This week we are zeroing in on controlling the shoulders - how your rein placement, leg aids, and bend keep the forehand on track - plus quick coaching on rehab riding, stiff-sided horses, and whether (or not) to show. 30 Days to Round is underway, and the first live call covered what “forward” really means (spoiler: not just faster).

Highlights

• Hands: Left hand stays left, right stays right—no crossing. Ride leg to hand with an elastic feel.
• Legs = rails: Inside leg creates bend; outside leg + outside rein control the outside shoulder so it doesn’t leak out.
• Rehab on straight lines: Ride shoulder-fore left, then right along the same long side; add only big circles if allowed.
• Stiff on one side: Start with 5 minutes of groundwork (turns on the forehand), then ride and change direction often (hard → easy → hard).
• “I get it, then lose it”: Return to the sequence: Groundwork → Forward → Bend → Round. Small correct moments build topline strength.

30 Days to Round Recap

• Our first live lecture was all about Forward and the recording is now available. Next up is Aids for Roundness on Monday 22nd! I cannot wait for this lecture!

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS. There's still time to join 30 Days to Round and catch all of the incredible lectures and content! Check it out here!

This week we dove into what “connection” really looks and feels like—and how to build it step by step so roundness becomes reliable, rideable, and safe. We also kicked off our favorite event of the year: 30 Days to Round starts Sunday, and riders are already reporting softer, more forward, rounder horses just from working through the prep exercises.

Highlights

• Contact vs. Connection
• Contact = taking the slack out of the reins with elastic feel.
• Connection = whole-horse throughness: hind leg → back → hand, a steady flow of energy.
• Why roundness matters?
• Safer, more maneuverable horses with lifted backs and engaged hindquarters. Hollow = “hammock” back and defensive mindset; round = strong “arch” and relaxed, focused brain.
• The system that works (for real horses). We walked through the four phases we teach in 30 Days to Round:

1. Groundwork: wake up the topline, keep rides safe, teach the aids first.
2. Forward: effective on–off leg (no nagging).
3. Bend (the forgotten ingredient) to dissolve resistance and invite self-carriage.
4. Round: the result of the first three.

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS. Are you going to join us for 30 Days to Round? We start Sunday 14th, with Orientation at 12noon PT. With weekly live training sessions, weekly Q&A's, and the chance to win a share of the $10,000 prize fund, we'd love for you to join us! Check out 30 Days to Round here!

Did you watch this week's YouTube video? Germán and I have been giving each other lessons this week! In this week's video Germán is riding Poppy and working on the leg yield to the canter, it's a super exercise for helping the inside hind be a little more engaged. It can really help you get the correct lead or if you are having trouble with canter transitions or your horse tends to throw their head up. We also got to answer some great questions that came in from you all too!

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS. Don't forget to sign up for my Training Scale Webinar on Sunday 20th July!

Check out the replay of Amelia's latest Groundwork webinar only available for a limited time!

https://amelianewcombdressage.com/groundwork-essentials-webinar-replay/

Discover and Enroll in Groundwork Essentials: https://amelianewcombdressage.com/groundwork-essentials/

Tune into hear all about Amelia and Germán's trip to Hawaii and why Amelia can't wait for the groundwork webinar this weekend!

Have you saved your seat for the FREE webinar? Join us on Sunday, November 12: https://amelianewcombdressage.com/free-groundwork-webinar/

Join a special episode of Dressage with Amelia on a Sunday! Tune in to hear reflections from Amelia's time taking lessons this weekend, attending a schooling show, and of course, answering audience questions.

Tune into this special edition of Dressage with Amelia to hear all about reflections from the 2023 30 Days to Round Challenge! Hear the winners of the challenged announced live and learn more about their stories. Congratulations to all of the 30 Days to Round participants!

Check out the 30 Days to Round wrap-up video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL7nzK7E3O8

Sign up to be notified about the next 30 Days to Round challenge here: https://amelianewcombdressage.com/30-days-to-round/

In this week's episode, listen in as Amelia reflects on a successful clinic in Colorado! Amelia taught riders from Intro level through FEI riders. She and Germán discuss how they select the specific exercises they choose to work on when training their horses and students. Hear more about how choosing patterns can help practice getting your horse on your aids. Tune in to hear questions answered from the audience.

In this week's episode, Amelia talks about Spooky Season and the #SpookyChallenge in Amelia's Dressage Club Facebook Group. She discusses what to do when your horses are spooking, if you fall off, and how to be safe and enjoy your horse. Amelia also reflects on a recent lesson she had with one of her horses.

On this week's episode Amelia discusses what her mission of Dressage for All means to her. Hear more about why dressage is beneficial for all riding disciplines. Amelia answers audience questions and discusses topics like riding effective patterns and figures, how to make groundwork impactful, and more.

In this week's episode, Amelia introduces her brand new free resource focuses on ground manners and discusses the importance of ground manners and groundwork. Amelia answers audience questions and shares tips on how to plan a training session: how to approach your warm up and how long a training session should be.

