Cadence Dressage

15/02/2025

Part 1 - Dancer's story

Today seems like a great day to tell you about a good friend of mine. I don't often refer to client horses as good friends. We are buddies, or pals, or I'm coach or teacher. But, with Dancer, I think I am actually good friends.

I was first introduced to him in the indoor arena with a few wild child moments. Our second encounter included sparks flying and an honest concern for his handler on the ground as he impersonated a literal terrified obstinant kite. When his owner approached me for help I was not at all sure. Upon meeting him, his energy was completely off.

Lets pause here so I can explain that. Much of what I do with horses is really intuitive. I have learned to trust that when a horse just doesn't feel right, much like people putting off bad vibe, I should trust it. Even though I can't right away put my finger on why, ever horse I have had this feeling with has come back with a legitimate reason why.

So I started my work with Dancer on the ground and trying to peace together his story and find/understand where this weird energy was coming from. Fast forward a bit and the short story is, Dancer charged me a few times. Now my friend is no small dude. He is a tank, thick and strong and confident. He is an old show horse. Been there, done that type. One that understands the rules and also has been around the block enough to know their body. So I paused for a hot min and really thought about how far down this rabit hole I wanted to go and how equipped I was to a) manage, train, and keep my self safe and b) be respectful of the time and money being put into the horse and actually produce a result.

This time lead to a very candid conversation with his owner. I informed her that he was exhibiting dangerous behavior, we may need a cowboy, but also something was very wrong! I told her we needed to pivot and she immediately jumped onboard with my new pivot plan. Huge huge shout of to his mom!! She barely knew me, didn't know my training style, my business, or myself very well. I was still new to R&R and new to her. I came to her explaining that her wonder AA horse was no longer that, and that I personally felt we needed additional help. No owner wants to hear that.

We called my amazing vet Sara Perkins, who meticulously examined him looking for any cause. We called the wonderful Dr. Julie Page who upon her first exam almost got a chunk taken out of her. Another cadid converation later and we had a treatment plan.

Meds, chiro, chinese herbs, massage, cbd, reiki, saddle fit, bit check, xrays, and a month off.

When he came back to me I told his mom, "if we are going to do this, we have to do it my way." Which was ground work, loose in the round pen. She said, "i dont wanna know" because I think that style of training was unfamiliar, seemed out of control, and felt scary. She essentially said do what you need to.

My ground work in the round pen is actually designed to be a fun game, promote work ethic, give the horse space to make choices, and allow me to stay away and set boundaries. Its designed to be perfect release of pressure. It allows me to watch their body language and be meticulous about the pressure used. It is not designed to be cruel or to chase the horse into submission. Dancer isn't dumb. He failed day one. Day two, he said work was hard ill appease you. And so we continued. Until the day he played along and everything changed. That day he participated and actually had a conversation with me.

He then got excited to see me
He then let me on his back
He then told me I was safe up there
He then told me he wanted to do a little more
He then told me he needed a play day
He then told me he needed a day to do work with space cause he didnt wanna play and he was grumpy and not feeling like making good choices
He then told me he looked forward to rides
He then started working with his mom
He started working with his moms daughter
He started asking to work harder and was game for more direct conversation
He started looking for me, following me
And it continued
Until the other day when he came to his moms call for him in turnout and then he came to me the same the next day, almost trotting.

Pic of Dancer snuggles ❤️

13/02/2025

Did you know I teach virtual lessons? They are super easy to set up and I am happy to help with anything from groundwork to test prep.

Need a consult or a accountability partner? I got you! I have special pricing for consultations so it saves you a little money instead of using lesson time. Happy to talk anything from saddle fit, horse shopping to goal setting and planning.

I truly have a passion for helping the equestians of this world and sometimes you just need an extra eye or someone else to bounce ideas off. If you can't be part of my team physically in the barn, I wanna be part of yours and I'm happy to do it with a phone call or zoom meeting!

13/02/2025

Cadence Dressage at R&R Equestrian Center in Enumclaw, WA has a few openings for training, sales, and lesson students.

Come join the Cadence Dressage team!

We provide a non-intimidating and supportive environment to gain confidence in training and the show ring while staying focused on the horses well-being and having fun!

Megan is empathetic, safe, and kind. She has a proven history of developing confidence in her students, and is known for her clear communication giving a methodical breakdown of concepts making them easy to learn and execute. Her education and training methods build solid foundations to move up the levels while providing a peaceful place for you and your horse to learn and develop your relationship.

