DRESSAGE IS ALL ABOUT CONNECTIONS

Dressage is a complex, exhilarating, and challenging sport.  More of a journey than a destination, success is attained by a combination of correct training & instruction, personal dedication to achievement, & a team of practitioners that can help keep your horse happy & healthy in his work.

Building a top performing dressage horse involves much more then 20 meter circles and 30 minute lessons. It involves an approach that treats the horse as a connected system of mind and muscle. At Dressage Connections, we focus on three distinct areas to bring out the best in your horse:

1) The trainer/instructor:  As your trainer & instructor, I am committed to investing significant personal resources in my own education.  I participate in monthly clinics & lessons with top US & International riders and have traveled to Germany to train at the German Riding School in Warendorf.  I am one of 16 Core Instructors in the Balimo (Eckart Meyners) Training Program for Riders.  Based on established educational and teaching theories, the EMITP also adds a dynamic focus on the physiology & movement of the rider.  Integrated through a mind/body approach, the EMITP gives instructors the skills required to create independent & feeling students, resulting in success for everyone involved.  In addition, my dedication to realistic & consistent goal setting supported by a step-by-step training plan for you and your horse will help you stay focused and accelerate your progress.  I take great pride in bringing all of my education to work for my students and my goal is to provide and environment based on quality, not quantity.

2) The student:  As your trainer & instructor, I can provide you with an incredible amount of resources that will aid you in your educational process.  My tool box is filled with exercises to help overcome everything from trouble in the sitting trot to performance anxiety.  I can recommend a course of action for the student that will take advantage of all the educational resources I can offer and you will achieve an accelerated rate of learning and have a more satisfying experience.

3) The horse:  In addition to correct training for your horse, I can offer students a team of top equine practitioners that can help maximize your horse’s physical & mental health to create a happy & willing partner.  My aim is to provide a superior care and training facility that’s relaxing yet stimulating for both you and your horse.

A “PIT CREW” APPROACH TO HELP YOU SUCCEED

Being proactive in heading off problems is the single best way to keep your horse happy and healthy and your costs down. What starts out as a small problem can quickly snowball into a major setback. To keep this from happening, we have a team of top equine practitioners that can help you put together a program of routine and proactive maintenance to address the special needs of your horse. You will also be encouraged to pay special attention to your own physical fitness. Using Allison’s Eckart Meyners training, we can help you address any range-of-motion issues that may be limiting your effectiveness as a  rider. We will also suggest a few books that we have found especially helpful.

Allison combines classical dressage training with an innovative style of teaching that will help you address any issues that may be limiting your effectiveness as a rider.

As your trainer, I want to bring every possible resource to bear to help you reach your competition goals. I am a trainer and instructor that is committed to continuing education and regular competition.  A USDF Silver Medalist and successful FEI competitor, Allison has worked with some of the most respected international trainers in dressage today, including Michelle Gibson & George Williams.

A FUN, FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE FOR THE ADULT AMATEUR

Although my focus is on the adult amateur dressage competitor and the serious junior/young rider, I believe that every rider can benefit from good dressage training and the Eckart Meyners philosophy. Many event riders have improved their scores after just a few lessons! Whatever your level and whatever your discipline, I’m confident that I can improve your performance and your confidence in just a short time.

As serious as everyone at Dressage Connections is about dressage, we are just as serious about having fun. Whether at the barn or away at shows, everyone at Dressage Connections is friendly, supportive and down to earth.

We’d love to have you and your horse join us in time for our next show!!