Dressage Today Podcast

In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, sponsored by KPP's Neigh-Lox® ADVANCED, Aviva and Stephany interview international Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Jordan LaPlaca, who owns and operates Maverick Hill Dressage based in Ledyard, Connecticut, and Wellington, Florida.Jordan is a USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist with distinction and was a member of the U.S. Dressage Team for the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany, this past summer. We talked to Jordan about his time in Aachen, where he competed with his self-produced horse 11-year-old Oldenburg Gold Play, how he made the best decisions for the gelding throughout the competition, and what it was like to compete in Germany compared to the U.S.He also told us about his journey to the upper levels of the sport, the ins and outs of making it in the dressage world, and his concerns for the future of our sport. We think you’ll appreciate his candid conversation about being a professional in the highest levels of competition while ensuring his horses thrive.Additionally, in our new Ask the L, Aviva answers a question about what judges look for in a scribe. She explains the technicalities of keeping up with the judge, as well as the importance of staying quiet and keeping the judge on time.As always, if you like what we do, please share our podcasts with your friends on social media, hit the “LIKE” button and subscribe!About This Episode’s Sponsor: KPP Neigh-Lox® ADVANCEDIs your horse suffering from digestive tract issues, such as diarrhea, colic or hindgut imbalances? Does he need a high-grain diet? Is he under stress? Kentucky Performance Products' Neigh-Lox® ADVANCED can help.Neigh-Lox ADVANCED is a scientifically formulated blend of ingredients that works synergistically to maintain a healthy stomach, small intestine, and hindgut. It contains long-acting gastric buffers and coating agents to maintain a normal stomach pH. It provides an effective probiotic to support complete digestion of starch and sugars in the foregut, helping maintain a healthy hindgut. And it supplies broad-spectrum prebiotics to sustain a healthy balance of beneficial microbes and well-balanced microbiome. For more information, visit KPPusa.com or call 859-873-2974.Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected])Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Jordan LaPlaca of MaverickHillDressage.com | Connect with Jordan on FacebookOur Sponsor this month: Neigh-Lox® ADVANCED

In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, sponsored by KPP and Tribute Equine Nutrition, Aviva and Stephany interview USEF “r” Technical Delegate from Eastern Pennsylvania Jen Koch, the latest Unsung Hero in their ongoing series.Jen represents the kind of quiet, steadfast leadership that keeps dressage thriving behind the scenes through her professionalism, deep knowledge of rules and her genuine desire to help riders have positive, fair experiences in the competition environment. But what makes her truly extraordinary is the way she shows up for people and for the sport—consistently, generously and without ever seeking recognition.Jen’s service extends far beyond helping individuals, and her commitment to youth development is unmatched. As president of the Youth Dressage FUNdation, she helps run the Region 1 Youth Dressage Team Challenge every year in Virginia. She has also served on the USDF National Youth Programs Committee, held multiple USDF Group Membership Organization leadership roles, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of her local horse park.Jen works tirelessly to create opportunities for young riders, strengthen community programs, and ensure the future of dressage is bright, inclusive and well-supported. This would be impressive on its own—but she does it all while working full-time as a teacher and pursuing her master’s degree. We loved talking with Jen, and we know you will enjoy learning more about her.In this episode, Aviva and Stephany also catch up on what’s been going on in their lives, and Aviva answers a new Ask the L question from Heather about virtual showing. Aviva details her experiences with virtual showing from a judge’s point of view and discusses how various groups do it differently.As always, if you like what we do, please share it with your friends on social media, hit the “LIKE” button and subscribe!About This Episode’s Sponsors: Tribute and KPP AirWise™We are always grateful to our sponsors. This month, we have:Tribute At Tribute Equine Nutrition, caring for horses has always come first. As a family-owned company safely making feed right here in the USA, they’re celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by supporting programs that make a difference through horses. Every bag of Tribute sold helps support PATH International’s Equine Services for Heroes programs helping veterans through equine-assisted services. They’ve also introduced limited-edition Patriotic Horse Treats for summer. Ready to try Tribute? Start with a free personalized feeding plan and your first bag free at TributeEquineNutrition.com.ANDKPP AirWise™Is your horse suffering from respiratory problems like intermittent coughing, nasal discharge, seasonal allergies, poor performance, or difficulty breathing during exercise? Kentucky Performance Products has a new supplement—AirWise®—that can help. Formulated using a synergistic blend of high-quality, potent antioxidants and micronutrients, AirWise is research-proven to help horses maintain healthy respiratory function. It has been shown to promote normal respiratory rates, enhance lung function, support a healthy inflammatory response in airways, and maintain immune health. To see if AirWise—available through veterinarians—is right for your horse, speak with your vet, visit https://www.KPPusa.com, or call 859-873-2974.Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected])Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Jennifer Koch | Email Jennifer: [email protected] | Connect with Jennifer on FaceBookOur Sponsors this month: Tribute and KPP AirWise™

