#Dressage Training

The Idea of Order: Riding in June…

June 18, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane 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 OrderComments Off

Welcome to the Inferno.

Training in the Right Way: Why We Don’t Pull in Dressage

June 15, 2025Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson, Morgane Schmidt#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #READER SUBMISSION, aids, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, Half haltComments Off

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…)

The Idea of Order: How Reasoning With Your Horse Would Go…

June 11, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane 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 OrderComments Off

A vignette.

The Idea of Order: Only Equestrians — Manure Edition

June 4, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane 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 OrderComments Off

More equestrians really should moonlight as gastroenterologists…

Training in the Right Way: What Is an Aid?

June 2, 2025Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, aids, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, Half haltComments Off

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…)

The Idea of Order: Diet Time…

May 28, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane 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 OrderComments Off

Who’s terrible idea was this anyway?

The Idea of Order: Clinic Day Conversations With Your Horse…

May 21, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane 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 OrderComments Off

Because nobody enjoys being the weekend’s entertainment.

Training in the Right Way: The Rider’s Responsibility vs The Blame Game

May 19, 2025Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, Half haltComments Off

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…)

The Idea of Order: Equine Sensitivity…

May 14, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #Horse order form, #THE IDEA OF ORDER, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levelsComments Off

Legit or a clever ruse?

Training in the Right Way: Ask the Trainer – My Horse Isn’t Forward

May 8, 2025Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, Half haltComments Off

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…)

The Idea of Order: Your Planner vs Your Horse’s

May 7, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #Horse order form, #THE IDEA OF ORDER, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levelsComments Off

Because some of us have to work around here to support this three-ring circus.

The Idea of Order: The Epitome of Equine Rudeness…

April 30, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane 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, rudenessComments Off

Because there are actually levels…

The Idea of Order: Requests My Horse Ignores…

April 23, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #Horse order form, #THE IDEA OF ORDER, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levelsComments Off

Because really what I have to say is more of a suggestion anyway.

Training in the Right Way: FEI Horses Don’t Grow on Trees…

April 21, 2025Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, Half haltComments Off

Just one of the dilemmas when you have FEI aspirations. (more…)

The Idea of Order: Tack Addiction

April 16, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #Horse order form, #THE IDEA OF ORDER, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levelsComments Off

I really have to stop filling up those internet ‘fantasy’ shopping carts while I compare prices…

Unpopular Opinion Time: Dressage Needs Another Half Halt

April 11, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, Half haltComments Off

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.

The Idea of Order: Equestrian House Shopping

April 9, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #Horse order form, #THE IDEA OF ORDER, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levelsComments Off

… because it takes a special someone to recognize the beauty of ‘Living Quarters Chic.’

Training in the Right Way: Unraveling the Half Halt

April 7, 2025Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson, Morgane Schmidt#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, Half haltComments Off

“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…)

The Idea of Order: Lies We Tell Ourselves, Part 3

April 2, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #Horse order form, #THE IDEA OF ORDER, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levelsComments Off

Because equestrians are generally an optimistic lot.

The Idea of Order: Spring is in the Air…

March 26, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #Horse order form, #THE IDEA OF ORDER, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levelsComments Off

Or at least the resulting hair is…

Training in the Right Way: Positive vs Negative Riding

March 24, 2025Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4KidsComments Off

Those words ALSO do not mean what you think they mean… at least not in the context of effective training.
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The Idea of Order: Horse Order Form…

March 19, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #Horse order form, #THE IDEA OF ORDER, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levelsComments Off

If only it were this easy.

The Idea of Order: Discussing Training on the Interwebz…

March 12, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#Dressage Show, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #THE IDEA OF ORDERComments Off

Wasn’t a super swell idea during the early days, still is fairly horrible.

Training in the Right Way: Repetition and Correction…

March 11, 2025Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4KidsComments Off

Those words do not mean what you think they mean… at least not in the context of effective training. Here’s why. (more…)

The Idea of Order: Evening Riding

March 5, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #Nope, #THE IDEA OF ORDER, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levelsComments Off

Because what better way to get your cardio in than by trying to catch your steed for a ride during dinner time?