Even though still in his 20s, German dressage star Sönke Rothenberger has already had massive success in the competition arena. Following numerous successes in Pony and Young Rider Championships, the German has continued on in the Seniors with Team gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2018 World Championships as well as the 2017 and 2019 European Championships. He also received individual silver in the Special and Freestyle at the Europeans in 2017. I caught up with him at Aachen where he rode his new star Fendi in the 5*Grand Prix. Having recently beaten Dalera at the German Championships, all eyes were on the duo and although the test didn’t go quite to plan, we talked about learning from situations and changing conditions for the horse while keeping things in perspective and viewing the whole journey. Competition pressure, Cosmo’s amazing freestyle and how Cosmo and Fendi compare. The benefits of training your horse to Grand Prix rather than buying the finished product; buying foals, daily training, the honesty of family, Young Riders versus Seniors and perhaps the most important point, keeping your horse’s personality alive. Sönke has THE BEST analogies…he’s a joy to listen to. Don’t ride a pug at Aachen!

Sönke Rothenberger: The Important Things

Carl Hester

I catch up with dressage legend Carl Hester at Aachen CHIO. We get the lowdown on the Aachen stars Imhotep and Times Kismet and getting young horses to Grand Prix. Carl chats about his new partner Fame and En Vogue and hot horses in general;  embracing science in the sport, the role of “Team GB”,  getting those one percenters and the challenge of making the team with Charlotte and Lottie around.We reflect on the World Championships in Herning and what was Carl’s slip up?

Carl Hester: More Top Horses, Team GB...and life

Isabell Werth

Will Matthew is the overnight success that’s not an overnight success. Originating from Western Australia he now rides for and trains with Isabel Werth. I caught up with Will fresh from his Louisdor Qualifier win in Hagen beating his trainer Isabell. Riding in the top sport in Europe, Will is definitely the master of making unrealistic dreams come true, putting in the hard yards and making his own luck. We talk about riding smart and with compromise, learning from different systems and we deep dive into training with Isabell, the journey with Belantis and his current two Grand Prix horses.

Will Matthew:  Isabell Werth's Australian rider

Australian dressage rider Lyndal Oatley is based in Europe and married to Swedish team member Patrik Kittel. She has competed in two Olympics, London 2012 and Rio 2016 and has her eye on Paris 2024. She has also represented her home country at the 2014 WEG in Normandy and the 2016 World Cup Final in Gothenburg. I caught up with Lyndal just after her win at Hagen Horses and Dreams just a few weeks ago. We talk about her three Grand Prix horses, the Australian team spirit, how Europe is different and how it has challenged her. We touch on competing and not being afraid to push for more.The ups and downs of the journey and riding strategically, watching Isabell, dressage in Australia, Sandro Boy’s half pass….and why are mares are so good?

Lyndal Oatley: Dressage Olympian; the journey

Gareth Hughes

Team GB dressage rider Gareth Hughes has won over 60 national and international titles including team silver in 2014 and 2022 WEG and 2021 European Dressage Championships and was the team reserve for Tokyo Olympics.We talk about his current superstar Classic Briolinca and the success at Herning. Why did it all work out so well and how do you turn a team of champions into a champion team? We all know how enthusiastic the crowd was and Gareth gives us his perspective from the arena.What makes Lottie Fry and Charlotte so good? The importance of technique and what that actually means. Picking the right trainers. Training with Carl, the “Carl Legacy” and what is good riding? Coping with championships when you first get on a team.The combinations that have changed the sport in the modern era, how the sport has evolved and the importance of sport today.Coping when Olympic dreams are shattered. Being the fourth rider in the new Olympic format.How his motivations have changed and what the future holds.…..and vaulting!www.hughesdressage.com

Team GB dressage rider Gareth Hughes has won over 60 national and international titles including team silver in 2014 and 2022 WEG and 2021 European Dressage Championships and was the team reserve for Tokyo Olympics. We talk about his current superstar Classic Briolinca and the success at Herning. Why did it all work out so well and how do you turn a team of champions into a champion team? We all know how enthusiastic the crowd was and Gareth gives us his perspective from the arena. What makes Lottie Fry and Charlotte so good? The importance of technique and what that actually means. Picking the right trainers. Training with Carl, the “Carl Legacy” and what is good riding? Coping with championships when you first get on a team. The combinations that have changed the sport in the modern era, how the sport has evolved and the importance of sport today. Coping when Olympic dreams are shattered. Being the fourth rider in the new Olympic format. How his motivations have changed and what the future holds.…..and vaulting! <a href="http://www.hughesdressage.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.hughesdressage.com</a>

