Caitlyn Bean Dressage

12/10/2024

✨ The spark is back ✨

**ignore the monkey ba****ck riding — we still have a long way to go** 😆

This big, sexy, dark bay boy has completely stolen my heart all over again. 💕 About two years ago, when he came into my program to continue his development under saddle, I knew he was special. When he was eventually put up for sale, there was no question—he had to be mine.

What I didn’t know at the time was just how much he would teach me. Shortly after bringing him home, we began treating for ulcers and unraveling what felt like an endless web of physical challenges. There were so many unanswered questions, so many moments of frustration, and so much heartbreak in feeling like I couldn’t help him the way he needed.

But Darti kept pushing me. He demanded more. He inspired me to ask better questions, to explore new approaches, and to keep growing. Along the way, I was blessed to meet some angels who completely changed the way I view and train horses.

Yesterday, for the first time in what feels like forever, we just played under saddle. No checklist. No rehab plan. No pressure. Just pure joy and connection. We danced. We were a team.

This horse has been a rollercoaster of a journey, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. He’s reminded me that the tough ones, the ones who challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone, are the ones who make it all worth it.

Here’s to the next chapter with this beautiful boy. I am so excited to continue developing him, learning from him, and celebrating every step forward. ✨

Thank you to my team of people who have been there every step of the way for Darti ❤️ & especially Katherine Lowry, Kendra Skorstad, Emma Frimml, & Dr. Martha M. Faraday, PhD, for the love & guidance that you always bring to the table!
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Indigo Trails Farm

12/04/2024

It’s not about the grass…

Something that comes up a lot is people saying they have trouble training their horse because the horse lives on grass, or where they work with their horse is on grass.

I think many times this is because they wish the grass was not a factor, or they want to train like the grass is not there. This is just denying reality. Horses, and grass, are both nature, and if there’s one thing horses will teach you is that you can’t go against nature, you have to learn to go with it.

My son surfs, and the ocean is the same. Surfing is not fighting the ocean, it’s blending in with it for a harmonious outcome.

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to be a presenter at Horsemanship Hub - Horsemanship Showcase in Leighton Buzzard, England (that’s a real place name in case you have the giggles right now). One of the things I did there was judge a liberty competition (along with the amazing Holly Barber and Ben Atkinson) which was on video. One of the competitors had filmed their video ON GRASS.

Liberty- no tack at all

On grass

With a (drum roll) - pony !

And this was not the advanced competition, this was the (can’t remember what they called it, maybe elementary or something like that). But that doesn’t mean what they did wasn’t advanced, and watching the video you would not know there was any grass present.

I heard a saying years ago that said “you need to be more interesting to your horse than grass”.

So the problem is not the grass.

The problem is not that you have a pony.

The problem is many wish the situation was different and fail to interact with reality. Understanding the nature of horses ( and the nature of nature) goes along way to having success with them.

11/21/2024

This is SO exciting!! 🎉 Kentucky Horse park is magical, just not in November 🙃

Big news! ‼️ United States Dressage Federation and US Equestrian are thrilled to announce that the 2025 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® are scheduled for October 30 – November 2, at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Wilmington, OH. Based on consistent feedback from competitors over the years regarding the unpredictable nature of the November weather, WEC was selected as the site of the 2025 and 2026 US Dressage Finals, affording competitors and attendees alike an equivalency of experience in all aspects of this highly revered event. The selection of WEC was based, in large part, on the facility’s over 200,000 square feet of climate-controlled riding space, in which all championship classes will be held, more than 750 permanent climate-controlled stalls, delicious onsite dining, and numerous luxurious lodging options.

Learn more about this update to our marquee ‘Centerline of Champions’ competition here: https://www.usdf.org/press/news/view-news.asp?news=1074

11/21/2024

It is a beautiful journey, and I am grateful for the learning opportunities ✨

Last year, Caitlyn embarked on an exciting journey toward her goal of competing Grand Prix, aiming to complete her gold medal by summer. But as the season progressed, things didn’t feel quite right. Some horses struggled to keep up with the intensity, weren’t recovering as expected, and small signals began to add up. Listening to these signs, Caitlyn made the tough but necessary decision to pump the brakes on her goal.

This past year has been a season of growth, adaptation, and humility—embracing the need to pause, reset, and support the horses in their foundational strength. Caitlyn invested in building them back up, ensuring they were physically and mentally prepared to take on the demands of this sport. Now, with a renewed approach and stronger foundations, Caitlyn is heading into winter training with excitement, ready to prepare for a promising season next year.

The lesson? Sometimes, achieving big goals means being willing to pause, reflect, and adjust. Stay open to learning, keep an unwavering focus on the well-being of your horses, and trust the process. When we listen to our horses and stay true to their needs, we’re always moving forward. ✨

11/19/2024

11/18/2024

What separates a good rider from an excellent one?

A good rider works on gaining experience, on elevating their skill and climbing up in levels. A good rider wants to get better at riding.

An excellent rider wants to get better as a person.
They recognize that the way they ride involves their overall experience in life, their manner of comportment. They realize that they have to be open to improving the most humble basics, over and over again. They don’t just accept this fact, they crave it : they know that truly artful riding is nothing more than excellent, tirelessly refined basics.

They have the discipline to cultivate excellence in all areas of life, from how they ride to how they treat the staff that cares for their horse or serves them dinner or works for them. They recognize that they have to be mentally and physically healthy, that they have to stay balanced in the way they approach learning and expectation.

They have trained themselves to recieve the lesson of the moment, they don’t have feelings of entitlement to recieving what they want, but are open to getting what they need- whatever that may be.

They are humble and open, they expect no accolades, no validation, they want only truth, and to learn.

An excellent rider is far and above a good rider, because an excellent rider works to be an excellent person.

