Dressage with Amelia

Latest Episodes:

Improving Your Rising Trot Q&A Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

This week’s live was a fun mix of posting trot chat, Strides Q&As, some Florida move updates, and of course a little groundwork talk.

We covered how to post without slapping down into the saddle, why sitting trot is better with shorter, high quality moments, and how to think about lengthening the trot as longer steps rather than just faster steps. We also touched on simple rider focus points like looking through your horse’s ears to help with straightness, plus a few easy groundwork ideas to support your horse’s back and topline.

I shared a little bit about my free “10 terms every rider should know” PDF, breaking down common dressage jargon in a clear, simple way, and a sneak peek at a new course coming soon that builds on topline, throughness, and correct basics.

Enjoy the episode, and thank you for being here!

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS. Download that "10 Terms Every Rider Should Know" here!

Riding with Independent Aids Q&A Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

This week’s Q&A was a fun mix of behind the scenes Florida move updates, rider position chat, and a really great discussion on groundwork.

We talked about using the inside leg on a circle and why it isn’t something you hold on constantly. Instead, the idea is a "breathing leg" so your horse stays responsive and balanced. From there we break down the “point and shoot” idea for turning, pointing the line of travel first, then sending the horse forward from a balanced moment with the legs while the hands allow.

We also answer questions about half halts on hot horses, there’s a great discussion around fussy contact and we share why groundwork and lunging can be such a helpful support for horses that are still finding their balance.

We touch on simple ways to release tension in your lower back, including an easy stretch at the walk and the wood and jelly idea to help you notice when you’re locking up. We also reflect on why groundwork matters so much, not just for training, but for real life moments like travel, loading, and busy environments, when you really need your horse to feel confident and connected.

Thanks so much for listening and being part of this community. I’m really grateful you’re here.

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS. Sunday is the last day to join the Groundwork Superpack, check it out here!

Rider Straightness & Symmetry Q&A Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

In this live Q and A, we talk about rider straightness and symmetry and why it is such an ongoing conversation for every horse and rider. This session blends rider position, training priorities, and a deeper look at how groundwork supports both safety and progress.

Straightness Begins With Suppleness

We discuss why straightness cannot be forced. Bend and suppleness have to come first, whether you are working from the ground or under saddle. Without that foundation, riding straight often creates tension instead of balance.

Groundwork as a Foundation and Safety Net

Groundwork plays a bigger role than many riders realize. It can help prevent accidents, give you options when something feels off, and allow you to address connection, bend, and mental focus before getting on. Groundwork also helps you safely manage your horses energy.

Sitting to the Inside

A key part of this Q and A focuses on rider symmetry, especially sitting to the inside seat bone. We talk about why this matters on circles, in lateral work, and in the canter.

Progress Over Perfection

Straightness is something every horse and rider continues to refine over time. Awareness, patience, and consistent basics make the biggest difference.

Thank you so much for being here and for all the thoughtful questions.

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS If you have not already, make sure to RSVP for tomorrow’s groundwork webinar. We will be diving deeper into how groundwork supports safety, connection, and better rides overall.

Three Keys to Success in Riding Q&A Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

In last night's session, we dove into some topics that can truly unlock your riding success: the importance of soft, effective aids, developing rhythm & suppleness, and building balance in your horse.

We explored how to apply your leg aids without creating tension. It’s all about practicing and finding the right balance: applying the aid and then softening immediately. Consistency is key—it’s about being aware of your body and rhythm while giving your horse the right amount of support.

To get your horse to move from their hindquarters in a balanced and supple way, you need to feel the rhythm. When practicing the sitting trot, the trick is to stay relaxed and in rhythm—feel your hips move with the horse’s back while your elbows follow their neck. Keep practicing at the trot, maintaining soft contact. The key to success? Stay consistent with your aids and rhythm, and stay mindful of your seat.

We also answer some questions from our nwe Strides members: How do I make sure my horse isn't heavy on the forehand in the stretch circle? How do I prepare for a right canter departure? And more!

I am so glad to have welcomed so many new Strides members after bootcamp, thank you for being a part of the Strides community. I'm excited for everything that’s coming this year. We’ve got so much in store, including special guest speakers and new exercises for you to dive into.

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS. Make sure you RSVP for my Groundwork Webinar coming Saturday 17th Jan at 8am PT.

Learning from the masters Q&A Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

Last night's Q and A was a really good reminder that progress in dressage is rarely linear and that both riders and horses need space to learn, rest, and reset.