Gareth Hughes: Technique, Horsemanship and riding the Grand Prix

Charlotte Jorst

Today’s interview is with the generous, genuine, insightful and pragmatic Charlotte Jorst. Although on the surface Charlotte’s life might look utopian, she has had her fair share of obstacles but she’s the sort of person who just picks herself up, dusts herself off and gets on with life. Self made, her success in business, as well as the dressage arena is quite impressive. Having founded the watch company Skakgen, it was sold in 2012 for a reported USD237M to Fossil. It was then that Charlotte’s dressage career went full-steam-ahead as she purchased some very capable horses from Europe. She also started her next business project, Kastel Denmark, the beautiful and unique sun protection clothing line born out of Charlotte’s own experience with skin cancer. With her current Grand Prix horse, Nintendo, Charlotte competed at her first Nations Cup in Rotterdam in 2015 where the US Team won Bronze. In 2016 the pair competed in the World Cup Dressage Final in Sweden, and then went on to win the US National Grand Prix Championships in 2018. In 2019, they helped the US Team win Gold at the FEI Dressage Nations Cup in Wellington. I caught up with Charlotte at Aachen where once again she was a member of the US Dressage Team.In this interview we talk about starting a business and starting in the sport of dressage; purchasing super stallion Vitalis; goal setting; the negative that turned into the positive that is Kastel. The importance of grit and hard work and the difficulty on dealing solely on talent. We touch on managing the older equine athlete; the future of her star Nintendo; cloning horses and why you’d do it; rider fitness; handling nerves; coaches; groom; coping with difficult situations and managing your rides for success.

Today’s interview is with the generous, genuine, insightful and pragmatic Charlotte Jorst. Although on the surface Charlotte’s life might look utopian, she has had her fair share of obstacles but she’s the sort of person who just picks herself up, dusts herself off and gets on with life. Self made, her success in business, as well as the dressage arena is quite impressive. Having founded the watch company Skakgen, it was sold in 2012 for a reported USD237M to Fossil. It was then that Charlotte’s dressage career went full-steam-ahead as she purchased some very capable horses from Europe. She also started her next business project, Kastel Denmark, the beautiful and unique sun protection clothing line born out of Charlotte’s own experience with skin cancer. With her current Grand Prix horse, Nintendo, Charlotte competed at her first Nations Cup in Rotterdam in 2015 where the US Team won Bronze. In 2016 the pair competed in the World Cup Dressage Final in Sweden, and then went on to win the US National Grand Prix Championships in 2018. In 2019, they helped the US Team win Gold at the FEI Dressage Nations Cup in Wellington. I caught up with Charlotte at Aachen where once again she was a member of the US Dressage Team. In this interview we talk about starting a business and starting in the sport of dressage; purchasing super stallion Vitalis; goal setting; the negative that turned into the positive that is Kastel. The importance of grit and hard work and the difficulty on dealing solely on talent. We touch on managing the older equine athlete; the future of her star Nintendo; cloning horses and why you’d do it; rider fitness; handling nerves; coaches; groom; coping with difficult situations and managing your rides for success.

Charlotte Jorst: Success in Dressage and Business

I caught up with Cathrine during her sensational Aachen campaign just before the World Championships at Herning. She’s always so much fun to talk to. We discuss how she manages her horses and how she builds trust with them, their character and Cassidy’s “new job”. Why it’s important to always keep learning and evolving, remaining curious to new ideas, staying motivated, being able to chill at competitions and peaking in the sport. Evolving ideas and keeping curious. She talks a lot about her mental coach Rasmus Bagger and you can hear an amazing interview with him in an earlier podcast we did. He’s a total ball of energy!

Cathrine Laudrup- Dufour: Playing With Horses and Being A Nerd!

Christopher Bartle

Christopher needs no introduction. He’s arguably the best equestrian coach in the world. After a twenty-year gold rush with Germany, Christopher Bartle is well on the way of repeating the same success with his home country eventing riders, Team GB. Having won Gold at the last World Equestrian Games, this year Chris and his squad also took out Team Gold at the Tokyo Olympics, and then few months later achieved the same result at the European Championships in Switzerland, as well as all individual Medals.In this interview we start with a wrap up of Tokyo and what’s next for Team GB. Chris discusses looking outside of the box, motivating athletes and some of the one percenters in the equestrian sport. We look how he takes the rider on the journey of success, how failure is used as a motivator and what makes a champion. Chris explains how he creates mental self carriage in horses and riders….and what does eventing and Formula 1 have in common?