Photo by Julie Kenny

11/11/2024

Still time to register as an auditor for our clinic with Katherine Lowry at the end of the month! ✨

Exciting news! There's still a chance to join us as an auditor for our upcoming clinic with Katherine Lowry at the end of this month. Katherine brings a unique approach to rider biomechanics, classical dressage, and movement training, offering profound insights into equine and rider postural development. If you're passionate about better understanding the intricate details of equine movement, this clinic is a must-attend.

This Balance Through Movement Method™ clinic is perfect for riders, trainers, and equine professionals looking to refine their skills and enhance their understanding of sound, balanced movement for both horse and rider.

📅 Date: November 30th - December 1st📍 Location: Indigo Trails Farm, Verona, WI

🌟 Don't miss your chance to learn from one of the best! To register as an auditor or join the waitlist for a participant spot, please fill out this form and we will be in touch!
https://forms.gle/D3CBGULtqWELbGrF8
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Caitlyn Bean Dressage
A Driving Force Horsemanship

11/10/2024

Love the animal first and the sport second 🩷

11/08/2024

Truly exceptional dressage is rare and magical, a unique blend of precision, harmony, and connection. It takes an extraordinary horse and a deep partnership to bring such beauty to life, where every movement feels like an effortless dance.

11/06/2024

I am so excited that we have Katherine Lowry joining us at Indigo Trails Farm at the end of this month!
Participant spots are full, but auditors are welcome! Please fill out the google form to register, or reach out to me with any questions!

https://forms.gle/D3CBGULtqWELbGrF8

We’re thrilled to announce that Katherine Lowry is bringing her expertise to Indigo Trails Farm at the end of this month! While participant spots are full, we still have auditor spots available for those interested in learning from one of the best in the field.

Katherine is a respected leader in Balance Through Movement Method, a revolution in equine lameness prevention and postural development. This approach focuses on achieving spinal integrity for biomechanically sound movement, reducing the risk of lameness and enhancing the horse's ability to carry itself correctly.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider, trainer, or someone passionate about equine comfort & athletic longevity, this clinic is for you! This is a fantastic opportunity to learn new techniques in equine biomechanics and rider movement from a fresh perspective.

📅 Date: November 30th - December 1st
📍 Location: Indigo Trails Farm, Verona, WI

✨ Secure your spot now! To register as an auditor or join the waitlist for a participant spot, please fill out this form and we will be in touch!
https://forms.gle/D3CBGULtqWELbGrF8

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Caitlyn Bean Dressage
A Driving Force Horsemanship

11/05/2024

“There’s a whole lot of funky x rays at the Olympic Games” absolutely 👏

Ride the horse, not the x ray! 🫶

Kissing spine is a condition where one or more of a horse’s vertebrae are close together and touch, or “kiss.” As imaging technology has improved, so have veterinarians’ ability to diagnose things like kissing spine. For some horses, it’s a devastating diagnosis. But for a whole heck of a lot, it is merely a point of interest, based on where it is, how bad it is, and how much it bothers the horse. And the best way to support a horse with it is to make them engage their abdomen and add topline. Riding a horse properly on the bit is physical therapy, and helps pull the vertebrae back apart. After a kissing spine diagnosis, watch your saddle fit, use a good veterinarian, and take a deeeeeeep breath. There’s a whole lot of funky x-rays at the Olympic Games 🩻

11/03/2024

Love this! We can’t force our way to a stronger seat! Please don’t destroy your horses back this November! 🫶

Every year on November 1st, riders around the world drop their stirrups and commit to the challenge of No-Stirrup November. The intention behind this initiative is to improve the seat and leg. But is committing to sore inner thighs for an entire month really worth the hype?

Riding without stirrups is a valuable tool for enhancing your seat, as long as it’s done correctly. However, just as with any physical training, you can’t jump from zero to a hundred overnight and the quality of the exercise is far more important than the quantity for your own body’s sake, but also for your horse’s!

The problem is that when pushing yourself to ride without stirrups beyond your ability, you will end up gripping with your thighs in an attempt to maintain balance. This will lead to tightness in your hips and rigidity in your lower back, making it impossible to achieve a supple seat. Not only does this have a detrimental effect on your own back health, but it affects your horse too...

Remember, a pliable seat is crucial for allowing your horse's back to oscillate and if you’re stiff through your pelvis, hips, and thighs, it will interfere with your horse's movement and overall comfort.
A sudden and drastic shift in your seat like this will result in tension in your horse’s body in an effort to compensate for your instability in the saddle.

So, rather than pulling the stirrups off of your saddle for the entire month of November, consider gradually increasing your tolerance for riding without stirrups throughout the year. Focus on strengthening your body and core, and work on your proprioception out of the saddle if you're looking to develop a better seat.

You can enhance your seat without risking your horse's comfort and health.

So let's rethink No-Stirrup November - Don’t be a pain in your horse's back!

10/31/2024

Training Beyond the Arena

True training goes far beyond the hours spent in the arena each day. I believe that a solid foundation is essential to help each horse thrive, and this means supporting them in every aspect of their daily lives.

From hoof care and tailored nutrition to optimized rest and recovery, every detail matters. Our horses benefit from stable comfort stalls, ample turnout time, and therapies like the Theraplate and BEMER to support their recovery and enhance their well-being. These essentials aren’t just “extras”; they’re the foundation that prepares our horses physically and mentally to engage with us during training.

By setting up each horse for success in these fundamental ways, we create an environment where they can flourish, and where training is a shared journey of growth. In the arena, we can then ask for their focus and partnership, guiding them through moments of challenge and celebration alike.

If you feel you’re stuck in a cycle without progress, take a step back and assess the basics. Building from a solid foundation ensures that every stride forward is meaningful and sustainable for the long term.