Boot camp is coming up

I shared a quick overview of our New Year boot camp, which starts on December 31 with goal setting and runs for five full days. The focus is not just on setting goals, but on giving you practical tools for rhythm, balance, rider position, connection, and throughness so you start the year with a clear plan and momentum. If you are in Strides, you are already enrolled and have VIP access. Otherwise, make sure you RSVP!

Winter training and groundwork

We talked about winter reality and how to stay productive when riding is limited. In cold or slippery conditions, simple groundwork like hand walking, walk-halt-walk, rein back, and the poll release can be incredibly effective. Safety matters, so footing and common sense always come first.

Riding without your own horse

One great question came from a rider who does not own a horse and was feeling less motivated. Riding different horses can actually make you a stronger rider! When you do not have one horse, your goals can shift toward your position, clarity, and feel rather than what one specific horse can or cannot do.

Staying motivated and redefining consistency

We talked a lot about motivation and consistency. Consistency does not mean riding every day. It can include learning, watching videos, reading, groundwork, fitness, and even rest. Fewer high quality rides with real focus are often better than doing everything every day while exhausted.

Handling setbacks

One of the most important takeaways was about setbacks. Bad days do not mean you are failing or that you will never get there. They are thoughts, not facts. Confidence comes and goes, and so does doubt. What matters is remembering why you ride and allowing yourself to be on your own journey without comparison.

Thank you for being part of these conversations and for bringing such thoughtful questions. I am really looking forward to starting the new year together.

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS Bootcamp will be a great way to reset your mindset and your training plan if you are feeling a little stuck or uninspired right now. If you are not a member of Strides, RSVP here to save your spot!

Growing & Developing with your Horse Q&A Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

This week’s Growing and Developing With Your Horse Q and A was a really special one, as my mom JoElyn stepped in to host it. She shared so much wisdom from her own riding journey, from choosing horses to developing bend, setting goals, and learning to truly love the horse you have at every stage.

Why bend matters

JoElyn spent time explaining why bend is so foundational. Bend supports safety, helps the horse stay attentive, and allows the inside hind leg to step under and strengthen the body. True bend comes from the rib cage, not just the neck, and you can see it when the head and tail stay on the same line of the circle.

Your body influences the bend

She reminded us that rider position plays a big role. If we collapse or tip, it becomes harder for the horse to bend around the inside leg. Thinking about your alignment and allowing your body to guide the bend can make your aids much clearer and more effective.

Groundwork and patterns

Groundwork is a powerful way to improve bend. Asking for more bend on the ground helps it show up more easily under saddle, and riding clear patterns helps keep both horse and rider organized and balanced.

Goals and long term development

There was a thoughtful discussion about goals, from big long term dreams to small daily steps. Breaking goals down and focusing on rider position, learning, visualization, and consistency helps you make progress even when saddle time is limited.

Loving the horse you have

One of the most touching parts of this conversation was the reminder that loving your horse matters, regardless of the level. Horses can continue to grow, improve, and connect with us deeply, even as their bodies change with age.

Thank you for being part of this community and for bringing so much care and thoughtfulness to your horses and your riding.

Happy riding,

Amelia

PS Bootcamp is coming up soon. If you have not signed up yet, be sure to do that so you do not miss the daily lives, exercises, and motivation to head into the new year feeling focused and inspired. RSVP here for bootcamp.

Horse Personality in Training Q&A Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

Last night’s Q and A was such a fun conversation about horse personalities and how to adjust your riding to match the horse you have. Stacie joined us live, which was a treat because many of you know her from the comments section and as a Strides member. We covered everything from reading your horse’s natural tendencies to adjusting your own energy and building confidence in both young and experienced horses.

Understanding personality

Some horses are hot, some laid back, and many shift depending on our energy. The big takeaway was noticing the small signs and matching your approach. Raise your energy for a dull horse. Slow everything down for a sensitive one.

Groundwork builds confidence

For green or new horses, groundwork is the place to start. Leading, bending, yielding, and responding to pressure help the horse feel safe and give you tools you can use later in the saddle. It has made a huge difference for Stacy and her boys.

The basics always win

Winter is the perfect time to revisit stretching, bending, rhythm, and suppleness. Going back to basics makes everything easier when you start schooling movements again.

Thank you to the Dressage Foundation

We also highlighted the Dressage Foundation and the many grants that support riders. Stacie recently received the Gifted Memorial Grant, and our own “Dressage for All” Youth Fund will award its first grants this spring. Community support truly keeps our sport thriving.