Christopher needs no introduction. He’s arguably the best equestrian coach in the world. After a twenty-year gold rush with Germany, Christopher Bartle is well on the way of repeating the same success with his home country eventing riders, Team GB. Having won Gold at the last World Equestrian Games, this year Chris and his squad also took out Team Gold at the Tokyo Olympics, and then few months later achieved the same result at the European Championships in Switzerland, as well as all individual Medals. In this interview we start with a wrap up of Tokyo and what’s next for Team GB. Chris discusses looking outside of the box, motivating athletes and some of the one percenters in the equestrian sport. We look how he takes the rider on the journey of success, how failure is used as a motivator and what makes a champion. Chris explains how he creates mental self carriage in horses and riders….and what does eventing and Formula 1 have in common?

Christopher Bartle: Equestrian Coaching Legend

Rasmus Bagger

Picture this…..you’re one of the world’s top dressage rider. Tokyo is just around the corner. You are at a Nations Cup representing your team and your horse just says no. This is where Danish dressage star Cathrine Dufour found herself at Compiègne, just two months out from the Olympics when her horse Bohemian, who had been consistently scoring over 80%, decided the arena wasn’t for him and refused to enter for the Special, resulting in elimination for both her and her Danish team. That must shake the strongest of nerves. So what did Cathrine do? Went home, did some soul searching and called on her long time mental coach Rasmus Bagger who guided Cathrine back to the top of her game resulting in an individual fourth place finish at the Tokyo Games and then just a few weeks later, a team bronze an individual bronze and silver at the European Championships. Wow! I had to talk to Rasmus! He’s such an enthusiastic and generous person. His passion is totally infectious. In this chat Rasmus talks about building confidence, knowing how much of the game is mental and taking from other sports. Dancing with horses and the beauty of changing your mental interpretation of a situation. Seeking out gurus, his “Five-Three-One” Rule and why your mental state is more important than 10,000 hours. Balancing heart and head and Rasmus digs deep into focus, emotions and body language and how important it is with horses and in the ring: choosing it, showing it, feeling it, giving it. How your horse interprets you and our responsibility to our horse as well as making horses greater. And in regards goals, what’s realistic anyway?

Picture this…..you’re one of the world’s top dressage rider. Tokyo is just around the corner. You are at a Nations Cup representing your team and your horse just says no. This is where Danish dressage star Cathrine Dufour found herself at Compiègne, just two months out from the Olympics when her horse Bohemian, who had been consistently scoring over 80%, decided the arena wasn’t for him and refused to enter for the Special, resulting in elimination for both her and her Danish team. That must shake the strongest of nerves. So what did Cathrine do? Went home, did some soul searching and called on her long time mental coach Rasmus Bagger who guided Cathrine back to the top of her game resulting in an individual fourth place finish at the Tokyo Games and then just a few weeks later, a team bronze an individual bronze and silver at the European Championships. Wow! I had to talk to Rasmus! He’s such an enthusiastic and generous person. His passion is totally infectious. In this chat Rasmus talks about building confidence, knowing how much of the game is mental and taking from other sports. Dancing with horses and the beauty of changing your mental interpretation of a situation. Seeking out gurus, his “Five-Three-One” Rule and why your mental state is more important than 10,000 hours. Balancing heart and head and Rasmus digs deep into focus, emotions and body language and how important it is with horses and in the ring: choosing it, showing it, feeling it, giving it. How your horse interprets you and our responsibility to our horse as well as making horses greater. And in regards goals, what’s realistic anyway?

Rasmus Bagger mental coach to the stars: Don't Be Realistic, Be Relentless!

Andrew Hoy

Eight time Olympian Andrew Hoy and I had a fabulous catch up over Zoom (how good’s technology?!) just before he heads off to Tokyo. Here’s your chance to get to know one of those rarified individuals who is just uber successful; one of the elite. We learn about the influence of Andrew’s parents when he was young, the importance of having great people around you. Making mistakes. The important parts of the learning process. The undeniable importance of passion. Learning from losing and learning to focus. Making things work and being solution based. We find out how Andrew is living his last week before training camp. We debrief Luhmuhlen and talk about the phenomenon that is Vassily de Lassos and his brilliant owners and what Andrew looks for in a horse. And his take away? Controlling what you can control and not worrying about the rest.

Andrew Hoy: Eight Time Olympian. Passion!

