#NonTraditionalBreedinDressage

The Idea of Order: The Word of the Day is ‘Mercurial’…

March 18, 2026Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, mercurial, The Idea of OrderComments Off

Like feral, but with slightly more sass. (more…)

The Idea of Order: Horses at Home

March 11, 2026Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, no gym required, The Idea of OrderComments Off

Because part of Livin’ the Dream involves never knowing what it means to sleep past 7:00 am… (more…)

Training in the Right Way: It’s all About the Process

March 9, 2026Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, aids, cesar parra, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, Good side vs Bad side, Half haltComments Off

While having goals is important, more important is remembering that reaching them is entirely dependent on your process. It does you no good to get wrapped up in the end goal first without recognizing the path needed. (more…)

The Idea of Order: Grey Horse Show Prep

March 4, 2026Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, The Idea of OrderComments Off

God help you if you have a 7:30 am ride time… (more…)

The Idea of Order: Deciphering Your Dressage Tests

February 25, 2026Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#communication, #DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Equestrian Horror Movies, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, #THANKSGIVING, classical dressage, competition dressage, do it for the plot, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, habits are hard, spice rack, The Idea of OrderComments Off

Because writing comments at breakneck speed doesn’t often result in excellent penmanship… (more…)

Training in the Right Way: Dressage Reading List

February 23, 2026Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, aids, cesar parra, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, dressage reading list, Dressage4Kids, Half halt, lower leg, Strength ridingComments Off

Often, students ask me for a reading list and I am always overwhelmed with trying to choose my favorites. In this article, I am going to try to finally do that.
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The Idea of Order: Communication

February 18, 2026Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#communication, #DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Equestrian Horror Movies, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, #THANKSGIVING, classical dressage, competition dressage, do it for the plot, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, habits are hard, spice rack, The Idea of OrderComments Off

Sometimes it’s harder than you’d think… (more…)

The Idea of Order: Decorative Fly Masks

February 11, 2026Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Equestrian Horror Movies, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, #THANKSGIVING, classical dressage, competition dressage, do it for the plot, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, habits are hard, spice rack, The Idea of OrderComments Off

You wouldn’t think there would be that much room for questionable decision making and yet… (more…)

Training in the Right Way: Dressage Terminology Refresher

February 8, 2026Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, aids, cesar parra, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, Half halt, lower leg, Strength riding, test ridingComments Off

This week’s article revisits an earlier discussion on dressage terminology and why it’s important to understand within your training framework. (more…)

The Idea of Order: Self-control Is Hard…

February 4, 2026Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Equestrian Horror Movies, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, #THANKSGIVING, classical dressage, competition dressage, do it for the plot, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, habits are hard, spice rack, The Idea of OrderComments Off

… much like good choices and the ground. (more…)

The Idea of Order: Winter Spice…

January 28, 2026Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Equestrian Horror Movies, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, #THANKSGIVING, classical dressage, competition dressage, do it for the plot, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, spice rack, The Idea of OrderComments Off

Less useful for baking, more appropriate as a substitute for Jet A fuel. (more…)

Training in the Right Way: Test Riding Before a Competition

January 26, 2026Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, aids, cesar parra, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, Half halt, lower leg, Strength riding, test riding, training is repetitionComments Off

Yes, show season is upon us. And, also yes, you should indeed be practicing your test in its entirety BEFORE you compete. Here’s why. (more…)

The Idea of Order: What’s YOUR Horse’s Favorite Chew Toy?

January 21, 2026Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Equestrian Horror Movies, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, #THANKSGIVING, classical dressage, competition dressage, do it for the plot, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, The Idea of OrderComments Off

Anything expensive is an appropriate answer…. (more…)

The Idea of Order: Who’s Sound Sensitive?

January 14, 2026Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Equestrian Horror Movies, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, #THANKSGIVING, classical dressage, competition dressage, do it for the plot, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, magic hat, The Idea of OrderComments Off

Obviously it’s my horse…. (more…)

Training in the Right Way: Set Yourself Up for Success Wintering in Florida

January 12, 2026Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, aids, cesar parra, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, Half halt, lower leg, Strength riding, training is repetitionComments Off

It’s the time of year when riders participate in a mass exodus from the northern states in favor of riding somewhere that DOESN’T make their faces hurt (or their horses attempt to yeet them). Here are some of the things you need to think about if you intend to move horses south for training and competing this winter. (more…)

The Idea of Order: The Wrath of Winter

January 7, 2026Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Equestrian Horror Movies, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, #THANKSGIVING, classical dressage, competition dressage, do it for the plot, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, The Idea of OrderComments Off

Nothing escapes unscathed. (more…)

The Idea of Order: New Years Resolutions, Mare Edition

December 31, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Equestrian Horror Movies, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NEW YEAR'S, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, #THANKSGIVING, classical dressage, competition dressage, do it for the plot, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, The Idea of OrderComments Off

We could all learn a little from a mare… (more…)

Training in the Right Way: Habits and Sports Psychology

December 28, 2025Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, aids, cesar parra, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, Half halt, lower leg, Strength riding, training is repetitionComments Off

Because your internal environment is as important to your growth as a rider as your development of your exterior athletic abilities.
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The Idea of Order: This Christmas, Do It for the Plot…

December 24, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Equestrian Horror Movies, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, #THANKSGIVING, classical dressage, competition dressage, do it for the plot, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, The Idea of OrderComments Off

And also, treat yourself… (more…)

The Idea of Order: Seasonal Joy…

December 17, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Equestrian Horror Movies, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, #THANKSGIVING, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, The Idea of OrderComments Off

Because who doesn’t like snacks? (more…)

Training in the Right Way: Dressage Training Nuggets

December 16, 2025Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, aids, cesar parra, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, Half halt, lower leg, Strength riding, training is repetitionComments Off

Dressage is supposed to be a systematic approach to creating partnership and understanding between two species. Horses have very little choice in how and whether they get to participate in our activities. We owe it to them to be kind, circumspect, and educated in our training. (more…)

The Idea of Order: Your Horse’s Letter to Santa

December 10, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Equestrian Horror Movies, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, #THANKSGIVING, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, fat or fluffy, santa letter, The Idea of OrderComments Off

Because he’s obviously been VERY good this year…duh (more…)

The Idea of Order: No One Needs an Elf on the Shelf Anyway…

December 3, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Equestrian Horror Movies, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, #THANKSGIVING, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, fat or fluffy, The Idea of OrderComments Off

Seriously? Why is this a thing? (more…)

Training in the Right Way: Don’t Perpetuate Your Training Problems by Repeating Your Training Problems…

November 30, 2025Gwyneth McPhersonGwyneth McPherson#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, aids, cesar parra, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, Half halt, lower leg, Strength riding, training is repetitionComments Off

…or, in other words, sometimes you have to stop participating in the problem to eliminate the problem. (more…)

The Idea of Order: Things I’m Thankful For…

November 26, 2025Morgane SchmidtMorgane Schmidt, the idea of order#DRESSAGE #OLYMPICS, #Dressage Showing, #Dressage Training, #Equestrian Horror Movies, #Forward Thinking Dressage, #NonTraditionalBreedinDressage, #summer, #THANKSGIVING, classical dressage, competition dressage, dressage levels, Dressage4Kids, fat or fluffy, The Idea of OrderComments Off

Besides every ride that my mare doesn’t yeet me… (more…)