Dressage with Amelia

• Introducing Lateral Work Q&A

  This week’s live was a solo session, Germán was off at a hockey game, so it was just me chatting about introducing lateral work and sharing a few exciting updates from the barn and beyond.HighlightsClinic reflections: I taught a clinic in Bakersfield last week at a therapeutic riding center, such a great reminder of how incredible horses are as teachers and partners.The new Mick series: Our Behind the Scenes with Mick YouTube series launched last weekend! It’s a real look at the ups, downs, and daily work behind bringing a horse up the levels.30 Days to Round: Final videos are due this weekend! We’ll announce the $10,000 prize winners next Thursday!Strides focus: This month’s theme is soft, steady hands. Remember Isabelle Werth’s advice — “ride with weak hands.” Less hand, more leg and seat.World Cup 2026: We’re planning a live, in-person event in Fort Worth with panels and rider training sessions. Stay tuned for RSVP info.Introducing Lateral WorkWe broke down the aids step by stepfor leg yield, shoulder in, and haunches in. Remember to always start with a forward, round horse! Add leg yields at the walk if needed to build suppleness and connection. No mirrors? Try head-to-the-wall leg yields for easy feedback.Quick tipsStrengthen obliques and glutes (side planks help!) to avoid collapsing at the waist.If something falls apart, go back to rhythm, balance, and forward, always think about these basics!Happy Riding,AmeliaPS. Download my Free Ground Manner PDF right here!

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• Troubleshooting Flying Changes Q&A

  This week’s Q&A focused on one of the trickiest moments in dressage training - late or inconsistent flying changes - and how to fix them. We also shared insights from our recent interview with Olympian Sabine Schut-Kery, talked about the importance of solid basics, and gave a sneak peek into the new YouTube series featuring Amelia’s new horse, Mik.What we coveredFixing late changes: Straightness and haunches-in before the change help the hind legs come through on time. Keep the canter short, quick, and active, creates air time for a clean change.Why prevention matters: If a horse learns to do late changes, it’s much harder to undo. Start with correct mechanics early on: solid walk–canter and counter-canter work are key prerequisites.Prerequisites checklist: The horse must stay straight, through, and active; walk–canter–walk transitions should be precise and responsive.Rider feel and timing: It’s hard to feel if a change is late behind without someone on the ground. Work with eyes on you whenever possible to confirm timing and build awareness.Lessons from Sabine Schut-KeryConsistency builds confidence: Follow a clear system every day - make small corrections before big problems appear.Basics never go away: Even at Olympic level, Sabine spends time on trot–walk–trot transitions, leg yields, and straightness work. The brilliance in Grand Prix tests comes from endless attention to detail in the basics.When horses get tense: Don’t punish; redirect. Use tools like leg yields or shoulder-in to channel energy instead of fighting it.Community and next stepsIt’s been inspiring to see everyone’s progress in 30 Days to Round and inside Strides. Keep sharing your wins and questions, we’re all working on the same basics, just at different stages!Happy Riding,AmeliaPS. get $100 off when you enroll in Flying Changes Made Simple this week only, offer ends this Sunday 12th Oct.

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• Preparing for Flying Changes Q&A

  Flying changes can feel like one of the biggest hurdles in dressage. This week’s Q&A was all about breaking them down into clear steps, building the right foundation, and staying positive as you and your horse learn together. We also shared some awesome updates from 30 Days to Round.What we coveredWhy preparation matters most: Flying changes don’t start with the change itself. Counter canter, suppleness, and the ability to adjust bend are key prerequisites.Common struggles: From horses who change late behind or anticipate the change, we discussed how to clarify aids and stay consistent.Breaking down the system: Every trainer has their own exercises, but the principles stay the same: balance, engagement, clarity, and timing.Real-life examples: Updates from my work with Mik, and insights from other top trainers.Rider mindset: Staying mentally fresh when the process feels long, and remembering to return to the training scale (rhythm, suppleness, connection, impulsion, straightness, collection) whenever you’re stuck.Happy Riding,AmeliaPS. Flying changes aren’t magic, they’re a system. With the right preparation, every horse can learn them. RSVP for my Flying Changes Webinar this Sunday.

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• Five Training Pillars for Progress Q&A

  This week’s live Q&A centered on the core training principles that keep you and your horse progressing, even when things get tricky. We also chatted about the new YouTube series launching next month (behind-the-scenes and real-life training!) and shared updates from 30 Days to Round.What we coveredTiming and proactivity: Don’t wait until your horse grabs the bit or throws the head—ride proactively with bend, flexion, and release before the problem starts.Breaking it down: Complex movements like half pass can’t be “fixed” inside the half pass. Instead, go back to the components: forward, bend, sideways, alignment—then put it all back together.Consistency: Just like school for kids, horses develop mental focus and physical strength over years. Little-by-little work creates lifelong progress.Rider position and clarity: Your seat and shoulders should match the horse’s body in lateral work. Inside seat bone down, shoulders parallel to shoulders, hips with hips. Stay soft, not stiff.Reward and positivity: Never miss an opportunity to praise. Clear, consistent, positive training helps your horse stay motivated and willing.Key takeawaysWork on inside rein to inside hind to improve control and suppleness.Circles and lateral exercises are your go-to when a horse gets heavy, resistant, or pops the head up.Don’t measure engagement as “always there.” Even Grand Prix horses warm up in a normal trot before reaching true collection. Engagement comes in moments, not minutes.For younger horses, think “kindergarten attention span.” Keep it short, consistent, and gradually increase both mental focus and physical load.Happy Riding,AmeliaPS. Don't forget to RSVP for my FREE Flying Changes Webinar on Oct 5th!

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• Controlling the Shoulders Q&A

  This week we are zeroing in on controlling the shoulders - how your rein placement, leg aids, and bend keep the forehand on track - plus quick coaching on rehab riding, stiff-sided horses, and whether (or not) to show. 30 Days to Round is underway, and the first live call covered what “forward” really means (spoiler: not just faster).HighlightsHands: Left hand stays left, right stays right—no crossing. Ride leg to hand with an elastic feel.Legs = rails: Inside leg creates bend; outside leg + outside rein control the outside shoulder so it doesn’t leak out.Rehab on straight lines: Ride shoulder-fore left, then right along the same long side; add only big circles if allowed.Stiff on one side: Start with 5 minutes of groundwork (turns on the forehand), then ride and change direction often (hard → easy → hard).“I get it, then lose it”: Return to the sequence: Groundwork → Forward → Bend → Round. Small correct moments build topline strength.30 Days to Round RecapOur first live lecture was all about Forward and the recording is now available. Next up is Aids for Roundness on Monday 22nd! I cannot wait for this lecture!Happy Riding,AmeliaPS. There's still time to join 30 Days to Round and catch all of the incredible lectures and content! Check it out here!

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