Rebecca Ashton here. As an equestrian journalist, I get to interview people who are top of their game and have so many ideas and information to pass on. This often transcribes into quite long interviews, sometimes a few thousand words.While the interviews I do will still be transcribed and offered to you in written format (with great photos of course!), this is for those of you who want something interesting to listen to while you’re getting the dinner ready or driving in your car or mucking out the stables so you don’t miss out.

The content can be interesting and they talk to top riders, but the production quality is terrible (wind, loudspeakers, music, dogs, kids, etc in the background). Episodes are infrequent so don’t count on this for a regular listen. Podcasting is mainstream and this one sounds like some high school kids thought they might start podcasting this weekend. And they seem to keep doing with with little to no improvement.

Has potential

Rebecca Ashton here. As an equestrian journalist, I get to interview people who are top of their game and have so many ideas and information to pass on. This often transcribes into quite long interviews, sometimes a few thousand words. While the interviews I do will still be transcribed and offered to you in written format (with great photos of course!), this is for those of you who want something interesting to listen to while you’re getting the dinner ready or driving in your car or mucking out the stables so you don’t miss out.

The Horse Podcast

In this episode I interview the very funny US dressage star Laura Graves. Laura burst onto the international dressage scene in 2014 at WEG in Normandy where she finished 5th in the Freestyle with her gelding Verdades,who's she's had since he was a baby. Two years later at the Rio Olympics they were part of the bronze medal winning US Team as well as just missing the podium to finish 4th individually. More recently she won silver in the Special at the WEG in Tryon as well as team silver. In this interview, Laura talks about the difficulties of being at the top. Judges expectations and when you know your horse has given all he’s got. She describes “Diddy" the “person” and her approach with the gelding’s special personality, when situations don’t always go to plan and being smart about your training. Laura gets her fitness work by chasing dogs, and she talks about Andy the US team’s “voodoo” wielding  physio. You’ll hear what I mean!She describes a normal day at home, why coach Debbie McDonald is so good and what it’s like being part of the US team; how she copes with social media….and all that time waiting around at the big shows plus learning from other riders. She also shares her thoughts on the sit trot.And the take way for me? The small things are the big things.

In this episode I interview the very funny US dressage star Laura Graves. Laura burst onto the international dressage scene in 2014 at WEG in Normandy where she finished 5th in the Freestyle with her gelding Verdades,who's she's had since he was a baby. Two years later at the Rio Olympics they were part of the bronze medal winning US Team as well as just missing the podium to finish 4th individually. More recently she won silver in the Special at the WEG in Tryon as well as team silver. In this interview, Laura talks about the difficulties of being at the top. Judges expectations and when you know your horse has given all he’s got. She describes “Diddy" the “person” and her approach with the gelding’s special personality, when situations don’t always go to plan and being smart about your training. Laura gets her fitness work by chasing dogs, and she talks about Andy the US team’s “voodoo” wielding physio. You’ll hear what I mean! She describes a normal day at home, why coach Debbie McDonald is so good and what it’s like being part of the US team; how she copes with social media….and all that time waiting around at the big shows plus learning from other riders. She also shares her thoughts on the sit trot. And the take way for me? The small things are the big things.

Laura Graves: Learning From Horses

Cathrine Dufour

This podcast we have Danish dressage star Cathrine Dufour. I caught up with Cathrine at the Europeans in Rotterdam where she and her “pony” as she likes to call him, Cassidy won bronze in the Special with an amazing comeback from injury for the 16 year old gelding who has been Cathrine’s partner since Junior rider days and has partnered her through to Olympics and senior championships. The pair most recently won the Saab Top 10 beating the likes of Isabell Werth on Weihegold….not a bad way to finish the year! Cathrine also has another star ready to break through, Bohemian. She showcased the nine year old gelding in the 5* at Aachen this year where she finished top five in all three tests.In this interview, Cathrine talks about managing her older horse. What it comes down to on the day of competition and why it’s so important to know each other so well. She discusses her competition prep; the importance of corners, rider fitness and being an athlete and the importance of having a tough trainer. We talk about what it’s like working with Andreas Helgstrand and how that arrangement came about. Also,  how the dressage scores are getting higher and higher and why there seems to be so many PBs at Championships. She tells us what it’s like working with Princess Nathalie and Kyra Kyrklund and Kyra’s creative solutions and training without force. And who will she take to Tokyo?

