Dressage with Amelia

This Valentine’s Day live was very on brand for us… horse time at the barn! We had a very patient Future wearing bows, ribbons, and full Valentine’s Day decorations (please tell me in the comments… on a scale of 1–10, how fabulous was he).The real theme was something I talk about all the time: learning to love your ride. Because when you don’t know what to do, you don’t feel safe, and you can’t communicate clearly with your horse, it’s hard to truly enjoy it. But when you have a plan and you understand the “why,” riding becomes fun again and you start feeling that connection we’re all chasing.We focused on the four pillars that I use as my foundation every single ride (no matter the horse or the level):GroundworkIndependent seatThe aidsExercisesThank you for spending part of your Valentine’s Day with us!Happy riding,AmeliaPS. And if you’re wanting a clear, supportive way to build those foundations, this is exactly what my new program is built around: 30 Days to Dressage Foundations with Amelia. It officially starts March 1st and it’s designed as a 30 day kickstart to get you feeling confident and ready for spring and summer riding.

This episode kicks off our Valentine’s Day weekend series, and it’s all about the love of the horse and what actually makes riders successful in dressage.We share three simple truths.Dressage benefits every horse, physically and mentally, no matter their breed or “type.”Kicking and pulling doesn’t create harmony, so if you feel stuck in that cycle, it’s a sign to pause and change the approach.And lessons matter, but they can’t be the only thing, because progress comes faster when you’re also learning between rides through good education, ideas, and a system you can follow.You’ll also hear some of our favourite transformation stories, including Sparky and Chocolate, plus a really helpful reminder about not over facing your horse. Break everything into smaller pieces, build confidence, and let it take the time it takes.We answer some great community questions too, why so many riders feel stuck at Training and First Level, and how judges score tests. The big takeaway is to keep measuring you versus you, use feedback as information, and stay focused on the journey with your horse.Happy Riding,AmeliaPS tonight, Friday Feb 13th, Nicole is hosting a fun trivia night, if you want to join that live you can join it here on YouTube, then Saturday we’re live from the barn, and Sunday we’re back again for another live chat.And don’t forget to share why you love to ride with #ILoveRiding for a chance to win enrollment in 30 Days to Dressage Foundations with Amelia 💛

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

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 SupplenessWe 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 NetGroundwork 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 InsideA 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 PerfectionStraightness 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,AmeliaPS 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.

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 upI 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 groundworkWe 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 horseOne 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 consistencyWe 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 setbacksOne 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,AmeliaPS 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!