Cadence Dressage

17/03/2025

❤️

Just Enjoy....

One of the significant differences between us and our horses is our ambition. From a young age, we are taught to place higher value on progress and performance, than on peace and pleasure. Many of us believe that if we are not constantly chasing success then we are wasting our life away. We believe that bettering ourselves involves sacrificing peace for progress. We feel guilty for resting, and are encouraged to constantly push ourselves out of our comfort zones and prove our worth through our achievements. We place such little value on our own peace, contentment and joy.

Let working with your horse be your escape from the prison of the human ego. Let go of your expectations, pressures and desires. See your horse as the unique and beautiful expression of life that he is, and let him see you for the being that you are. Your horse does not see the value that you place on yourself or your desires. All he sees is if your heart is open, and if he is safe with you. Let your love for your horse be your only inspiration to improve yourself as a rider, trainer or owner.

Give yourself permission to spend time with your horse purely for pleasure. Embrace your horse with an open heart and just enjoy their company. Your actions do not have to constantly be goal-driven.

There are a few beautiful mantras of Manolo’s that I have heard many times when riding and working with the horses as a reminder to be in the moment….

🔹 "Ride like you are in love with your horse.”
🔹 "Forget about the rest of the world when you are working with your horse.”
🔹 “Work with your horse with love, with the only goal to make him feel good.”

And my favourite one…. “Just enjoy…”

- The Heart of Dressage

07/03/2025

I love this!! It is so important to pay attention to the little things.

It will feel like people are just over analyzing horse behaviour if you are operating from a place where you have been oversimplifying it.

People who are capable of noticing more nuance in horse behavior, and can thereby notice signs of stress or anxiety building earlier will seem like they are nitpicking when they point these things out.

But, people who oversimplify horse behaviour are far more likely to be caught off guard when horses react out of nowhere.

They are also more likely to miss earlier signs that can signal potential lameness and other health issues before they are a major issue.

If you have ever found yourself in the headspace where you feel like other people are nitpicking horse behavior, before you write off their perspective, as nothing, consider whether or not there’s a possibility you have been taught to oversimplify horse behavior.

I would argue. It’s more common than not to be taught a very cursory and primitive understanding of horse behavior.

Growing up, I wasn’t taught much past “ears back equals bad” and “ears forward equals happy”

When I was initially exposed to people who would notice signs of discomfort like repeated swishing, I was initially outraged, and felt as if they were being hypercritical.

In reality, they were just more adept at noticing signs than I was because they had either taken the initiative to learn or had been taught by a better mentor than I had.

Their knowledge felt threatening initially because it exposed the holes in my own knowledge.

Admitting that they might be right admitting that I knew an awful lot less than I had thought that I did.

It also meant exposing myself to the reality that there are signs of stress that horses show on a regular basis that would call me to question the morality of a lot of things that I had come to blindly accept.

Leaning into the denial is tempting because it offers a temporary comfort.

But the discomfort of knowing that there might be something off always remains in the pit of your stomach.

And the discomfort of that being present, but you never cautiously answering the questions that are being asked, is a lot more burdensome over the years than doing the hard work of reflecting and reevaluating.

Being more open to learning how your horse communicates, even when they are not saying what you want to hear, opens the doors to build an even more beautiful partnership and understanding than you could possibly imagine.

Pictured: me and my horse, Milo nearly a decade ago at a clinic.

Looking back, his behaviour was screaming to be listened to. Tail swishing, facial tension, clenched jaw, grimace of the lips, bucking, refusing fences.

I’m glad I can see it now.

04/03/2025

Loki is a 17 year old, 17 hand, TB gelding who is looking for his next zip code. Loki has an extensive 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 schooling 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!! 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. Located in Enumclaw WA. Right home is a priority so price is neg, high 4s figures. 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

03/03/2025

Love this

“Horses regularly trained with ground work are more relaxed when ridden”

A recent study of dressage horses in Germany that looked at rein length and tension revealed a surprising finding: horses who were regularly trained in ground work/in-hand work had lower heart rates during ridden work than all of the other participating horses. This wasn’t what the researchers were investigating, but it was clear in the results. From this, the researchers concluded that, “Perhaps horses trained in ground work had more trust in their rider.”

So why would it be true that horses who regularly learn via ground work/in-hand work are more relaxed? There are a few possibilities.

1) Horses trained regularly with ground work are more relaxed because their trainers are more relaxed. It’s possible that humans who take the time to teach their horses from the ground are less goal oriented and more concerned with the process. They may be more relaxed in general and foster this same relaxation in their horses. As you are, so is your horse.

2) Horses trained regularly with ground work have trainers who are more educated about a horse’s balance.

Their horses learn to move in correct balance which allows them to be healthy and sound in their bodies and, therefore, more relaxed. Physical balance is emotional balance.

3) Horses trained regularly with ground work understand the trainer’s criteria better. They have mastered the response to an aid before the rider mounts and know the “right answer” already once under saddle. They don’t experience any conflict when the rider asks for a behavior because the neural pathway has already been installed. They are more relaxed about being ridden because it rarely has caused confusion for them.

