Tuskey Dressage

04/28/2026

I'll be in Portage, WI on May 1st teaching some lessons. I have openings for lessons in that area or anywhere along my way back in the late afternoon if anyone is interested 😊

04/11/2026

We are having a wonderful time with Allie Baier , Equipt learning about Breathing as a Riding Aid

04/06/2026

Last chance to get a dragon saddle pad set from Penny Equestrian ! Use discount code Andalusian to save 10%

Dragons are being discontinued! Snag now! Pennyequestrian.com

03/17/2026

The bravest men didn't kill the dragons. They rode them. 🐲
Horse: Ariel TD
Bit less bridle: Elf Equestrian Leathercraft LLC
Dragon set: Equestrian (Order your own and save 10% by using coupon code Andalusian at checkout)

02/17/2026

Happy 10th Birthday to Ariel (pictured) and Happy Year of the Fire Horse! 🔥

PS: Not an AI image. I created this myself 😉

02/17/2026

A balanced position for the rider is not just for show. It helps make you a safer, more effective rider, as well as making it easier and more comfortable for your horse to carry you.

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Want to learn more about how you can develop a balanced, secure position and move in harmony with your horse? Check out our Mastering the Independent Seat course and transform your riding. Your horse will thank you!

You can purchase the course individually or join our Virtual Classroom membership group and get access to all of our courses plus over 150 educational videos on a wide variety of horse care and training topics. Link for individual courses as well as our Virtual Classroom in bio!

02/16/2026

Myth Busting Monday: If a horse is liberty trained he must have a great relationship with the human

You see a horse moving at liberty, guided by a human. You watch as the horse circles around the human and then comes when called and follows the human around the arena. You think “what a great relationship they must have”.

But do they really? Does the horse really feel safe, are his needs being met?

Maybe. There is liberty work that is absolutely stunning. The horse is happy, feels safe, and has a voice in what they do.

But maybe not. Sadly there are many liberty trainers who use fear based tactics to force the horse to perform. Horses are whipped and chased into submission.

What looks like a willing horse may actually be a horse that is in a state of learned helplessness and is obedient only in an attempt to avoid harsh consequences.

This is not a partnership.

But we must also consider the physical well-being of the horse. Many people focus on the communication and connection aspect of liberty work (which is very important) but forget to think about how the horse is actually moving and using his body.

I see liberty horses that are out of balance, tight in their bodies, and moving in unhealthy ways. Part of being a good partner for our horse is helping him feel good and be healthy in his body.

The end goal may to be to have a horse perform at liberty, but the process that you use to get there will determine whether or not your horse feels safe, comfortable in his body, and has a voice. And that is what determines the quality of your relationship.

My horse, Gravitas, came to me with a lot of trauma, likely from previous forceful handling.

When he first came to me I had to use a protective barrier in order to work with him because he was aggressive.

I can now work with him at liberty without any barriers. He will circle around me, change directions, come when called, and follow me around the arena.

But his facial expression, his elevated heart and neck, and his tight, bracing movement last me know that he still does not completely trust me.

He also will not let me touch him when he's at liberty. If I try, he immediately moves off.

And so we do not have a good relationship. Yet. Our relationship has improved by leaps and bounds compared to where we started but we still have a long way to go before I can say that Gravitas truly trusts me and enjoys working with me.

Just because I can do liberty work with him, does not mean I have a good relationship.

Want to learn more about developing a happy, healthy horse? Join our Virtual Classroom to get access to over 150 videos on a wide variety of topics including horse behavior and learning, emotional well-being, ground work, liberty, riding, biomechanics, and so much more. Start your FREE trial now! Link in bio

02/07/2026

Looking to improve your confidence while riding? Your seat is a huge factor in your ability to stay balanced and secure in the saddle!

I'll teach you how to find your best position in the saddle in a step-by-step process in my course- Mastering the Independent Seat 🐎

This video is a small clip from the course which features:

✔ Self-paced, on-demand training
Move through the material on your own schedule, revisit lessons as often as needed, and progress at a pace that works for you and your horse.
✔ Clear, step-by-step instruction
Each lesson builds logically on the last, helping you understand why seat stability matters and how to improve it without guesswork.
✔ Practical exercises you can apply immediately
No complicated gym routines or vague cues — just effective, rider-friendly exercises you can use in and out of the saddle.
✔ Suitable for all riders
Whether you ride dressage, western, or simply want to feel more secure, the principles in this course apply across disciplines and experience levels.
✔ Focus on rider comfort and horse comfort
A stable, independent seat allows your horse to move more freely and respond more willingly to your aids.
✔ Lifetime access
Come back to the material whenever you need a refresher — no expiration date.
✔ Taught by an experienced instructor
Instruction based on real teaching experience with adult amateurs and developing riders, not just theory.

👉 Link in bio for the full course