R&R is equipped with GGT footing in their spacious indoor, a 200×200 outdoor with fabulous footing that drains incredibly well, large paddocks, and on site staff. Owners and management are incredibly supportive. While the property is active, it is incredibly calm lending to a fabulous learning and training environment.

We have a full 2025 schedule including shows and clinics!!

To schedule a tour please PM me or text 270-978-1244.

11/02/2025

ISO part-time groom Mon-Thurs. Growing and active program looking for motivated individual to join the team. There is space for you to bring your horse and lessons can be included. There may also be opportunities to ride for the right fit.

I absolutely love investing in grooms and riders in my program and making their dreams a priority. A positive team environment is a huge priority for me, and therefore work hard to create a drama free space full of encouragement and growth. We are a small dressage program that boasts horse care first and creating a safe, fun, and highly educational environment.

This is a paid position and flexible.

If you are interested:
Please PM or text me 270-978-1244 and include previous horse experience.

03/02/2025

Come join the Cadence Dressage team!

We provide a non-intimidating and supportive environment to gain confidence in training and the show ring while staying focused on the horses well-being and having fun!

Megan is empathetic, safe, and kind. She has a proven history of developing confidence in her students, and is known for her clear communication giving a methodical breakdown of concepts making them easy to learn and execute. Her education and training methods build solid foundations to move up the levels while providing a peaceful place for you and your horse to learn and develop your relationship.

30/01/2025

Finding new gears with Miss Nala. Show season is coming and we are getting ready!!

28/01/2025

⭐️ Loki ⭐️

Loki is a 17 year old, 17 hand, TB gelding who is looking for his next zip code. He has an extrensive eventing show career going up to prelim. He has most definitely been there, done that. With an absolute love for his job, this horse must go to a home that will ride and work him regularly. He is coursing 2'11" easily and has the scope for a bit higher but may really enjoy settling at a lower height. He is lovely to play with in the dressage ring. Has all the components for first and plays with lots more lateral work. He is a wonderful teacher and an absolute goof. I personally adore teaching his lessons because he truly is the best combo of tricky and rewarding requiring his riders to do it right with the absolute upmost patience.

He is currently being maintained by a talented JR and doing really well with it. He is a character not for a beginner, does have some maintenance, but really enjoys his work.

High 4 figures. Located in Enumclaw WA. Right home is a priority so price is neg. Motivated sellers as they are currently shopping for the JR move up horse. Please feel free to DM or text for additional info 270-978-1244.

JR in video - flat
https://youtu.be/z2M0D3i3vSs?si=yk9wC6r_ZnpX727v

Jump videos available!

22/01/2025

I HAVE to brag on the bestest little marshmellow, our Icelandic pony, Theyr. Today was magical.

Theyr came into my program about 3 years ago with a narly bolt, a very crooked body, a massive amount of tension and reactivity, and an owner who is beyond dedicated to the horse but also had some anxiety due to the bolting.

She found me and reached out, deciding to move into my program from CA because I was the only one who called her back. She took a risk on a young dressage trainer with no Icelandic experience. Her goal isn't to show, but just to love her horse the best she can and enjoy him.

Through relationship building, careful classically based education and training, time, and dedication. We removed the bolt, eased the tension, carefully taught the horse to guess not panic, challenged him, and eased more tension.

Today he has a soft base of the neck, allows you to put leg on and ride a diagonal connection, he stands his shoulders up and travels with uphill balance, he engages his core and seeks a stretching contact. The trot we have had prior to this week has been a "a long for the ride" trot. Absolutely unable to speak into it because he couldn't manage a discussion and change in his body while trotting. It was too much. Today his owner got to ride his best trot to date. Like actually ride it. And he offered it, time and time again.

We absolutely worked our tails off to get this little pony this confortable in his body and I'm immensely proud of my student and this little dude for all they put into their relationship, education, and effort toward one another. They have captured the true essence of Dressage. You will probably never see them go down centerline but these two are doing this horse thing the right way and I'm truly blessed to have them both in my program.

22/01/2025

**𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗰𝗸**

With 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘁𝗼𝗻, 𝗗𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘆 and 𝗗𝗿 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗵𝗿𝗹𝗲

In our 2025 webinar series we have three sessions delivered by world renowned researchers on the equine neck. These sessions will cover neck biomechanics, function, clinical cases/presentations, management and rehabilitation.

