This Valentine’s Day live was very on brand for us… horse time at the barn! We had a very patient Future wearing bows, ribbons, and full Valentine’s Day decorations (please tell me in the comments… on a scale of 1–10, how fabulous was he).

The real theme was something I talk about all the time: learning to love your ride. Because when you don’t know what to do, you don’t feel safe, and you can’t communicate clearly with your horse, it’s hard to truly enjoy it. But when you have a plan and you understand the “why,” riding becomes fun again and you start feeling that connection we’re all chasing.

We focused on the four pillars that I use as my foundation every single ride (no matter the horse or the level):

• Groundwork
• Independent seat
• The aids
• Exercises

Thank you for spending part of your Valentine’s Day with us!

Happy riding,

Amelia

PS. And if you’re wanting a clear, supportive way to build those foundations, this is exactly what my new program is built around: 30 Days to Dressage Foundations with Amelia. It officially starts March 1st and it’s designed as a 30 day kickstart to get you feeling confident and ready for spring and summer riding.

Last night we had so much fun with For the Love of the Horse – You CAN Ride Dressage Trivia Night, hosted by Nicole.

It was such a lighthearted and energizing way to celebrate Valentine’s weekend together. We tested our knowledge on dressage terms, basics, and key concepts, and it was amazing to see how much everyone already knows… and how much we’re all still learning.

What I loved most was the feeling of community. Riders at all different stages coming together, laughing, thinking, learning, and just enjoying the process. That’s what this sport is really about. Loving our horses. Loving the journey. And realizing that yes, you can ride dressage.

I hope you play along and see how many you get right 😉

So grateful for this community 💛

Amelia

PS, check out my FREE PDF "10 Dressage Terms Every Rider Should Know"!

This episode kicks off our Valentine’s Day weekend series, and it’s all about the love of the horse and what actually makes riders successful in dressage.

We share three simple truths.

• Dressage benefits every horse, physically and mentally, no matter their breed or “type.”
• Kicking and pulling doesn’t create harmony, so if you feel stuck in that cycle, it’s a sign to pause and change the approach.
• And lessons matter, but they can’t be the only thing, because progress comes faster when you’re also learning between rides through good education, ideas, and a system you can follow.

You’ll also hear some of our favourite transformation stories, including Sparky and Chocolate, plus a really helpful reminder about not over facing your horse. Break everything into smaller pieces, build confidence, and let it take the time it takes.

We answer some great community questions too, why so many riders feel stuck at Training and First Level, and how judges score tests. The big takeaway is to keep measuring you versus you, use feedback as information, and stay focused on the journey with your horse.

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS tonight, Friday Feb 13th, Nicole is hosting a fun trivia night, if you want to join that live you can join it here on YouTube, then Saturday we’re live from the barn, and Sunday we’re back again for another live chat.

And don’t forget to share why you love to ride with #ILoveRiding for a chance to win enrollment in 30 Days to Dressage Foundations with Amelia 💛

This week’s Q&A was a mix of real-life Florida barn chaos updates (frozen pipes, frozen water, and Germán learning how to break ice for horses 😅) and a really useful training discussion on how to shape your rides for progress.

Germán kicked things off with a short reading on the theory of the aids, and we talked about how good riding comes down to clarity, consistency, and (most importantly) timing. We covered why your aids shouldn’t be “on” all the time, how to get your horse truly in front of the leg, and why your seat can either allow the movement through… or block everything.

Then we answered rider questions on:

• How to make a plan for your ride (and adjust it when your horse tells you the plan isn’t happening today)
• What to do when you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start (hint: come back to rhythm and the basics)
• How to use the whip effectively for a laid-back horse without creating resistance (and my simple whip “re-sensitizing” exercise)

I hope this helps you go into your next ride with a clearer plan and a better feel for what to focus on first.

Next week we’ve got a little Valentine’s weekend series with extra lives and a “love of the horse” theme planned, stay tuned!

Amelia

PS. Download my free 10 Dressage Terms PDF here!

