Dressage with Amelia

This week’s Q&A is a mini webinar all about overcoming canter anxiety and building confidence step by step. Nicole shares a really helpful perspective on why the canter can feel so intimidating, and how breaking it down into smaller, more manageable pieces can make it feel so much more doable. In this mini-webinar, you’ll learn: Why the canter feels so intimidating and what’s really happening The foundation for confidence through position, balance, and preparation Simple strategies to build confidence step by step One of the biggest themes in this session is that confidence comes from preparation. She talks through the key foundations that make the canter feel safer and more rideable, from position and balance to the trot exercises that directly support better canter work. There is also a great discussion on how improving the basics can take away that feeling of surprise and give riders more control. Nicole also shares a simple exercise, “bookending the canter” that is especially helpful for nervous riders, plus answers questions about rushing, unstable lower legs, horses that speed up instead of striking off, and how to rebuild confidence after setbacks. If the canter has ever felt overwhelming, this episode has a lot of encouragement and practical ideas to help you feel more secure. Download the free canter checklist here. Happy Riding, Amelia PS. The Canter Challenge is now open for enrollment, so if this is something you’re working on right now, it’s perfect timing to dive in a bit deeper. Check it out here. 

This is a sample ride-along podcast that goes along with my 30 Day Canter Challenge. Learn more about the challenge and more ride-along podcasts like this one here. The Challenge starts May 1st!

This week’s live looked a little different as we wrapped up 30 Days to Dressage and celebrated some of the amazing final projects from riders in the course. We shared a look at the heart behind 30 Days to Dressage and why this program was created to give riders a simple, encouraging starting point with groundwork, rider position, aids, and exercises. One of the best parts of this episode is seeing how creative everyone got with their final projects, from written exams to art pieces, videos, and even songs. A big theme in this episode is that dressage really is for everyone. Riders from all backgrounds and disciplines took part in this course and it helped them build confidence, create more structure in their rides, and better understand how the basics carry over into everything they do with their horses. We also talked about how important it is to keep learning fun, to appreciate the partnership with your horse, and to recognize that steady, consistent work really does add up. There are also a few exciting updates about World Cup in Fort Worth, I would love to see you there! Happy Riding, Amelia PS. My Training Scale Webinar is coming up this Sunday, RSVP here if you have not signed up yet! 

This week’s Q&A was a fun mix of rider position, balance, and some great behind the scenes updates from Florida. I was also joined by Nicole from my team, it has been so great to have here for a few days! I shared some great takeaways from my clinic with Sue Martin last weekend. We shared a few exciting updates about wrapping up 30 Days to Dressage, upcoming World Cup plans, and some really encouraging progress with Mik. One of the big themes in this episode is how much consistent training adds up over time, even when it feels like progress is slow in the moment. We also talked through some really helpful rider position ideas, and had a great discussion about posture, lower leg position, and how small rider habits can make a big difference in balance and communication. Then we answered some Strides member questions about canter transitions, lower leg placement, tipping forward in the canter depart, and what to do when horses get inverted or motorbike through the turns. Happy Riding, Amelia PS. Are you joining us at World Cup? We would love to see you there! If you have not RSVP’d yet, here’s the link to save your spot.

This week’s Q&A was all about mastering the canter transition, and there were so many helpful takeaways for riders working through the tricky parts of canter departs. We talked about why the canter can feel intimidating at first. When the horse shifts gears, you really feel the power and strength, and that can make the transition feel a little overwhelming. A big theme in this episode is learning how to feel more confident, more organized, and more prepared in those moments. We also dive into timing, especially for walk to canter and trot to canter transitions, and discuss why asking at the right moment can make such a difference. There’s a great conversation about preparation too, finding that balance between having your horse ready without over-preparing and accidentally blocking the transition. We also talk through what to do with horses that throw their head up, get hollow, or rush into a fast trot instead of stepping smoothly into canter. We share some favorite exercises for helping horses stay softer, more balanced, and more connected, including patterns like trot-walk-trot, the snowman, and leg yield into canter. We also answer questions about picking up the correct lead, what to do when one direction feels harder than the other, and why straightness, timing, and rider position all play such a huge role. There’s a really nice reminder in this episode that canter work is full of nuance, and that sometimes it takes patience and repetition to find the right feel. If canter transitions have ever felt frustrating, awkward, or inconsistent, this episode will definitely help you better understand what might be happening and give you some practical ideas to try in your rides. Happy Riding,  Amelia

Last night in “Problem Solving In Riding And Training Q&A,” we had a really fun and practical conversation all about working through the everyday challenges that come up in riding and training. We talked about leg yield and why it is such an important exercise for building suppleness, straightness, and that all-important inside leg to outside rein connection. We also shared updates from the horse show, including some exciting firsts and honest reflections on what it feels like to get back out there and trust the process. We answered questions on rhythm, tempo, sitting trot, downward transitions, bending, relaxation, and how groundwork can help uncover what is really going on with your horse. We also talked about the mental side of riding, from patience and confidence to learning how to slow down, stay thoughtful, and make each ride count. It was such a good reminder that progress is rarely perfect, but every challenge gives us an opportunity to learn. I hope this episode leaves you feeling encouraged, inspired, and a little more confident in your own riding journey. Happy Riding, Amelia

