03/23/2026
Back in the saddle after a long health-related hiatus, and it felt amazing.
And this picture and feeling? It perfectly describes why I am a classical dressage trainer.
After my stroke, I experienced hemiparesis, in simple terms, my left side of my body is mostly paralyzed, yet look at how fluidly the horse is stretching and how evenly she is moving.
Classical dressage is about dancing with your horse without heavy pressure. The pair must be in balance and listening to light aids together. There should be little muscle used and instead the balance changes the shape. In my experience, these principles create more sustainable and happier riding partners.
Wanting to explore the world of classical dressage? Contact me for lessons! Virtual, haul in, or lessons on our schoolmaster are available. Located in Cedar Rapids, IA