🐴𝗡𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘁𝗼𝗻 Thursday 30th January @ 19:00 HRS GMT https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/biomechanics-of-the-horses-neck-with-prof-hilary-clayton-tickets-1145523434429?aff=oddtdtcreator


🐴𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀, 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟯𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 @ 𝟭𝟵:𝟬𝟬 𝗛𝗥𝗦 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘆 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rehabilitating-cervical-issues-in-dressage-horses-morgan-lashley-tickets-1205973682749?aff=oddtdtcreator

🐴𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗰𝗸 - 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲? 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗵𝗿𝗹𝗲 on Thursday 27th March @ 19.00 HRS GMT https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pain-in-the-neck-which-equine-cervical-issues-can-cause-poor-performance-tickets-1146775910619?aff=oddtdtcreator

All sessions come with CDP certificate, video replay and discussions at the end.

Image credit: Dr Anne Ehrle

19/01/2025

This is a great reminder

Remember that there can only be 1 winner in a class of 40, not winning a dressage championship can teach us many valuable lessons and provide a foundation for future success. I believe that we can learn these things:

1. **The Power of Resilience**
- Failure is not the end; it’s a stepping stone. Not winning reminds us to rise again, set new goals, and push forward with determination.

2. **Growth Through Feedback**
- Dressage is about precision and harmony, and not winning offers an opportunity to reflect on what went well and where improvements are needed. Constructive feedback from judges can highlight areas to work on.

3. **The Value of Patience and Consistency**
- Success in dressage requires time, consistent training, and a deep bond with your horse. This experience reminds us that mastery is a journey, not a destination.

4. **Humility and Sportsmanship**
- Losing gracefully teaches humility, respect for others’ efforts, and the importance of supporting fellow competitors.

5. **Understanding the Partnership**
- Dressage is as much about the rider as it is about the horse. A loss can prompt us to deepen the connection and trust with our horse, leading to better teamwork in the future.

6. **Appreciating Progress Over Results**
- Winning isn't the only measure of success. Every competition helps refine your skills, grow as an equestrian, and strengthen the bond with your horse.

7. **Finding Motivation in Setbacks**
- A loss can fuel your determination to work harder, train smarter, and come back stronger. It’s a reminder that great achievements often stem from moments of defeat.

By shifting the focus from winning to learning, every experience, including not winning, becomes a stepping stone toward future victories.

16/01/2025

This is a perfect example of why I LOVE our current sales horse Loki. He is the BEST teacher.

This poll excersise really helped his rider find the bend and ride the horse from back to front with a supportive leg aid. She struggles to support him to the base of the fence when she jumps him. This is a nice, low impact way for her to practice that same support with low risk since there isn't a fence. One of the huge benefits my eventers and jumpers get from regular dressage lessons.

If she failed to support the hind legs, riding instead front to back to force the bend, Loki lost his stride. He kept her safe, never put a foot wrong, but let her feel the consequences of the lack of support. The ending result was a rider who supported her horse and helped him use his body the best way he could. A horse that allows a rider a clear and honest mirror image of their riding without drama or discussion is truly a gem. That is probably what I have come to love most about Loki.

Loki is ready for his next student. He is funny, talented, and has a plethora of experience and education under his belt to invest into his next rider. If your interested in meeting him please pm or text me 270-978-1244! Located in Enumclaw, WA. Jump video upon request.

13/01/2025

Cadence Dressage has a few spaces avaliable for lessons or training at R&R in Enumclaw, WA.

Training clients, sales, tune ups, or lessons welcome!

With Megan's jumping background she has had success bridging the gap for her eventing and jumping clients, helping to connect the benefits of Dressage to their jumping work.

Because of our highly compassionate and encouraging atmosphere, I have been able to create a successful and safe place for those with a high level of anxiety to excell.

We have a variety of breeds and disciplines currently in the program going successfully. Because of this variety, Megan is constantly working on the best methods to provide individualized education to both horse and rider.

The holistic approach we maintain has allowed our horses to become happy and healthy athletes who look forward to their work.

Megan is extremely dedicated to investing in the students and horses in her program. This approach has allowed her to successfully teach her clients how to problem solve and work through training their own horses, working through anxiety, filling holes, and stringing together concepts to really solidify foundational basics. She is incredibly kind while also pushing clients to move the needle forward. The program has a high focus on continued education and hosts regular outside clinicians and pursue other various educational opportunities. While showing is not required we do attend shows throughout the summer and Megan enjoys coaching and cheering her clients on.