In this episode, Nicole from Team Amelia stepped in while I'm away at a horse show and she hosts a live Q&A all about one of the most important concepts in dressage: contact. Nicole starts by breaking down the difference between contact, connection, and roundness, and explains why good contact isn’t created by the hands alone. It comes from a horse that is moving correctly through the body and a rider who is balanced, aligned, and able to follow the motion. From there, she answers a variety of great rider questions from the community. The conversation touches on what to do when a horse lifts the head or stays inverted, how to maintain connection through transitions, how rider position affects the feel in the reins, and exercises that help horses learn to stretch into the contact.  If you’ve ever struggled with finding a steady, elastic feel in the reins or wondered why contact sometimes feels inconsistent, this episode offers helpful perspective and practical ideas to try in your own rides. Thank you for being part of this community and for continuing to learn and grow alongside us! Happy Riding, Amelia

Last night's episode was a special Dressage 101 winter webinar to help you kick off your spring with clarity and motivation. If you have been feeling frustrated by the weather, stuck without a plan, or just a little disconnected from your goals, this is your reset. We talked about why we love dressage in the first place, what dressage actually is, and why it is truly for every horse and every rider. I also share simple ways to keep progressing even when you are not riding consistently, including mindset, visualization, fitness, and groundwork. Most importantly, I walk you through the four pillar system I use with every horse and rider: groundwork, independent seat, clear aids, and then exercises. When you have a system, you stop feeling lost and start feeling confident. I hope this gives you a little spark and reminds you that spring is coming and you are absolutely capable of making progress. Happy Riding, Amelia PS If you are ready for a structured spring kick start, 30 Days to Dressage: Foundations with Amelia begins March 1. It is designed to help you confidently say, “I am a dressage rider,” and actually know what to focus on next.

Tonight’s Top Three Riding Principles Q&A was a fun chat all about the basics that never stop mattering, no matter what level you ride at. We talked through key dressage terms (because words have specific meanings), and how having clear definitions helps you understand your trainer, your test sheets, and your own training plan so much faster. A big theme was personalization: yes, there are frameworks and “systems” that work… but every horse and rider pair needs a slightly different focus. That’s exactly why 30 Days to Dressage starts with an assessment so you know what to prioritize first, and how to build your month in a way that actually fits you. We also dug into a few foundational terms: Dressage (yes, it literally means training) and why it’s so much more than movements in an arena In front of the leg- responsiveness, not speed Independent seat and why it’s the gateway to clearer aids The difference between rhythm vs tempo, and why counting is such a powerful tool Suppleness as both mental + physical relaxation (and how our own tension transfers straight into the horse) We finished with a really helpful mindset piece: when you’re learning something new, a little tension is normal. The goal is to work in moments; try the thing, then soften, breathe, reset, and try again. And bonus: visualization matters more than we think (hello Winter Olympics inspiration) If you’re joining 30 Days to Dressage, I can’t wait for Sunday’s training principles lecture,and Nicole’s “plan your month” session is going to help you feel so organized and clear heading into the month. 💛 Happy Riding, Amelia PS Download my free 10 Dressage Terms PDF here.

Last night we had so much fun with For the Love of the Horse – You CAN Ride Dressage Trivia Night, hosted by Nicole. It was such a lighthearted and energizing way to celebrate Valentine’s weekend together. We tested our knowledge on dressage terms, basics, and key concepts, and it was amazing to see how much everyone already knows… and how much we’re all still learning. What I loved most was the feeling of community. Riders at all different stages coming together, laughing, thinking, learning, and just enjoying the process. That’s what this sport is really about. Loving our horses. Loving the journey. And realizing that yes, you can ride dressage. I hope you play along and see how many you get right 😉 So grateful for this community 💛 Amelia PS, check out my FREE PDF "10 Dressage Terms Every Rider Should Know"!

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): Groundwork Independent seat The aids Exercises Thank you for spending part of your Valentine’s Day with us! Happy riding, Amelia PS. 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, Amelia PS 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 Q&A was a mix of real-life Florida barn chaos updates (frozen pipes, frozen water, and Germán learning how to break ice for horses 😅) and a really useful training discussion on how to shape your rides for progress. Germán kicked things off with a short reading on the theory of the aids, and we talked about how good riding comes down to clarity, consistency, and (most importantly) timing. We covered why your aids shouldn’t be “on” all the time, how to get your horse truly in front of the leg, and why your seat can either allow the movement through… or block everything. Then we answered rider questions on: How to make a plan for your ride (and adjust it when your horse tells you the plan isn’t happening today) What to do when you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start (hint: come back to rhythm and the basics) How to use the whip effectively for a laid-back horse without creating resistance (and my simple whip “re-sensitizing” exercise) I hope this helps you go into your next ride with a clearer plan and a better feel for what to focus on first. Next week we’ve got a little Valentine’s weekend series with extra lives and a “love of the horse” theme planned, stay tuned! Amelia PS. Download my free 10 Dressage Terms PDF here! 

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!

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!

Learn more about the Groundwork Superpack here: https://amelianewcombdressage.com/ultimate-groundwork-superpack/?utm_source=Customer+Support&utm_campaign=GW+2026

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.

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.

Join Strides with Amelia: https://amelianewcombdressage.com/strides/?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Strides+2026 enrollment closes Wednesday Jan 7th @11.59pm PT Watch the Replays: https://amelianewcombdressage.com/bootcamp-replay/?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Strides+2026 replays expire Wednesday Jan 7th @11.59pm PT

Check out Strides with Amelia here, enrollment closes Wednesday Jan 7th @11.59pm PT