This podcast we have Danish dressage star Cathrine Dufour. I caught up with Cathrine at the Europeans in Rotterdam where she and her “pony” as she likes to call him, Cassidy won bronze in the Special with an amazing comeback from injury for the 16 year old gelding who has been Cathrine’s partner since Junior rider days and has partnered her through to Olympics and senior championships. The pair most recently won the Saab Top 10 beating the likes of Isabell Werth on Weihegold….not a bad way to finish the year! Cathrine also has another star ready to break through, Bohemian. She showcased the nine year old gelding in the 5* at Aachen this year where she finished top five in all three tests. In this interview, Cathrine talks about managing her older horse. What it comes down to on the day of competition and why it’s so important to know each other so well. She discusses her competition prep; the importance of corners, rider fitness and being an athlete and the importance of having a tough trainer. We talk about what it’s like working with Andreas Helgstrand and how that arrangement came about. Also, how the dressage scores are getting higher and higher and why there seems to be so many PBs at Championships. She tells us what it’s like working with Princess Nathalie and Kyra Kyrklund and Kyra’s creative solutions and training without force. And who will she take to Tokyo?

Cathrine Dufour: Dressage Young Gun

Albert Voorn

Albert Voorn…one of the Netherlands most successful…and most controversial show jumpers and coaches. He won the individual silver at the Sydney Olympics and has competed in many Nations Cups. He continues to pass on his knowledge and is quick to speak his mind but in doing so, gives very thoughtful answers. He’s a gentleman and is quick to stand up for what he believes and is always on the side of the horse. You may not agree with everything he says, but he will definitely make you think. We discuss horse welfare, expand on his video that went viral about angry, young, riders, the problem with the 2* circuit in Europe, why it’s better to respect your horse than to love it as well as when to stand up for things and when to step back.A link to the interview can be found here: http://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2018/03/albert-voorn-showjumping-good-bad-ugly/

Albert Voorn…one of the Netherlands most successful…and most controversial show jumpers and coaches. He won the individual silver at the Sydney Olympics and has competed in many Nations Cups. He continues to pass on his knowledge and is quick to speak his mind but in doing so, gives very thoughtful answers. He’s a gentleman and is quick to stand up for what he believes and is always on the side of the horse. You may not agree with everything he says, but he will definitely make you think. We discuss horse welfare, expand on his video that went viral about angry, young, riders, the problem with the 2* circuit in Europe, why it’s better to respect your horse than to love it as well as when to stand up for things and when to step back. A link to the interview can be found here: <a href="http://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2018/03/albert-voorn-showjumping-good-bad-ugly/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2018/03/albert-voorn-showjumping-good-bad-ugly/</a>

Albert Voorn: Showjumping....good, bad and ugly

Jessica Von Bredow Werndl

Horses have been part of Jessica’s life from the very beginning, riding in her first big championships, the Bundeschampionate at age 12. By 16 she rode in her first Europeans and has never looked back. Jessica’s won six gold at Junior and YR Europeans as well as been three times German Junior/YR Champion. As a senior, she’s been on the podium at the World Cup Finals, Aachen CHIO, the Europeans and World Equestrian Games both as a German team member and individually. Her most successful senior partners have been the stallion, Unee BB as well as the two mares, Zaire and Dalera BB.Having trained with Isabell Werth in the past, the German now works with her brother Benjamin, also a successful rider, as well as Jonny Hilberath, and Andreas Hausberger from The Spanish Riding School.I interviewed Jessica at the Europeans in Rotterdam where she had a rollercoaster of a show with Dalera. From an uncharacteristic miscommunication in the Grand Prix, which brought tears of shock to the rider, she stormed back for a glorious Special, and a Personal Best freestyle, which saw her with a team gold and individual bronze, beaten only by her team mates, also with PBs.She might be softly spoken, but Jessica has a real competitiveness and passion for bringing out the very best in her highly intelligent, if a bit crazy, four legged proteges.We talk about keeping it natural for the horses and learning to surrender as well as working with each unique personality. Training without force, giving horses a reason to work and the importance of routine. Jessica is really into rider fitness as well so we talk about what she does and her new “Dressurfit” course which she has developed with brother Benjamin…which is coming soon in English! So, yay! We then talk about the advantages and disadvantages of being on the German Team, relaxing at shows and we discuss her new goals.

