Schmidt Dressage

07/16/2025

I'm so behind on posting recently. 😫

Anyhow, this article covers the correct use of spurs, which sounds like it would be self-explanatory... and yet. 😬🙄

Ultimately, the spur is a *training aid* that helps you *train* so that hopefully you don't need to use the spur...

Funny how that works. Check it out.

And their purpose and how to use them correctly (rather than like a jerk). Dressage training is supposed to be the process of training ANY horse to be a better riding horse. The more the horse learns, in theory, the easier it is to communicate with and therefore complete more complex tasks with. Alt...

04/13/2025

I accidentally had a little too much free time on my hands and watched a few too many videos of some of our recent international rides and somehow I thought it might be fun to open my mouth. 😂

So here you go. You're welcome.

If we don't up the ante education wise here in the states, dressage is done.

And when I say education, I don't mean more clinics with big name riders who didn't actually train their horse, or with officials who've never ridden or trained at that level. I mean those who actually know how to systematically train and develop the horse.

We in the dressage community, specifically in the US, need to have some difficult discussions regarding the lack of correct training at the top of the sport. This isn't anything new, but it continues to keep rearing its head because we continue to gloss over it. While there’s a lot to unpack withi...

04/07/2025

Sometime last year I read an article from a big name trainer that literally described the half halt as being "beautiful and effortless" and I think I may have gagged a little bit. 😅

While the results of a well-executed half halt could be described as beautiful, and the following moments could feel effortless, actually doing a half halt correctly is generally almost invisible and certainly not effortless.

More to the point though, I think we do a disservice to those trying to learn when we describe things in a manner that makes them appear as if they are some sort of magical, mystical thing rather than the result of educated riding.

This week's article goes into a little bit more detail about the nuances of the half halt and the actual components of it (Spoiler Alert: glitter and rainbows isn't part of it). 😂

"The half halt is a beautiful, effortless way to ask your horse..." The half halt is many things, and entirely critical to good, effective riding. But it is generally invisible when done well and rarely is it "effortless." Let's discuss. Dressage training is supposed to be the process of training AN...

03/24/2025

Regardless of the specific riding discipline you choose, the mindset with which you approach the training is absolutely crucial.

This article delves into that with some pretty useful examples that help illustrate exactly what a positive training mindset actually looks like (and why it's really the only way to train effectively for long-term goals).

Those words ALSO do not mean what you think they mean... at least not in the context of effective training. Dressage training is supposed to be the process of training ANY horse to be a better riding horse. The more the horse learns, in theory, the easier it is to communicate with and therefore comp...

03/19/2025

Anyone game to come join the highly entertaining chaos? 😅😁

Seriously though, this is an excellent training opportunity.

Do you have an aspiring dressage unicorn? Or maybe just a willing equine participant to your dressage addiction? 😅

I currently have a training stall opening in Williston as well as a few slots for truck in and off property lessons.

Send me a PM for more information!

03/16/2025

Positive riding is really the only long term, effective way to train.

You might make some progress with strength riding, but it will ultimately let you down-- either through limited progress past a certain point, too much tension, or eventual lameness.

That said, using repetition effectively is part of positive riding. This week's article discusses that and offers an accessible picture of what that actually looks like within the training process.

Those words do not mean what you think they mean... at least not in the context of effective training. Here's why. Dressage training is supposed to be the process of training ANY horse to be a better riding horse. The more the horse learns, in theory, the easier it is to communicate with and therefo...

03/12/2025

When training, how do you know when it’s too little, or too much, or enough? It's important to differentiate between doing too much and doing too little, as well as considering how each end of the spectrum can appear in -- and affect the -- training. Dressage training is supposed to be the process...

03/06/2025

This week's article discusses the significant difference between the end goal and the process of getting there. Although they obviously are inextricably linked, it's important to understand that they often look very different. Dressage training is supposed to be the process of training ANY horse to....

03/05/2025

It's important that you approach training from a proactive rather than a reactive standpoint.

02/26/2025

The mantra this week... 😅

Because some days and some activities should be optional. Presented by: Greetings, Fellow Small Predators! Another glorious day here in The Swamp... we started out with some combination of light rain and fog before that burned off and it got unseasonably muggy. Awesome.🙄 BUT(!), I am happy to rep...