Dressage with Amelia

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