Thank you all for joining and for being part of this amazing community. Your questions and your stories are what make these live sessions so meaningful.

Happy riding

Amelia

PS. Don’t forget to RSVP for Bootcamp coming in January!

Soft Hands & Following Elbows Q&A Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Last night Nicole from Team Amelia stepped in to teach a super helpful session on soft hands, following elbows, and how your alignment and seat create the foundation for everything. If you have ever struggled to keep your hands steady, wondered why your elbows lock, or felt like your horse braces when you pick up the contact, this Q&A has so many clear explanations and practical tips you can take straight to the saddle.

Why soft hands start in your seat

Nicole breaks down how your alignment affects your entire arm position and shows why your hands cannot stay quiet unless your seat is absorbing the horse’s motion. She explains the difference between following elbows in walk and canter versus your elbows in the trot and how to feel the movement through your core instead of through your reins.

How to actually teach your horse to listen to lighter aids

Instead of pulling or fussing with the reins, she explains the simple sequence of fingers, wrist, elbow and how horses learn to respond to the smallest whisper when the progression is consistent. She also explains why soft hands are not loose hands and how subtlety always depends on the clarity of your seat.

Understanding the training scale

If your horse feels heavy, braced, or inconsistent in the connection, she explains how the issue rarely starts in the hands. She walks through the steps of the training scale and explains how each layer influences the feeling in your reins.

Following the motion in each gait

She uses her famous shoelace demo to show why your elbows must open and close in walk and canter and why locked elbows in canter lead to tension and loss of balance. She also shares practical tips for keeping your hands from posting with your body in the trot.

Fixing common problems

She also shared some tips for fixing some common problems many riders experience such as reins slipping, how to supple the inside rein when holding a whip, how to feel the horse’s mouth without pulling on it, how to avoid hollowing your back when you bring your shoulders back, and more useful tips!

Coming up

If this Q&A got you thinking about how much your seat influences your hands, my Independent Seat Webinar will take you even deeper, it's at 8am PT on Friday 28th November. RSVP Here! I'll cover how to ride from your core, absorb movement without collapsing, and more! I hope to see you there!

Happy riding

Amelia

Effective Leg & Following Seat Q&A Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

This week I'm travelling so Nicole from Team Amelia stepped in to host a Q&A on developing a clearer leg, a softer following seat, and more effective communication with your horse. If you have ever wondered why your aids feel muddled, why your horse braces in transitions, or how to use your seat without gripping or driving, this session is full of ideas that will help everything make more sense.

What she covered:

Nicole breaks down the quiet signals your horse listens for and how subtle changes in your body can transform the feel of your transitions.

Why your inside leg solves more than you think

If leads are tricky, circles lose shape, or your horse drifts through the outside rein, she shares some simple adjustments that make a noticeable difference.

Nicole also shares practical ways to keep communication sharp when your riding time is limited and your horse has extra energy.

Coming up

Grateful Week begins Monday with daily live sessions, and on Thanksgiving morning at 8am PT I will be sharing a very special announcement that I am incredibly excited about. I hope to see you there live.

Happy riding

Amelia

Suppleness & Throughness Q&A Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s Q and A we focused on creating real suppleness and throughness in your horse. We also talked about gratitude month and shared a few updates from around the barn.

What we covered:

Turn on the forehand

This simple exercise is one of the best ways to unlock the inside hind leg and soften the ribs. You can start from the ground or under saddle. It improves control, helps refocus a distracted horse, and prepares the body for leg yields and shoulder in.

Suppleness from groundwork and circle work

For horses that struggle to bend, begin with bending on the ground, then add spirals and circles. Long backed horses especially benefit from this combination.

Rider position matters

Only a balanced rider can give correct aids. When you are centered and soft, your horse can move with more relaxation and swing.

Takeaways from the Cark Hester masterclass

We also shared some of our favourite insights from Carl Hester's master class that I attended last weekend. He had powerful thoughts on balance, stretching, straightness, and how he uses simple exercises to create real change.

Coming up

To celebrate Thanksgiving, we have Grateful Week coming up with daily live sessions, a Black Friday webinar on the independent seat, and a special Thanksgiving announcement that I cannot wait to share with you.

Thank you for joining us and for the work you put into improving yourself and your horse. Suppleness comes from patient, thoughtful communication and steady practice.

Happy riding

Amelia

PS. Check out the Inside Leg to Outside Rein Workshop here.

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