Melanie Phillips Dressage

09/02/2025

So pleased for my students who have had great results at the Regionals and the Area Festivals this month.

Well done to Alina who was placed in the PSG regional with Fantasma and with Chester at Regional elementary and medium area festivals. Also to 11 year old Ella, who was just fab at her first ever area festival with a young pony she backed herself. They scored a pb of 68 per cent to come 4th in the prelim - massive congratulations !!

I couldn't resist posting this gorgeous photo of Ella and hero 🤩

04/02/2025

Seeing this photo reminds me that we all need to take moments like this, whilst working with our horses, especially when competing. Time to connect, reflect, breathe and enjoy the moment!

30/01/2025

Thinking 'Outside the box '
My philosophy is all about having an open and positive mindset. To look at our methods in a new way and see if they can be improved.

By adopting this flexible approach to our training we often learn more about our horses, us and our partnership. Dressage becomes more relevant and useful to all riders who want to be intuitive, ethical and more in tune with their horse.

I love working with riders of all levels, in any discipline to help them improve their partnership and performance. Riding is at its best when there is an interactive partnership between horse and rider, where balance, suppleness and connection produce harmony.

If you are interested in coming to a clinic or having a 1-2-1 session with me then please do get in touch. Thinking 'Outside the Box ' is just that, a lateral thought process unique to each partnership!

07/09/2024

The date for the next clinic at the fabulous Hall court Farm is 22nd of September. Using poles, to go over and around, helping to improve your horses suppleness and balance. Its great fun and really effective. Let me know if you would like to join us
£30 per person for half hour private or 1 hour shared. £45 for 45 min private.
t. 07968 696723
e. [email protected]

01/09/2024

soooo.... Blossom and I went to the fabulous Bridgend College yesterday in the hope of qualifying for the Middle Tour Championships, on the very last day before we missed it. No pressure then 🤔 As always my beloved Blossom said 'no problem' and we rode through our first inter II for 67.2 per cent! Qualification in the bag 🥳🥂. I just wish I was as photogenic as Blossom 😂🤣

31/08/2024

http://www.mpdressage.co.uk/1097-2/

British Warmblood Bay Mare 7 years 16.2 hands If you are looking for a dancing partner with the best attitude and the ability to take you as far as you want to go then Lily is your gal! Lily was bred by Ruxton horses and has remained with us. We would love to keep her…

21/08/2024

I am teaching at Weir End on Wednesday August 28th, I have a couple of afternoon slots available. Send me a message if you would like to book 😁😁

07/08/2024

We had a great time last week at the Hall Court Farm clinic. These wooden pole raisers really work well. We used them on a curved line to improve suppleness and balance in all the paces. Lots of fun and progress with plenty to take away and practice. Next clinic is on the 24th of August. Message me to book😁
m. 07968696723, e. [email protected]

14/07/2024

upcoming dates for clinics at the fabulous Hall court Farm are;
⭐️ 28th July ⭐️24th August ⭐️ 22nd of September ⭐️
£30 per person for a shared hour or half hour private session

[email protected], 07968 696723, or dm to book

26/05/2024

As you know I love using poles in training as they can have a massive impact on our horses way of going.

I am a big fan of Gillian Higgins and Horses inside out so on Thursday evening I ventured out to the Extravaganza at Hartpury. I had a brilliant time. It was very informative, Gillian and her team presented everything clearly and with alot of charm. Personally I thought Eric was the star of the night - what a dude!

It was fascinating to watch the skeleton and muscles in motion and also to see the changes when the horse flexed or lifted its spine and thoracic sling. All beautifully explained by Gillian aided by parts of an actual horse's skeleton, really making the bio mechanics of the horse easy to understand.

We saw the horses working with and without riders. In extension and collection. Going straight and sideways. Over jumps and on the flat.

Gillian demonstrated how the horse has to change the way it uses itself when going over poles and raised poles in walk, trot and canter.

Without a doubt using polework in your horses training can have a massively positive effect what ever level you are training at and what ever discipline you pursue.

The key is to correctly assess your horse's strengths and weaknesses and then use the best exercises to help them. Some involving poles and some not!

When pole work is used in conjunction with other exercises and correct riding the results can be transformative.

This is something that 'Outside the box' is really passionate about.

So look out for the next clinic dates - I look forward to working with you.

Melanie.

PHOTO CREDIT TO JADE HANLON

18/05/2024

Super excited about the upcoming clinic at Hall Court Farm on the 25th May.
We are going to be working on shoulder - in, travers and renvers. Using them in all paces to help make your horse more supple. I have got some great exercises to improve presentation for test riding too. Don't worry if you are new to lateral work we can start at the beginning.😁😁😁😁. £30 per person for a shared session
message/text/email or phone to book a slot xx

14/04/2024

Hopefully this isn't news to anyone but I thought it was worth sharing.

13/04/2024

I am teaching at Weir End next Friday afternoon, the 19th April. Message me if you would like to book 😁