This week’s live was a fun mix of posting trot chat, Strides Q&As, some Florida move updates, and of course a little groundwork talk.

We covered how to post without slapping down into the saddle, why sitting trot is better with shorter, high quality moments, and how to think about lengthening the trot as longer steps rather than just faster steps. We also touched on simple rider focus points like looking through your horse’s ears to help with straightness, plus a few easy groundwork ideas to support your horse’s back and topline.

I shared a little bit about my free “10 terms every rider should know” PDF, breaking down common dressage jargon in a clear, simple way, and a sneak peek at a new course coming soon that builds on topline, throughness, and correct basics.

Enjoy the episode, and thank you for being here!

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS. Download that "10 Terms Every Rider Should Know" here!

This week’s Q&A was a fun mix of behind the scenes Florida move updates, rider position chat, and a really great discussion on groundwork.

We talked about using the inside leg on a circle and why it isn’t something you hold on constantly. Instead, the idea is a "breathing leg" so your horse stays responsive and balanced. From there we break down the “point and shoot” idea for turning, pointing the line of travel first, then sending the horse forward from a balanced moment with the legs while the hands allow.

We also answer questions about half halts on hot horses, there’s a great discussion around fussy contact and we share why groundwork and lunging can be such a helpful support for horses that are still finding their balance.

We touch on simple ways to release tension in your lower back, including an easy stretch at the walk and the wood and jelly idea to help you notice when you’re locking up. We also reflect on why groundwork matters so much, not just for training, but for real life moments like travel, loading, and busy environments, when you really need your horse to feel confident and connected.

Thanks so much for listening and being part of this community. I’m really grateful you’re here.

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS. Sunday is the last day to join the Groundwork Superpack, check it out here!

In this live Q and A, we talk about rider straightness and symmetry and why it is such an ongoing conversation for every horse and rider. This session blends rider position, training priorities, and a deeper look at how groundwork supports both safety and progress.

Straightness Begins With Suppleness

We discuss why straightness cannot be forced. Bend and suppleness have to come first, whether you are working from the ground or under saddle. Without that foundation, riding straight often creates tension instead of balance.

Groundwork as a Foundation and Safety Net

Groundwork plays a bigger role than many riders realize. It can help prevent accidents, give you options when something feels off, and allow you to address connection, bend, and mental focus before getting on. Groundwork also helps you safely manage your horses energy.

Sitting to the Inside

A key part of this Q and A focuses on rider symmetry, especially sitting to the inside seat bone. We talk about why this matters on circles, in lateral work, and in the canter.

Progress Over Perfection

Straightness is something every horse and rider continues to refine over time. Awareness, patience, and consistent basics make the biggest difference.

Thank you so much for being here and for all the thoughtful questions.

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS If you have not already, make sure to RSVP for tomorrow’s groundwork webinar. We will be diving deeper into how groundwork supports safety, connection, and better rides overall.

In last night's session, we dove into some topics that can truly unlock your riding success: the importance of soft, effective aids, developing rhythm & suppleness, and building balance in your horse.

We explored how to apply your leg aids without creating tension. It’s all about practicing and finding the right balance: applying the aid and then softening immediately. Consistency is key—it’s about being aware of your body and rhythm while giving your horse the right amount of support.

To get your horse to move from their hindquarters in a balanced and supple way, you need to feel the rhythm. When practicing the sitting trot, the trick is to stay relaxed and in rhythm—feel your hips move with the horse’s back while your elbows follow their neck. Keep practicing at the trot, maintaining soft contact. The key to success? Stay consistent with your aids and rhythm, and stay mindful of your seat.

We also answer some questions from our nwe Strides members: How do I make sure my horse isn't heavy on the forehand in the stretch circle? How do I prepare for a right canter departure? And more!

I am so glad to have welcomed so many new Strides members after bootcamp, thank you for being a part of the Strides community. I'm excited for everything that’s coming this year. We’ve got so much in store, including special guest speakers and new exercises for you to dive into.

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS. Make sure you RSVP for my Groundwork Webinar coming Saturday 17th Jan at 8am PT.