In this week’s Q and A we focused on creating real suppleness and throughness in your horse. We also talked about gratitude month and shared a few updates from around the barn.

What we covered:

• Turn on the forehand

This simple exercise is one of the best ways to unlock the inside hind leg and soften the ribs. You can start from the ground or under saddle. It improves control, helps refocus a distracted horse, and prepares the body for leg yields and shoulder in.

• Suppleness from groundwork and circle work

For horses that struggle to bend, begin with bending on the ground, then add spirals and circles. Long backed horses especially benefit from this combination.

• Rider position matters

Only a balanced rider can give correct aids. When you are centered and soft, your horse can move with more relaxation and swing.

Takeaways from the Cark Hester masterclass

We also shared some of our favourite insights from Carl Hester's master class that I attended last weekend. He had powerful thoughts on balance, stretching, straightness, and how he uses simple exercises to create real change.

Coming up

To celebrate Thanksgiving, we have Grateful Week coming up with daily live sessions, a Black Friday webinar on the independent seat, and a special Thanksgiving announcement that I cannot wait to share with you.

Thank you for joining us and for the work you put into improving yourself and your horse. Suppleness comes from patient, thoughtful communication and steady practice.

Happy riding

Amelia

PS. Check out the Inside Leg to Outside Rein Workshop here.

This week’s Thursday Live was all about building confidence, on the ground and in the saddle.

Germán and I dove into one of the most important (and challenging!) parts of riding: staying calm, clear, and confident, even when things go wrong. From groundwork foundations to recovering after a fall, we shared stories, tips, and personal lessons that every rider can relate to.

We also talked about:

• The importance of groundwork and how it helps your horse relax and trust you
• Why your horse’s frame of body reflects their frame of mind (thank you, Chris Irwin!)
• Our Groundwork Essentials course, and why it’s such a game-changer for connection and confidence
• Our upcoming trip to the Carl Hester Masterclass (stay tuned for next week’s takeaways!)
• A behind-the-scenes story about how groundwork actually brought us together
• Clinic reflections with Albrecht and some breakthroughs with both our horses

We also answered your live Q&A questions, including:

• How to keep your horse active without constant nagging
• What to do after your horse (or you) has had a scary fall
• How to rebuild trust and confidence through small, consistent wins
• Understanding whether your horse is “hot” or “laid back”, and how to adapt your approach

One of our favorite reminders from this chat:

“You want to be the thermostat, not the thermometer.”

Confidence doesn’t come from pretending you’re not afraid, it comes from time, miles, and layering positive experiences until both you and your horse start to trust again.

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS. Groundwork Essentials is $100 off this week. You’ll get step-by-step videos, problem-solving lessons, and video feedback sessions to help you build calm, confidence, and connection from the ground up.

This week’s live session was one of our favorites of the year, celebrating the incredible riders, horses, and transformations from the 30 Days to Round Challenge! 🎉

We announced the winners, shared your stories, and reflected on how much progress can happen in just 30 days when you focus on connection, consistency, and kindness. From nervous rides to lightbulb breakthroughs, every participant reminded us what “Dressage for All” truly means.

It started as a crazy idea, could riders really make meaningful progress online in just a month? Turns out, yes. With step-by-step guidance, the results have been amazing year after year.

Congratulations to our Trotter Trophy and Canter Cup winners, plus all the honorable mentions who showed beautiful community spirit and dedication throughout the challenge. You will have to watch to find out who they are!

We talked about how riding’s highs and lows are universal, and how the Strides and 30 Days to Round community makes it easier to stay positive and keep learning. Riders supported each other with kindness and encouragement.

Whether your win this month was a rounder horse, a softer feel, or just showing up for every ride, we’re proud of you. This community proves that Dressage for All isn’t just a motto, it’s something we live every day.

Congratulations to every rider and every horse, you make this journey so special and I couldn't be more proud of you!

Happy riding,

Amelia

PS. Don't forget to RSVP for the free Groundwork Webinar, Sunday November 2nd at 12noon PT.