Horses have been part of Jessica’s life from the very beginning, riding in her first big championships, the Bundeschampionate at age 12. By 16 she rode in her first Europeans and has never looked back. Jessica’s won six gold at Junior and YR Europeans as well as been three times German Junior/YR Champion. As a senior, she’s been on the podium at the World Cup Finals, Aachen CHIO, the Europeans and World Equestrian Games both as a German team member and individually. Her most successful senior partners have been the stallion, Unee BB as well as the two mares, Zaire and Dalera BB. Having trained with Isabell Werth in the past, the German now works with her brother Benjamin, also a successful rider, as well as Jonny Hilberath, and Andreas Hausberger from The Spanish Riding School. I interviewed Jessica at the Europeans in Rotterdam where she had a rollercoaster of a show with Dalera. From an uncharacteristic miscommunication in the Grand Prix, which brought tears of shock to the rider, she stormed back for a glorious Special, and a Personal Best freestyle, which saw her with a team gold and individual bronze, beaten only by her team mates, also with PBs. She might be softly spoken, but Jessica has a real competitiveness and passion for bringing out the very best in her highly intelligent, if a bit crazy, four legged proteges. We talk about keeping it natural for the horses and learning to surrender as well as working with each unique personality. Training without force, giving horses a reason to work and the importance of routine. Jessica is really into rider fitness as well so we talk about what she does and her new “Dressurfit” course which she has developed with brother Benjamin…which is coming soon in English! So, yay! We then talk about the advantages and disadvantages of being on the German Team, relaxing at shows and we discuss her new goals.

Jessica Von Bredow Werndl: Her four legged children and perfecting the Grand Prix

I love talking to Laura Graves. She’s articulate and thoughtful which makes for super answers and a great conversation and we’re lucky to have another chat with her. Just to recap, Laura, burst onto the international dressage scene in 2014 at WEG in Normandy where she finished 5th in the Freestyle with her gelding Verdades. Two years later at the Rio Olympics they were part of the bronze medal winning US Team as well as just missing the podium to finish 4th individually. More recently she won silver in the Special at the WEG in Tryon as well as team silver.Laura was out in Australia earlier this year to give a brilliant Masterclass at Brisbane CDI. This interview touches a little bit on the themes she raised, so I’d really recommend that you read the Masterclass notes, the link to which are below. In this interview, Laura talks about US Dressage and what that actually means, the high scores we’ve been seeing recently in the dressage arena, the importance of experience, competitiveness, what exactly is rider fitness, the elusive half halt, the importance of having high expectations, how she likes to obtain her horses…….and fomo! Link to Masterclass notes: http://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2019/08/laura-graves-a-masterclass/

I love talking to Laura Graves. She’s articulate and thoughtful which makes for super answers and a great conversation and we’re lucky to have another chat with her. Just to recap, Laura, burst onto the international dressage scene in 2014 at WEG in Normandy where she finished 5th in the Freestyle with her gelding Verdades. Two years later at the Rio Olympics they were part of the bronze medal winning US Team as well as just missing the podium to finish 4th individually. More recently she won silver in the Special at the WEG in Tryon as well as team silver. Laura was out in Australia earlier this year to give a brilliant Masterclass at Brisbane CDI. This interview touches a little bit on the themes she raised, so I’d really recommend that you read the Masterclass notes, the link to which are below. In this interview, Laura talks about US Dressage and what that actually means, the high scores we’ve been seeing recently in the dressage arena, the importance of experience, competitiveness, what exactly is rider fitness, the elusive half halt, the importance of having high expectations, how she likes to obtain her horses…….and fomo! Link to Masterclass notes: <a href="http://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2019/08/laura-graves-a-masterclass/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2019/08/laura-graves-a-masterclass/</a>

Laura Graves on Being the Best You Can Be

Vanessa Way

Honest, passionate and generous. These are words that apply to both Vanessa Way and her trainer, friend and mentor Carl Hester. Vanessa’s enthusiasm is infectious. She’s driven and focused…and was kind enough to give me an interview a few months ago at the Sydney CDI. Vanessa is a star of the NZ dressage world having come back from a very nasty rotational fall back in her eventing days. Since then she’s really focused on her dressage and has undertaken many stints with Carl in the UK. She talks about training programmes, the key to handling sharp, young horses, the importance of The Training Scale and getting horses’ backs up and lifted. She still believes the bridle is quite misunderstood and as riders we must work harder for lightness of contact.And people…FIX YOUR HANDS…and give yourself time!!!So…what’s it like to ride Nip Tuck and Valegro and what’s it really like to train with Carl and Charlotte?!Link to transcribed interview: http://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2018/05/what-is-it-like-to-ride-valegro-an-interview-with-vanessa-way/

