members of Equestrian+ can watch the full video on riding a distracted horse with Potts here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.Confidently address your horse's unique weight needs and help optimize their overall wellbeing with research-proven Purina Animal Nutrition feeds — designed by passionate equine nutritionists. Partner with Purina to nourish your horse to their optimal body condition. Explore weight management resources for your horse today at purinamills.com/feed-finder.You can also follow @purinafeedgreatness on Instagram and @PurinaHorse on Facebook.

Welcome to the Training Buzz sponsored by Horse Week. hear a bit from dressage and event rider Chelsea Canedy as she leads a short, guided meditation to realign yourself before interacting with your horse. She helps get you to a place where you can find stillness and internal quiet and locate that gratitude for your horse and your time with him.Members of Equestrian+ can watch the full video with Canedy here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.Celebrate the splendor of horses during Horse Week! Join us for the ultimate equine celebration during the Horse Week Film Festival, brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim, October 20-26, 2024. This extraordinary event unites horse enthusiasts from around the globe in a free weeklong online film festival dedicated to the awe-inspiring world of horses. Sign up for our free newsletter to stay in the know and tune in live October 20-26 at horseweek.tv.

Aviva and Stephany discuss the latest L question from Nancy regarding the judge's comments about her pony’s poll being too low. We go to commercial from our sponsor, Purina, on Empowering Excellence in Every Horse. Aviva and Stephany interview Amy Bradley Swerdlin, the 2024 Grand Prix Champion at U.S. Equestrian’s Dressage Festival of Champions in August at Lamplight Equestrian Facility in Illinois. We talk about her journey with her partner Quiliuete from birth to Grand Prix excellence and all things in between. We also talk with Amy about her future plans and her work with USDF. Listen in...Connect with HostAviva Nebesky horsepenhillfarm@aol.comStephany Fish Crossman, stephanyfish@gmail.com