Megan has worked hard to make connections and develop a team of some of the top professionals in our area to help manage and meet the needs of our equine partners.

Boarding at R&R Stables and Equestrian Event Center LLC provides a balance of amenties for clients and horses.
- clients - on-site laundry, indoor restrooms, and small kitchen
- Horses - your choice of high quality 3 times daily feeding of Tim, Alfalfa, or local hay, spacious grass pasture or dry lots, premium arena footing in both indoor and outdoor arenas, and hacking pathways.

Knowledgeable on-site staff and committed owners and mangement make boarding here stress free. Megan also promotes a no-drama enviroment so visiting your horse can truly be like home away from home.

12/01/2025

Love this!!

Lessons are not where the magic happens.

I am very fortunate that I get to teach many different people and horses and at this stage pretty much everyone wants what I have to share. I no longer have to persuade students - they come with a deep desire to learn more about this specific school of horse training .

And in reverse, I have a teacher I greatly admire and who never fails to provide me with insights and information; for which I am very grateful. I only get to see her a couple of times a year, but each opportunity is a gold mine.

However, what I tell students, and what I know to be true for myself, is that the real diamonds are discovered when it is just you and your horse. The information and ideas which get shared in a lesson become something personally yours when it is just the two of you. That is where you turn someone else's information into your embodied knowledge.

My friend Jane Pike tells me that when you are being watched you can assume your body is to some extent functioning in the sympathetic. I find this hugely reassuring - when I am being taught (and therefore being watched) my body is to a greater or lesser extent defending itself. I know that I will not be riding as my most adaptable, functional version of myself. You can give yourself this break too - thank you your body for its help, and know that's what's happening. When you're being watched this is a given.

When I am going to be at my most capable, intuitive, adaptable, flow based best is when it is just me and my horse. I had one of those sessions last week, before the snow fell and the flu kicked in. I was riding Des and he was on the grandest of form. He is not an easy horse to ride, and we have had many years in the wilderness, so I never take these sessions for granted. And he can be utterly brilliant. It was just one of those days when I had my sparkle on and so did he and we had a time together where everything else in life falls away. I don't want to be too gushing as he hates that kind of thing, but you get the idea. It was a golden ride.

And what was important and imperative is that there was no other human there. There were plenty of birds and other wildlife various and most likely a cat (disapproving) but there were no humans. It is this personal practice - taking the years of lessons and seeing yet again how I can do better, understand more, feel how things are between me and the horse - where the beauty lies.

So each time you have a lesson don't expect that to be the point where you have everything come together. This is just your chance to get more information, gather new ideas, take on board feedback. Where it becomes your own knowledge, where you and your horse develop and create your own art together - well that is just personal and private to you two. No one else gets to be a part of that.

30/12/2024

Loki is a 17 year old, 17 hand, TB gelding who is looking for his next zip code. He is currently not in a program and is being maintained by a talented JR and doing really well with it. He is a character not for a beginner, does have some maintenance, but really enjoys his work. Loki has an extrensive eventing show career going up to prelim. He has most definitely been there, done that. With an absolute love for his job, this horse must go to a home that will ride and work him regularly. He is coursing 2'11" easily and has the scope for a bit higher but may really enjoy settling at a lower height. He is lovely to play with in the dressage ring. Has all the components for first and plays with lots more lateral work. He is a wonderful teacher and an absolute goof. I personally adore teaching his lessons because he truly is the best combo of tricky and rewarding requiring his riders to do it right with the absolute upmost patience. Lowest of 5 figures starting with a 1, located in Enumclaw WA. Right home is a priority so price is neg. Motivated sellers as they are currently shopping for the JR move up horse. Please feel free to DM or text for additional info 270-978-1244.

JR in video
https://youtu.be/z2M0D3i3vSs?si=yk9wC6r_ZnpX727v

16/12/2024

What a special weekend. Had a fabulous clinic with the exceptional Beth Anderson Ness Dressage yesterday. Love her vision, communication, and dedication to really honing in on those foundational holes that keep our riders safe and horses happy and eager to work. Everyone had a lovely ride and came away with a ton of takeaways.

12/12/2024

So excited to have Beth Beth Anderson Ness out this weekend for a clinic. Fabulous instruction and always a fun time. Unfortunately today we had a horse that needed to get pulled from the line up so we do have an available spot (horse is okay, just needs the weekend off). Anyone interested? Sat in Enumclaw at R&R Stables and Equestrian Event Center LLC