For us highly visual humans I think that ground work is often a better way to begin exercises because we are much better at seeing our horse doing the right thing than feeling it from the saddle. Often, my feel in the saddle is enhanced by the fact that I have watched my horse perform an exercise over and over in our in-hand work. It feels how it looks. In-hand work is also a good way to teach our horses because our own bodies are often more in balance when we are walking beside our horses. With the ground under our feet we are able to be more relaxed if something goes wrong and less likely to be so busy wrapped up in our own balance that we give our horses conflicting or confusing aids. It’s a good place to figure things out. I am a huge fan of in-hand work.

I’m glad to learn research revealed ground work is good for horses. Horses with a low heart rate are relaxed and relaxed horses perform better and live longer. In this day and age of people starting horses under saddle in under an hour and increasing monetary rewards for the “young horse dressage program“, everything seems to be done in a hurry. The entire horse culture seems to privilege “getting up there and riding your horse”. But as one of my favorite writers and accomplished horsewoman, Teresa Tsimmu Martino writes, “In today’s horse culture there are clinics that brag about starting a c**t in a day, as if the quickness of it was the miracle. But old horse people know it takes years to create art. Horses as great masterpieces are not created in a day. An artist does not need to rush.” We need more scientific studies like this one to encourage us to slow down and take our time with our horses.

So why were the horses in the study more relaxed? Likely it was a combination of all three factors – a relaxed trainer, better overall balance and clear understanding of criteria.

These are things that matter to your horse, and yes, will allow him to trust you when you ride. Take some time to slow down and work from the ground, learn a bit more about equine balance and teach new things in-hand before asking for them under saddle. You can take your riding to a whole new level and help your horse become more healthy and relaxed in the process.” - by Jen of Spellbound Horses

26/02/2025

I love this, it's so true. The only thing I would also add is that communication is absolutely key. Without it and team work, trainers are unable to be successful. There is only so much we can do when there are obvious problems and the owner isn't willing to help work through those with maintenance changes.

You pay that hefty training bill for the month.

You look to have you horse in training as little as possible so it doesn’t break the bank.

You’re disappointed when after 30 days or 60 days or 90 days, there’s still more work to be done or the goal hasn’t been met. Worse yet, it looks good, you take the horse home and it unravels piece by piece. All that money “wasted”.

When you pay a trainer, that money isn’t paying for a result, it’s paying for someone’s skilled effort.

At least for me, when someone gets unhappy that their horse “isn’t fixed yet”, or comes “untrained” after it’s been home a while, makes the task of training horses for other people, discouraging. Discouraging because the efforts are being made, usually my best efforts that are filled with compassion, determination and lots of ruminating on how to fix complex issues a horse may have. Their disappointment becomes my failure basically. I know that’s not an actual truth but it’s never rewarding when someone is disappointed due to their own expectations.

Training a horse is NOT like being a mechanic on a car. Its not a tune up, it’s not the simple replacement of a part. It’s an animal with thoughts, feelings, emotions, habits, talents, etc. You don’t just program them, tune them up or replace a faulty part and send it back good as new.

You arent paying for results to happen within your timeline, you are paying for the time it takes to reach a desired result. The more complicated the project, the bigger the investment. The more baggage a horse has, the more effort it takes to unravel the mess. The bigger the goal, the greater the investment.

People send their horses to certain trainers because they want the outcome that trainer proves they can achieve. The problem is, people want that result in the shortest time frame possible because time, again, is money. It takes the time it takes to create the vision and time costs money. People who have a diy mentality, value the effort so much more when they themselves invest their own energy into a horse rather than just paying for it. I really feel that those who do it themselves, come to appreciate the efforts it takes far more than those who sign the check.

Be nice to your trainers, they work hard. 🙂

Credit goes to:
Katy Negranti Performance Horsemanship https://www.facebook.com/share/1BPC3yLZYx/

25/02/2025

100% agree with this. Getting on and just riding through it is not necessary the best option. Poor horse and good for them for listening

24/02/2025

Yay! We love it when you're in town!!!

24/02/2025

I'm really excited to announce my newest sponsorship with Nightfall Bookkeeping. If you know me personally at all, you know bookkeeping and me do not mesh. I have worked with a couple bookkeeping services in the past and while they have done a wonderful job, not one has connected with me on the level that Jennifer has.

In our short time working together she has been highly professional and prompt, easy to talk with and personable. Above all else she has been compassionate and provided a level of humanity that has been refreshing. She took a good look at a very candid and truthful reveal of where I needed support and where I am lacking in my business. Her approach was very much, let me come along side you and support and help. Absolutely zero judgement for not being an expert in her field and fumbling in this area of my business.

The level of peace I have about her and her business is really refreshing and I am beyond thrilled to be partnering with her. If you need bookkeeping help, please don't hesitate to reach out. Jennifer is easy to talk to and supportive!!

I'm excited for the transformational peace she will be bringing to my life in this area. It has been long overdue.

21/02/2025

This is good for all riders to remember

19/02/2025

Very well written, love this!!

18/02/2025

⭐️ Loki ⭐️

Loki is a 17 year old, 17 hand, TB gelding who is looking for his next zip code. He has an extensive 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. He handles pressure well and would a lovely low level dressage horse. 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!

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!