In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, sponsored by Farnam, KPP and Tribute Equine Nutrition, Aviva and Stephany talk to USEF ‘S’ judge Sue Kolstad to ask about her unique perspectives as a judge, her priorities when judging, how to handle mistakes and for any secrets she could provide to help our listeners the next time they show. We cover everything from corners to riding that pesky centerline!A professional in the dressage world since 1977, Sue is a USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist and has nearly 50 years of experience training horses to the Grand Prix level, managing farms and coaching students to championships, medals and Young Riders’ honors.After exploring many disciplines including hunters, jumpers, eventing, endurance, driving and Western, Sue found dressage to be her greatest inspiration and now spends most of her time judging and teaching clinics while still actively showing and selling horses for the sport.During her formative years, Max Gahwyler, M.D., an internationally recognized judge with a passion for dressage theory and an early pioneer of dressage in the U.S., was one of Sue’s most influential mentors. After completing her Century Club ride, she appreciated that Gahwyler helped initiate the program with The Dressage Foundation in 1996. Sue, who also happens to be a dressage historian and talented artist, featured Gahlwyler’s horse and Century Club partner, Prinz Eugen, in a drawing.Today's podcast provides a fascinating look at how to better ride your dressage tests from a judge’s point of view. We hope you enjoy the episode, and as always if you like what you hear, please like and share our podcasts on social media!One final note: We had to hold our Ask the L segment this month because our interview with Sue ran long due all the useful information she provided us with. Check back next month for our latest Ask the L.About This Episode’s Sponsors: Tribute, Farnam, and KPP InsulinWise®TributeAt Tribute Equine Nutrition, caring for horses has always come first. As a family-owned company safely making feed right here in the USA, they’re celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by supporting programs that make a difference through horses. Every bag of Tribute sold helps support PATH International’s Equine Services for Heroes programs helping veterans through equine-assisted services. They’ve also introduced limited-edition Patriotic Horse Treats for summer. Ready to try Tribute? Start with a free personalized feeding plan and your first bag free at TributeEquineNutrition.com. FarnamThis episode is brought to you by Farnam, celebrating 80 years of trusted equine care, and Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control, a new fly spray for horses. When your horse needs to stay focused, it helps to take flies out of the equation. Endure Gold uses brand-new, EPA-approved ingredients never before seen in equine care to annihilate flies, ticks, and mosquitoes. This advanced formula delivers fast knockdown and up to 14 days of fly protection you can trust. Discover fly protection with Endure Gold from Farnam.KPP InsulinWise®Is your horse showing signs of metabolic dysregulation? Weight gain, unhealthy insulin levels that can lead to unsoundness, issues with the structural integrity of the laminae within the hoof. InsulinWise® has been research-proven to support a decrease in insulin dysregulation. A synergistic blend of polyphenols and amino acids, InsulinWise helps maintain normal metabolic function and healthy insulin levels, support a healthy body weight and normal fat distribution, and sustain normal structural integrity of the laminae in the hoof. To see if InsulinWise—available through veterinarians—is right for your horse, speak with your vet, visit KPPusa.com, or call 859-873-2974.Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected])Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Sue KolstadOur Sponsors this month: Tribute, Farnam, and KPP InsulinWise®