Honest, passionate and generous. These are words that apply to both Vanessa Way and her trainer, friend and mentor Carl Hester. Vanessa’s enthusiasm is infectious. She’s driven and focused…and was kind enough to give me an interview a few months ago at the Sydney CDI. Vanessa is a star of the NZ dressage world having come back from a very nasty rotational fall back in her eventing days. Since then she’s really focused on her dressage and has undertaken many stints with Carl in the UK. She talks about training programmes, the key to handling sharp, young horses, the importance of The Training Scale and getting horses’ backs up and lifted. She still believes the bridle is quite misunderstood and as riders we must work harder for lightness of contact. And people…FIX YOUR HANDS…and give yourself time!!! So…what’s it like to ride Nip Tuck and Valegro and what’s it really like to train with Carl and Charlotte?! Link to transcribed interview: <a href="http://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2018/05/what-is-it-like-to-ride-valegro-an-interview-with-vanessa-way/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2018/05/what-is-it-like-to-ride-valegro-an-interview-with-vanessa-way/</a>

Carl Hester's friend and protege: Vanessa Way

Isabell is simply the queen of dressage. She’s been to the Olympics five times and has won 10 medals in the process as well as six world championship titles. Her success began early, back in the 80s on the big chestnut Gigolo owned by Dr Uwe Shulten-Baumer whom she trained with for 16 years before going it alone. Unfortunately I didn’t conduct this interview! Journalist extraordinaire and The Horse Magazine’s editor Chris Hector caught up with the champion at Aachen and talks to her about the ups and downs of the top sport and coming back from the dips. She shares her real love…..trying to find “the key” for each horse; she never gives up on them. She tells what she looks for in her horses and what struck her with more interesting individuals such as Don Johnson. Isabell talks about her time with Dr Schulten-Baumer and who she’s has turned to for help since she’s been on her own. And finally….. the topic of  how to improve judging in the modern sport and the education of judges. And her big takeaway? NEVER GIVE UP!Link to Bates website: https://www.batessaddles.com/au/Link to transcribed interview: http://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2017/08/isabell-werth-on-the-ups-the-downs-and-what-lies-ahead/

Isabell is simply the queen of dressage. She’s been to the Olympics five times and has won 10 medals in the process as well as six world championship titles. Her success began early, back in the 80s on the big chestnut Gigolo owned by Dr Uwe Shulten-Baumer whom she trained with for 16 years before going it alone. Unfortunately I didn’t conduct this interview! Journalist extraordinaire and The Horse Magazine’s editor Chris Hector caught up with the champion at Aachen and talks to her about the ups and downs of the top sport and coming back from the dips. She shares her real love…..trying to find “the key” for each horse; she never gives up on them. She tells what she looks for in her horses and what struck her with more interesting individuals such as Don Johnson. Isabell talks about her time with Dr Schulten-Baumer and who she’s has turned to for help since she’s been on her own. And finally….. the topic of how to improve judging in the modern sport and the education of judges. And her big takeaway? NEVER GIVE UP! Link to Bates website: <a href="https://www.batessaddles.com/au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.batessaddles.com/au/</a> Link to transcribed interview: <a href="http://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2017/08/isabell-werth-on-the-ups-the-downs-and-what-lies-ahead/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2017/08/isabell-werth-on-the-ups-the-downs-and-what-lies-ahead/</a>

Isabell Werth: Finding the key for each horse

Helen Langenhanenberg

German dressage rider Helen Langenhanenberg is as delightful to talk to as she is to watch ride. After Grand Prix successes with Responsible, she took over the ride of Damon Hill from her then trainer Ingrid Klimke. The chestnut stallion and Helen went on to win team silver and finished fourth individually at the London Olympics in 2012, win the World Cup Final in 2013 and then individual silver and team gold at WEG in Normandy in 2014. Her partner in the top sport today is the 17 year old stallion Damsey. With numerous successes under their belt, their third place test at this year’s World Cup Final, will perhaps be talked about for many years to come. That final centreline!We talk about that test and what the future holds for Damsey before discussing riding while pregnant and riding while recovering from chid birth. You might be surprised how quickly Helen was back on a horse! Helen discusses what makes a podium rider and what her non-negotiables are with her horses. We get into her training philosophies and how someone so petite rides those big horses without force, her super up and coming stars and how she copes when horses get sold. She’s really good fun…there’s a lot of laughing.

