Philosophy

Hi everyone!

For me dressage training begins with a holistic approach to horse care and handling. Firstly, establishing the overall wellness of the horse in regards to their mental, emotional and physical well being. This starts from the ground, evaluating their ability to process information calmly and to respond to our aiding without confusion or fear.  It is important that all three components are evaluated, so we know as the handler if our horse is simply confused or in pain. Honestly, dressage is simply for most horses a form of physical therapy, creating a more balanced and symmetric athlete and most importantly a trusted partner.  

Teachers

Karl Milkolka (during college)

Karl had a vast repertoire of exercises.  Brilliant in his application, he would not compromise proper training for force.

James "Shea" Walsh (1991-93)

I credit Shea with improving the elasticity/following in my arms and therefore, this was my first taste of true seat riding.

Peggy Flemming DVM (1993-present)

Peggy owns and operates the Florida Equine Acupuncture Center, in Dade, Florida.  I have worked with Peggy for over 15 years.  She has been Valhalla's unsung hero behind the scene.  I found that when a horse would plateau and/or become stuck, I could run them down to her clinic and she would help them to realign their energy, and soon they would be moving ahead once again in their training.  Iris and I were lucky to attend her lectures on Acupuncture in 2007.  I have come to deeply value eastern Medicine, and truly know I would not be where I am without it!

Reiner Seemann (1994-1999 part time in Germany)

Reiner works the horses from a back first basis, he is an advocate of deep riding.  I learned during this time that the horse could learn to further carry the rider more comfortably over his back.  This helped me re-school several horses that had been ridden without the back for long enough to develop physical issues, and therefore emotional problems.  General synopsis of this methodology; all horses should be capable of stretching through the entire topline.  Without this element, full elasticity is never fully achieved.  However, this ability should be developed over time, and not ever forced!

Martin Schaudt (1998, 6 months in Germany)

Martin is very disciplined in his approach.  He is out on his mountain in Germany in all weather, and it does get cold!  Martin is quite skilled in his preparation for the show ring.

Linda Tellington-Jones (1999, TTouch certification)

T-Touch is a wonderful methodology that is of the utmost kindness to the horse.  This left the ever mindful impression, foremost we must know where WE are at every second emotionally.  This has left a constant tracking system in place to this day.  If I am not emotionally fit, then better to go do something else that day!

Walter Zettl (2000-present)

Walter is one of the kindest trainers I have ever known.  He always trains from a "horse first" basis.  His love of horses is infectious, and he taught me how to ride with a very lovely light quality, while still getting the most out of every horse.  His term "open the door," was a crucial element in understanding how often we get in the horse's way.  This gave me a much truer feel for self-carriage.  I believe Walter is one of the "true masters" of our modern day.  The lightness he brought to my riding has proven to be the biggest "light bulb" for me...

Herwig Radnetter (2000-present)

Herwig has been riding with the Spanish Riding school in Vienna for over 30 years.  He teaches from a very thorough base, always relying on "the Pyramid" as the basis with every horse.  So relaxation and rhythm always come first!  Which simply allows all the other teaching within the lesson to flow... Herwig is very positive in his teaching style.  I learned that it is relaxing to say "good," even when a moment is not perfect, and then try for better the next time.  Just this simple attitude prevents the rider and horse from tensing when it may not be perfect, enabling the rider to perhaps do it perfectly the next try.

Betsy Steiner (2004, spring show season, USDF sumposium 1994, 2005, 2007)

Betsy has been my role model for correct and truly beautiful, beautiful position since I was a teenage.  Betsy was my coach for the USET qualifiers with "Limbo King."  This was definitely a confidence building experience, Limbo and I never placed lower than fourth in these competitions.  And we earned scores in the 70s from several Judges!