Outlaw Trails Ranch

08/31/2026

The 4corners schooling show was a great success! Alison thank you for a truly fun event. Here’s the finale ride on the derby field! Great job everyone thanks for coming

08/31/2026

What Is the Core, Really?

The word “core” has become almost meaningless.

In fitness, Pilates, and even riding, we hear engage your core, strengthen your core, use your core—as though the core were a single muscle that we can simply switch on.

But the anatomical core is far more complex than a set of abdominal muscles.

Your core is essentially the central support system of your body. It includes the abdominal wall, diaphragm, muscles surrounding the spine, the deep muscles of the pelvis, and importantly, the pelvic floor. These structures work together to organize pressure, stabilize the spine and pelvis, and allow movement through the rest of the body.

And this is where I think we often miss the point with riders.

A strong core is not necessarily a body that is constantly holding itself tight. In fact, excessive abdominal bracing can interfere with the very thing a dressage rider needs most: the ability to remain stable while still being available for movement.

The pelvic floor is particularly important and is frequently left out of the conversation. It isn’t an isolated muscle group that exists only for its more commonly discussed functions. It is part of the deep cylinder of the torso and works in relationship with the diaphragm, abdominal wall, and muscles around the spine.

Think less about “tightening your core” and more about how the entire central system organizes itself around movement.

For a rider, this distinction matters enormously.

The horse is constantly moving underneath us. The rider’s job isn’t to create a rigid platform that resists that movement. It is to develop enough organization and stability that the body can adapt to the horse without losing its own balance.

That is one of the reasons I approach Pilates differently when working with riders.

I’m not interested in simply teaching someone to have stronger abs. I’m interested in helping them understand how their pelvis, ribcage, spine, diaphragm, pelvic floor, and limbs coordinate as one integrated system.

When that system is working well, the rider doesn’t have to constantly hold themselves together.

They can become stable without being rigid, strong without being tense, and connected without restricting movement.

And ultimately, that is what allows a rider to develop something every dressage rider is searching for:

feel.

08/29/2026

08/17/2026

September 11-13 - Looking to schedule Denise Krause Spangler for eventing lessons (dressage, stadium jumping, XC field) let me know asap if you are interested, so I can coordinate schedules. If you already texted me no need to do it again! Come on out and play with our new jumps!!

08/17/2026

Check out some of these pictures- it was so fun and interesting for us newbies

08/17/2026

Two examples of the collected canter work today….I’m tired

08/14/2026

Beautiful 60 degree day to start the Manuel Trigo clinic

08/11/2026

I love this!! And you could put age and life experience layered on top and we all go up and down the ladder throughout our lives.

In this week’s Pressure Proof tip, Daniel Stewart breaks down the four stages of the “conscious-competence ladder” and explains how understanding where we are in the learning process can help us better manage frustration, build confidence, and stay motivated as we develop new skills.

Whether you’re struggling to master something new or working toward making a skill feel like second nature, remember: a little short-term discomfort can lead to long-term growth. 💪

Learn more about the four stages of learning and how they can help you become a more resilient rider. ⬇️

08/08/2026

Another great opportunity next weekend

4 weeks away, now…1 rider spot available for the Working Equitation clinic with Manuel Trigo in Cortez, CO! Fun fun fun and challenging!
Learn more: https://email.marketing.godaddy.com/view/MWnmyCRXIaMz58i8mqJeA8lr