Sarah Dodge Dressage

19/06/2025

15/05/2025

We must keep remembering that dressage was made to keep horses healthy, strong, confident, and proud.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 = Sound with PURE gaits.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 = Clearly seated in the haunches and coiling the springs of the hind end joints, into a rounded full top line.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 = Able to go wherever the rider wishes and stand quietly until further notice.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 = Mouth quiet, ears and eyes soft but alert, neck arched without tension, and all the energies going towards working with the rider, taking them proudly through space in whatever powerful gait required.

A sound horse is a strong horse who is confident and proud to work WITH you. Dressage is a partnership with your horse, not an assignment to accomplish at any cost.

𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒂 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒚!
🩵 𝑱𝑱 𝑻𝒂𝒕𝒆

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16/09/2024

We are pleased to welcome Conrad Schumacher back to Aiken, October 12th-15th. Rides are available, auditor spots are also available. Clinic will be in Aiken at Rockwood Farm with beautiful footing and covered arena.

We will also have a happy hour with a lecture by Mr. Schumacher and rider dinner. Dates to be determined.

These clinics contain a wealth of information and auditors are encouraged to participate in discussions and ask questions. We will have a nice mix of amateur and professional riders with young horses to FEI.

Conrad Schumacher is one of the world's foremost dressage trainers, having trained many students to international Olympic and World Championship level. He has been an influential force in the successful teams from Germany, Holland, Great Britain and the USA. With his many years of experience, first as a rider then as a coach, trainer and judge, he is a true riding master.

Rides are $330 each and auditing is $30/ day. Please PM me to reserve your spot.

02/08/2024

Perhaps we need to normalize a rider excusing themselves from a competition if the test is not going well? If a horse has become so tense that he becomes irregular in his movement, or shortens his neck to an uncomfortable degree, we riders should be allowed/encouraged to retire early. Simone Biles retired mid competition for her mental and physical health and came back to gold medal form, horses should be afforded the same opportunity.

12/02/2024

Conrad Schumacher Schedule is up! We still have a few spaces for auditors on Sun and Mon, Sat is sold out. Given the rain today we are so happy to have Lily Barlow hosting with a lovely covered arena! If you would like to audit Sun or Mon please message me to reserve a space. You must preregister. Looking forward to a few days of great rides in Aiken!

22/06/2023

30/04/2023

Andrew McLean looks at the equitation science principles and asks –
“Are you training according to these scientifically based principles? Don’t get put off by the academic terminology, it is important for your horse that you understand these concepts because they enable maximum efficiency in training. We as horse trainers, can achieve optimal training efficiently by understanding the natural behaviours, learning abilities and biomechanics by taking account of available knowledge.”
https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2022/01/the-ten-commandments/

25/04/2023

23/04/2023

Wisdom and feeling from the great Rosemarie Springer:
“Take the contact, don’t stretch your arms, close your fingers, feel with your body into your hands, push your horse into your hands with quietness, calmness, satisfaction and harmony…”“The most important thing is to push into your hand – push into your hand and give again, many many half halts are required to achieve greater collection. Then you will be successful with the flexibility of your horse.”.

10/04/2023

One of my favorite pairs!

Stars of the Past, Margit Otto-Crepin talks about her World Cup winner, Corlandus:
“He is the horse of an era. To own such a horse is the most wonderful thing. He is like riding nothing else. I feel so dissatisfied when I am on other horses. Yet the feel he gives to me, helps me, to make the other horses better. He is an inspiration.”
https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2021/12/great-horses-of-the-past-corlandus/

04/03/2023

'Showing the horse the way to the ground', 'Lip in the sand', both expressions for asking and allowing the horse to stretch. Is it of benefit? Read Christian Thiess's explanation.
And is it an exercise that has to be forced?
Pic is a rising 4yo, not yet ridden, or mouthed, starting out on his breaking program, on the lunge...
https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2021/01/showing-the-horse-the-way-to-the-ground-with-christian-thiess/