The Amateur's Advantage

This week on The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura Ashley sits down with Coach CeeJae, founder of Operation ECHO Horsemanship Program, to talk about what it really means to be a riding coach, mentor, and horse person. From building a horsemanship program that has served more than a thousand young women and their families to working with riders of all ages and abilities, CeeJae shares why teaching goes far beyond simply helping someone get better in the saddle. Together, they explore the importance of adapting to different learning styles, thinking outside the box, and meeting the horse and rider you have in front of you rather than trying to force everyone into the same mold. They also dive into the powerful life lessons that horses can teach us about communication, responsibility, emotional regulation, problem-solving, empathy, and showing up even when you're not having your best day. Whether you're an instructor, a lifelong horse girl, or someone who has ever found comfort in the barn, this conversation is a reminder that what we learn from horses can reach far beyond the arena.


What You'll Learn:
* Why being a good riding instructor is about much more than simply knowing how to ride * How adapting to different learning styles can help riders finally have those “light bulb” moments * Why problem-solving with different horses and limited resources can make you a better horse person and educator
* How horsemanship can teach confidence, communication, responsibility, and social skills that carry into everyday life
* Why the relationship between horse and rider can become a powerful source of connection and support
* The importance of learning to recognize your emotional capacity and knowing when it's better to step away from the saddle
* Why showing up for your horse matters, even when what you can give that day looks different
* How coaches and mentors can leave riders with lessons that stay with them long after the ride is over
* Why investing in the fundamentals and understanding the “why” behind an exercise matters at every level of riding
* The legacy we create through the way we teach people to interact with horses


Resources + Mentions:
Operation Echo Horsemanship Program

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This week on The Amateur's Advantage, Laura Ashley sits down with Krista Kehoe — life coach for equestrians and 40-year dressage rider — to explore the powerful and often overlooked role that mindset plays in every ride. Together, they unpack why riders can invest in all the lessons, clinics, and training in the world, yet still find themselves stuck in the same patterns — and how shifting the way you think can unlock results that no amount of extra ride time alone can produce. From scarcity mindsets and self-judgment in the warm-up ring to learning how to emotionally regulate before you even put your foot in the stirrup, this conversation bridges the gap between what's happening in the saddle and everything happening in life outside of it. Whether you're battling imposter syndrome at a show, wrestling with perfectionism, or simply want to get more out of every training session, Krista's practical tools and frameworks will help you ride with more clarity, confidence, and intention. If you've ever felt like your brain is getting in the way of your riding — this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn:

Why your thoughts — not your circumstances — are creating your results in and out of the saddle

How the pressure and stress you carry into the barn directly affects your horse's behavior

The simple five-step "Model" framework for identifying the mindset patterns quietly running your rides

What "emotional adulthood" really means and why suppressing your feelings isn't the same as managing them

How strategic pessimism (WPOs — Worst Possible Outcomes) can actually build your confidence and resilience

The difference between a fixed mindset and an open one — and how it might be standing between you and your next goal

Why knowing your purpose for each ride changes everything about how you show up

Resources + Mentions:

Krista’s Clear Goals Worksheet: https://bit.ly/RideWithClearGoals

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In this episode of The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura sits down with equestrian physical therapist Tag Wilbur to break down the biomechanics behind great riding. Together, they explore how alignment, core stability, breath mechanics, and balanced strength directly influence your effectiveness and harmony in the saddle. Tag shares the most common rider imbalances he sees, how these patterns affect your horse, and simple at-home tools to help you move better — both in your body and in your riding. Whether you’re dealing with pain, asymmetry, or just want a more stable and educated seat, this conversation will help you build the body your horse wants to carry.

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This week on The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura sits down with longtime student and friend Donna Hammond for a deep dive into The Visual Rider and the brand-new Laura Ashley Dressage online membership. Donna shares her perspective as an amateur rider, educator, and lower-level instructor on why Laura’s analogies work, how they help riders feel concepts they’ve struggled with for years, and how the new membership brings those tools to life through videos, masterclasses, and community. Together, they explore the power of multi-modal learning, how foundational skills carry through all levels of dressage, and why great riding starts with curiosity, exploration, and understanding your own body. Whether you’re new to dressage or working toward medals, this conversation will leave you inspired — and ready to learn in a whole new way.

Be a part of the Laura Ashley Dressage Membership!
bit.ly/LADMembership

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In this episode of The Amateur’s Advantage, Laura breaks down exactly how she prepares herself, her horses, and her riders for a successful dressage show, long before stepping into the competition arena. She shares how to map out your training schedule, manage your horse’s energy, optimize your mental game, and handle mistakes with strategy rather than panic. From schooling smart to planning your warm-up, Laura walks through the mindset and preparation that help riders peak on show day and ride with confidence, clarity, and intention.

Join the Barn Family:
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Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351291468943842/
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Want to submit a question or story? DM us on Instagram @LauraAshleyDressage
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