June 18, 2025 Morgane Schmidt Morgane Schmidt , the idea of order #DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS , #Dressage Showing , #Dressage Training , #Forward Thinking Dressage , #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage , classical dressage , competition dressage , diet time , dressage levels , Dressage4Kids , Half halt , reasoning , The Idea of Order Comments Off on The Idea of Order: Riding in June…
Welcome to the Inferno.
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June 15, 2025 Gwyneth McPherson Gwyneth McPherson , Morgane Schmidt #DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS , #Dressage Showing , #Dressage Training , #Forward Thinking Dressage , #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage , #READER SUBMISSION , aids , classical dressage , competition dressage , dressage levels , Dressage4Kids , Half halt Comments Off on Training in the Right Way: Why We Don’t Pull in Dressage
This week I’m tackling another reader submitted question, this one focusing on why we pulling on the reins is such an egregious sin in dressage. Spoiler Alert: It kind of is. (more…)
June 11, 2025 Morgane Schmidt Morgane Schmidt , the idea of order #DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS , #Dressage Showing , #Dressage Training , #Forward Thinking Dressage , #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage , classical dressage , competition dressage , diet time , dressage levels , Dressage4Kids , Half halt , reasoning , The Idea of Order Comments Off on The Idea of Order: How Reasoning With Your Horse Would Go…
June 4, 2025 Morgane Schmidt Morgane Schmidt , the idea of order #DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS , #Dressage Showing , #Dressage Training , #Forward Thinking Dressage , #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage , classical dressage , competition dressage , diet time , dressage levels , Dressage4Kids , Half halt , The Idea of Order Comments Off on The Idea of Order: Only Equestrians — Manure Edition
More equestrians really should moonlight as gastroenterologists…
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June 2, 2025 Gwyneth McPherson Gwyneth McPherson #DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS , #Dressage Showing , #Dressage Training , #Forward Thinking Dressage , #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage , aids , classical dressage , competition dressage , dressage levels , Dressage4Kids , Half halt Comments Off on Training in the Right Way: What Is an Aid?
Aids are meant to tell the horse what to do. They are not meant to MAKE the horse do it. Let’s discuss why this seemingly subtle difference is key to effective training. (more…)
May 28, 2025 Morgane Schmidt Morgane Schmidt , the idea of order #DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS , #Dressage Showing , #Dressage Training , #Forward Thinking Dressage , #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage , classical dressage , competition dressage , diet time , dressage levels , Dressage4Kids , Half halt , The Idea of Order Comments Off on The Idea of Order: Diet Time…
Who’s terrible idea was this anyway?
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May 21, 2025 Morgane Schmidt Morgane Schmidt , the idea of order #DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS , #Dressage Showing , #Dressage Training , #Forward Thinking Dressage , #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage , classical dressage , competition dressage , dressage levels , Dressage4Kids , Half halt , The Idea of Order Comments Off on The Idea of Order: Clinic Day Conversations With Your Horse…
Because nobody enjoys being the weekend’s entertainment.
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May 19, 2025 Gwyneth McPherson Gwyneth McPherson #DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS , #Dressage Showing , #Dressage Training , #Forward Thinking Dressage , #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage , classical dressage , competition dressage , dressage levels , Dressage4Kids , Half halt Comments Off on Training in the Right Way: The Rider’s Responsibility vs The Blame Game
Instead of taking or giving all the blame, riders should understand that the results of their aids, good or bad, are always the rider’s responsibility (but not necessarily their “fault”). This focus on responsibility is key. Let’s discuss why. (more…)
Legit or a clever ruse?
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May 8, 2025 Gwyneth McPherson Gwyneth McPherson #DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS , #Dressage Showing , #Dressage Training , #Forward Thinking Dressage , #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage , classical dressage , competition dressage , dressage levels , Dressage4Kids , Half halt Comments Off on Training in the Right Way: Ask the Trainer – My Horse Isn’t Forward
This week I thought I’d try something a little different and tackle some reader/rider submitted training questions. This first one focuses on the ‘lazy’ (but not really) horse. (more…)
Because some of us have to *work* around here to support this three-ring circus.
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April 30, 2025 Morgane Schmidt Morgane Schmidt , the idea of order #Dressage Showing , #Dressage Training , #Forward Thinking Dressage , #Horse order form , #THE IDEA OF ORDER , classical dressage , competition dressage , dressage levels , rudeness Comments Off on The Idea of Order: The Epitome of Equine Rudeness…
Because there are actually levels…
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Because really what I have to say is more of a *suggestion* anyway.
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April 21, 2025 Gwyneth McPherson Gwyneth McPherson #DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS , #Dressage Showing , #Dressage Training , #Forward Thinking Dressage , #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage , classical dressage , competition dressage , dressage levels , Dressage4Kids , Half halt Comments Off on Training in the Right Way: FEI Horses Don’t Grow on Trees…
Just one of the dilemmas when you have FEI aspirations. (more…)
I really have to stop filling up those internet ‘fantasy’ shopping carts while I compare prices…
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April 11, 2025 Morgane Schmidt Morgane Schmidt #DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS , #Dressage Showing , #Dressage Training , #Forward Thinking Dressage , #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage , classical dressage , competition dressage , dressage levels , Dressage4Kids , Half halt Comments Off on Unpopular Opinion Time: Dressage Needs Another Half Halt
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.
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… because it takes a special someone to recognize the beauty of ‘Living Quarters Chic.’
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April 7, 2025 Gwyneth McPherson Gwyneth McPherson , Morgane Schmidt #DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS , #Dressage Showing , #Dressage Training , #Forward Thinking Dressage , #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage , classical dressage , competition dressage , dressage levels , Dressage4Kids , Half halt Comments Off on Training in the Right Way: Unraveling the Half Halt
“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. (more…)
April 2, 2025 Morgane Schmidt Morgane Schmidt , the idea of order #Dressage Showing , #Dressage Training , #Forward Thinking Dressage , #Horse order form , #THE IDEA OF ORDER , classical dressage , competition dressage , dressage levels Comments Off on The Idea of Order: Lies We Tell Ourselves, Part 3
Because equestrians are generally an optimistic lot.
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Or at least the resulting hair is…
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Those words ALSO do not mean what you think they mean… at least not in the context of effective training.
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If only it were this easy.
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Wasn’t a super swell idea during the early days, still is fairly horrible.
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Those words do not mean what you think they mean… at least not in the context of effective training. Here’s why. (more…)
Because what better way to get your cardio in than by trying to catch your steed for a ride during dinner time?
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