In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, we welcome Michele Wellman, dressage trainer, contributor to Dressage Today and owner of By Chance Farm in Fredrick County, Maryland. Since founding the farm in 2002, Michele has been working for more than two decades to expand boarding, riding and showing opportunities for local dressage riders. Last month, however, an F2 tornado struck the farm and caused major devastation to their barn structures. While much of her beloved farm was destroyed, no horses or people were lost or injured during the powerful storm that swept through Libertyown, Maryland.Michele tells us about her vision for By Chance Farm, the devastating tornado that turned her world upside down and the incredible response she’s received from horse people across the country in the storm’s aftermath. It’s a tale of love and loss, as well as one of a community rallying around one of their own. We know you’ll enjoy hearing her extraordinary story.In this podcast, Stephany and Aviva also share their thoughts on two of the newest rule changes taking place in the dressage world—no longer allowing the double bridle in Third Level and the penalty change for using your voice in the show ring. And in a new Ask the L, Aviva shares her thoughts on proper and improper use of the whip in competition.We hope you enjoy this episode, and as always if you like what you hear, please like and share our podcasts on social media!As always, we are grateful for our sponsors! This month, we are sponsored by KPP Summer Games Electrolyte and by Farnam Endure Gold Fly Spray. Check out the links below to see these terrific products!Summer Games® Electrolyte - Electrolytes, Vitamins and Minerals - KPPMeet Endure GoldAbout This Episode’s Sponsors: KPP and FarnamKPP When your horse loses significant amounts of electrolytes and fluids as he sweats, problems such as dehydration, muscle cramping, fatigue, tying up, and colic may occur. Even in mild forms, these conditions can have a negative impact on your horse’s ability to perform and recover after exercise.Research shows that electrolytes help regulate nerve and muscle function and maintain a healthy fluid balance. Summer Games® Electrolyte is formulated to replenish electrolytes and trace minerals that are lost when your horse sweats, regardless of the season. It also stimulates the thirst response, so he continues to drink and stay properly hydrated. For more information, visit KPPusa.com or call 859-873-2974. FarnamThis episode is brought to you by Farnam, celebrating 80 years of trusted equine care, and Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control, a new fly spray for horses. When your horse needs to stay focused, it helps to take flies out of the equation. Endure Gold uses brand-new, EPA-approved ingredients never before seen in equine care to annihilate flies, ticks, and mosquitoes. This advanced formula delivers fast knockdown and up to 14 days of fly protection you can trust. Discover fly protection with Endure Gold from Farnam. Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected])Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Michele Wellman of By Chance Farm in Fredrick County, Maryland | Facebook | GoFundMeOur Sponsors this month: KPP and Farnam

In this month’s episode, Aviva and Stephany interview Jennifer Mutchler, owner and operator of Half Pass Farm in Catlett, Virginia. Jennifer is our second Unsung Hero (formerly Hometown Hero, we like “unsung” better!) and was nominated by Sandy Mueller. She has earned her USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medal, taking several different horses (and breeds) to the Grand Prix level. She trains, teaches and breeds a few warmbloods each year from their Virginia location, and is well known in the area for matching the right people with the right horses! We really enjoyed chatting with Jennifer, especially because she and Aviva have another connection between them – take a listen to hear what it is!In our Ask the L section Aviva clarifies a question from a listener about a previous L Question. Aviva and Stephany catch up on their various recent exploits, and they play “where in the world is Stephany?” as she records from a layover in an airport!As always, if you like what we do, please share it with your friends, on social media, hit the “LIKE” button and subscribe!We are so grateful for our numerous sponsors – we must be doing something right!Take a listen now!About This Episode’s Sponsors: Tribute, KPP, and FarnamTributeGreat partnerships are built on trust — and that’s foundational at Tribute Equine Nutrition. As a family-owned company safely making their feeds right here in the USA, they’re celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by giving back through horses. Every bag of Tribute sold helps support PATH International’s Equine Services for Heroes programs serving veterans through the healing power of horses. Plus, their limited-edition Patriotic Horse Treats are here for summer. New to Tribute? Get a free personalized feeding plan and your first bag free at TributeEquineNutrition.com.KPP Is your horse suffering from digestive tract issues, such as diarrhea, colic or hindgut imbalances? Does he need a high-grain diet? Is he under stress? Neigh-Lox® ADVANCED can help. Neigh-Lox ADVANCED is a scientifically formulated blend of ingredients that works synergistically to maintain a healthy stomach, small intestine, and hindgut. It contains long-acting gastric buffers and coating agents to maintain a normal stomach pH. It provides an effective probiotic to support complete digestion of starch and sugars in the foregut, helping maintain a healthy hindgut. And it supplies broad-spectrum prebiotics to sustain a healthy balance of beneficial microbes and well-balanced microbiome. For more information, visit KPPusa.com or call 859-873-2974. FarnamThis episode is brought to you by Farnam, celebrating 80 years of trusted equine care, and Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control, a new fly spray for horses. When your horse needs to stay focused, it helps to take flies out of the equation. Endure Gold uses brand-new, EPA-approved ingredients never before seen in equine care to annihilate flies, ticks, and mosquitoes. This advanced formula delivers fast knockdown and up to 14 days of fly protection you can trust. Discover fly protection with Endure Gold from Farnam. Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected])Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Jennifer Mutchler, owner and operator of Half Pass Farm in Catlett, VirginiaOur Sponsors this month: Tribute, KPP, and Farnam