Q?

Is a person “middle aged” too old to learn to ride?

A.

If an adult is in fairly good physical condition and has a desire to learn to ride or resume riding after a long hiatus, they certainly can embark on the journey. I have started many people in this situation and they are joyfully enjoying the journey.

Q?

Do I have to have a fancy horse?

A.

Dressage training can improve any horse as it improves focus, the natural gaits, and the musculature. It’s a fun and rewarding process!

Q?

What if I have a gaited horse?

A.

Again the basics of dressage improve any horses’s rideability, confidence, focus, suppleness, flexibility, and adjustability at least. This applies to gaited or horses with natural gaits.

Q?

What if I ride western?

A.

The basics of dressage can be applied in any saddle. They can be practiced by riders who pursue any discipline. A new division” western dressage” has been created for folks who want to compete in a western saddle.

Q?

Do I have to compete?

A.

Competition offers another dimension to riding but certainly need not be pursued. Many of my riders want to learn the basics of dressage to improve their trail horses!

Q?

What if I’ve never had a formal lesson?

A.

I’ve started many folks with this background. Dressage emphasizes the rider learn their own body awareness, so the aids they give their horses make sense and thereby get more predictable results.