German dressage rider Helen Langenhanenberg is as delightful to talk to as she is to watch ride. After Grand Prix successes with Responsible, she took over the ride of Damon Hill from her then trainer Ingrid Klimke. The chestnut stallion and Helen went on to win team silver and finished fourth individually at the London Olympics in 2012, win the World Cup Final in 2013 and then individual silver and team gold at WEG in Normandy in 2014. Her partner in the top sport today is the 17 year old stallion Damsey. With numerous successes under their belt, their third place test at this year’s World Cup Final, will perhaps be talked about for many years to come. That final centreline! We talk about that test and what the future holds for Damsey before discussing riding while pregnant and riding while recovering from chid birth. You might be surprised how quickly Helen was back on a horse! Helen discusses what makes a podium rider and what her non-negotiables are with her horses. We get into her training philosophies and how someone so petite rides those big horses without force, her super up and coming stars and how she copes when horses get sold. She’s really good fun…there’s a lot of laughing.

Helen Langenhanenberg: Explaining to the Horse

Judy Reynolds

Judy Reynolds is a German based, Irish Olympic dressage rider. She’s really been a quiet achiever, creeping up the world rankings and winning top level shows. Success was put on hold a few years ago when her star gelding Vancouver K sustained an injury, but they’re back better than ever. At the Europeans last year, the pair scored personal bests and helped Ireland qualify the first dressage team ever for an Olympic Games.In this interview, Judy talks about how the Irish won their Olympic spot, her superstar Vancouver, what he’s like at 17 years of age and how he came back from injury. Daily management of the horses as well as the daily training. How she got into dressage in the first place and her rude awakening in Germany. Teaching riders…including a few pretty well known jumpers and how she enjoys the crazy horses.Judy goes into detail on how she transforms the “problem” horses that come to her and her aim that anyone can ride her horses once she’s trained them and the importance of really knowing the horses. What’s it like warming up with Isabell, she tells us her show routine and her plan towards Tokyo. Judy explains how “normal” people can make it in the sport but why it’s important to be on the continent.  And how did Vancouver get his nickname, JP?

Judy Reynolds is a German based, Irish Olympic dressage rider. She’s really been a quiet achiever, creeping up the world rankings and winning top level shows. Success was put on hold a few years ago when her star gelding Vancouver K sustained an injury, but they’re back better than ever. At the Europeans last year, the pair scored personal bests and helped Ireland qualify the first dressage team ever for an Olympic Games. In this interview, Judy talks about how the Irish won their Olympic spot, her superstar Vancouver, what he’s like at 17 years of age and how he came back from injury. Daily management of the horses as well as the daily training. How she got into dressage in the first place and her rude awakening in Germany. Teaching riders…including a few pretty well known jumpers and how she enjoys the crazy horses. Judy goes into detail on how she transforms the “problem” horses that come to her and her aim that anyone can ride her horses once she’s trained them and the importance of really knowing the horses. What’s it like warming up with Isabell, she tells us her show routine and her plan towards Tokyo. Judy explains how “normal” people can make it in the sport but why it’s important to be on the continent. And how did Vancouver get his nickname, JP?

Judy Reynolds: Irish dressage superstar

Bettina Hoy

Today’s interview is with German eventing legend Bettina Hoy! Bettina has competed at three Olympics and four WEGS and is still very active as a 3 and 4 star rider today. In 2017 she became the national coach of the Dutch eventing team. Like myself, Bettina is passionate about rider fitness and it’s that subject we delve into in this interview; what sort of fitness is best and some different exercises that you can put into use right now. We digress a couple of times to talk about Bettina’s future in straight dressage and also how you take on the king of eventing coaching Christopher Bartle as a rival coach..though I can assure you it is a very friendly rivalry.Last year Bettina filmed some exercise videos for "WeHorse" and they are online waiting for you to enjoy right now (see link below).  So, put your trainers on and listen up!https://www.wehorse.com/de/search?keywords=Bettina+Hoy

Today’s interview is with German eventing legend Bettina Hoy! Bettina has competed at three Olympics and four WEGS and is still very active as a 3 and 4 star rider today. In 2017 she became the national coach of the Dutch eventing team. Like myself, Bettina is passionate about rider fitness and it’s that subject we delve into in this interview; what sort of fitness is best and some different exercises that you can put into use right now. We digress a couple of times to talk about Bettina’s future in straight dressage and also how you take on the king of eventing coaching Christopher Bartle as a rival coach..though I can assure you it is a very friendly rivalry. Last year Bettina filmed some exercise videos for "WeHorse" and they are online waiting for you to enjoy right now (see link below). So, put your trainers on and listen up! <a href="https://www.wehorse.com/de/search?keywords=Bettina+Hoy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wehorse.com/de/search?keywords=Bettina+Hoy</a>

Bettina Hoy on Fitness

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