We chat with FEI trainer Jordan LaPlaca about the importance of mental health, balance, and physical strength for riders, and how prioritizing the human side of the partnership can improve performance, confidence, and longevity in the sport. The conversation highlights how rider wellness directly affects the horse and why caring for the rider should be viewed as essential, not optional.

GUESTS AND LINKS DRESSAGE EPISODE 785:

1. Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | Facebook
2. Guest: Jordan LaPlaca | Facebook
3. Guest: Mackenzie Peer | Facebook | Instagram
4. Book Club: How to Ride the Horse You thought you Bought by Anne Buchanan
5. Dressage Radio Show: Website | Facebook
6. Please visit our sponsors, who make all this possible: Kentucky Performance Products, USRider Equestrian Motor Plan
7. Advertise on Horse Radio Network Podcasts!

The episode begins with highlights from the USDF Book Club panel, where Reese and Megan sat with author, Beth Baumert of When Two Minds Meet: The Mental Dynamics of Dressage. Together, they explore the powerful role of mindset, communication, and partnership in dressage — and what it truly means when horse and rider come together as one. Megan and Reese catch up with USDF President Kevin Reinig, who shares insights from the convention and offers a look ahead at what’s coming for USDF in 2026 and beyond, including key initiatives and future direction for the organization. To wrap up the episode, Reese and Megan sit down with Dr. Jane Manfredi for an important conversation inspired by her talk about endocrine disease and the equine athlete at the USDF Convention. Dr. Manfredi breaks down how hormonal health impacts performance, longevity, and overall well-being, offering valuable insights for riders, trainers, and owners alike. This episode brings together education, leadership, and horse health — all from the heart of the USDF Convention.

Tune in and enjoy the ride with us!

GUESTS AND LINKS DRESSAGE EPISODE 784:

1. Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | Facebook
2. Guest: USDF President Kevin Reinig | Facebook
3. Guest: Dr. Jane Manfredi
4. Book Club: Begin and Begin Again by Denny Emerson
5. Bonus Book: How Two Minds Meet: The Mental Dynamics of Dressage - Beth Baumert
6. Dressage Radio Show: Website | Facebook
7. Please visit our sponsors, who make all this possible: Kentucky Performance Products, Chewy!
8. Advertise on Horse Radio Network Podcasts!

This month is a little different for a couple of reasons – first, we do not have Ask the L question for the first time in a long time! Please, loyal listeners, send us your burning questions about showing, your tests, a specific movement or anything else that Aviva can answer in that segment!

We introduce our new segment, Hometown Heroes – we are interested in hearing form our listeners about people in their world that have been a positive influence In their dressage journey. Even if they are not typical dressage people, send us your favorite hometown hero. We will select some of our favorites across 2026 and interview them!

Aviva tells us all about her 5 day whirlwind tour of Israel, from the riders and horses to the amazing landscapes and the food – oh my goodness, the food! You can practically taste it through the recording!

Stephany recaps her time at USDF Convention, including some potential rule changes that might affect you (we will know more after January!). We talk about the purpose and importance of Convention, reasons to go, and why it may be changing in the future.

All in all, it is great to catch up with the ladies, and we encourage you to have a listen!

As always, LIKE, share and subscribe to our podcast! We love hearing from our listeners, so here is how to get in touch...

Dressage Today S6 E13 Show Notes:

Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky (horsepenhillfarm@aol.com) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman (stephanyfish@gmail.com) | Plus, look them both up on Facebook!

Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Link: TDF Auction

Link: Video Subscription Site

Today's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+