Today is the day! The 30 Days to Round challenge starts TODAY! Tune into this week's episode of Dressage with Amelia where Amelia and German talk about the challenge and answer audience questions.

It's not too late! Get in on all the fun (and transform your riding!) and join the challenge today: https://amelianewcombdressage.com/30-days-to-round/

Tune into this week's episode to hear Amelia's lessons and reflections from her recent horse show, hear about the benefits of learning in a dressage community, and hear more about the 30 Days to Round challenge!

https://amelianewcombdressage.com/30-days-to-round/

Have you watched this week's YouTube Video yet? Watch it here, see Germán working on transitions with Poppy to help his connection and balance with her!

We had a quick recap on Bootcamp, we had the most epic week, I loved seeing everyone's progress, and I think my favorite part was seeing everyone's posts with their #ilovemyhorse comments and photos!

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS. This month's Strides topic is Rhythm, Tempo & Stride Length, if you haven't joined Strides yet, you can check it out here. 

The most effective program to get your horse on the bit. Join the 30 Days to Round challenge today!

https://amelianewcombdressage.com/30-days-to-round/

Tune in and hear Amelia explain why roundness and your horse's frame is important.

Tune into this special episode of Dressage with Amelia! Amelia shares updates about the horse show and a story about her once labeled "problem horse", Geronimo.

Amelia credits Geronimo for changing her life and her views as a horse woman. Listen in to hear how her experiences with Geronimo inform her training philosophies and strategies with working with students.

Learn these training steps and how to communicate with your horse better and join the 30 Days to Round Challenge today!! https://amelianewcombdressage.com/30-days-to-round/?fbclid=IwAR0d22pWJX25lvkaXfdIkeBxLEiam3mB-bJNDaZ9uMwwB9SzE8qwj-5YUrQ

Join for the latest episode of Dressage with Amelia! Amelia and German answer audience questions and share why they are excited for the 30 Days to Round Challenge.

Enrollment in the Challenge is open NOW! Join us using this link: https://amelianewcombdressage.com/30-days-to-round/

We've all been there - you had a bad ride on your horse and got a little frustrated. In this week's episode, Amelia talks about what to do when you have a bad ride and how to make a plan to move forward. She also discusses the concept of "frame" - what this means and why it is important to ride your horse in a correct frame. Be sure to download Amelia's new free resource to assess your horse's frame and to get ready for the 30 Days to Round Challenge that begins next month!

Free Contact & Connection Resource: https://amelianewcombdressage.com/free-contact-connection-webinar-worksheet/

Have a question that you want Amelia to answer Live? Join Amelia's Dressage Club on Facebook and submit your question for her to answer every week!

This week Amelia is tuning in from spending a week away with her three horses training and taking lessons. In this episode she discusses the importance of learning and education in dressage and answers questions.

Join Amelia and Germán for this week's Q&A session! They answer our audience's questions and discuss the "erase the chalkboard" concept, the importance of clear aids and introduce a new and exciting new resource on Contact & Connection.

Check out the new FREE Contact & Connection resource here and follow along as you listen:

https://amelianewcombdressage.com/free-contact-connection-webinar-worksheet/

This week is all about half-halts! Join Amelia and German as they discuss this complicated, but critical, component of dressage. Tune in to hear more about how Amelia explains riding a half-halt and answers questions from the audience.

In this episode, Amelia and German share tips and the benefits of watching videos of yourself ride and learning how to plan your ride ahead of time. They also discuss selecting new saddles for their horses and answer questions about rider position, collected canter, connection, and more. We also get to hear their plans for their weekend boating trip.

In this episode, German tells a few fish stories, and they talk about the summer heat. We also get to hear their favorite hot weather riding tips. We also get some tips on executing proper circles, extending the trot, and more!

It's a webinar weekend! If you've ever wanted insight into how dressage horses are produced up the levels, don't miss Amelia's Training Scale Webinar this Sunday June 25th!

Here's the webinar link if you need it: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85241763295?pwd=SU9HZEZFRHJpNTYzbHRBcjY4RExjUT09

night's live we had a super quick session as we have so much prep to do for tomorrow's Bootcamp session, we're going to be doing an epic demonstration on riding position so I hope to see you there!

If you're not registered for Bootcamp, sign up here so you can come tomorrow!

In this episode, German and Amelia recap of horse shows and the Western States Horse Expo. Amelia shares insights into the difference between nerves and anxiety, how to channel nervousness, and how this applies to horses. German's shares throughness insights from his clinic, there's a training scale preview, and of course they answer live questions!

Don't forget to RSVP for the FREE Training Scale Webinar here:

https://amelianewcombdressage.com/free-training-scale-webinar/

This is a special episode! The winners of the 30 Day Rider Position Challenge will be revealed and of course so much more!

The next BIG thing is the Dressage Training Scale Masterclass! Be sure to sign up for the FREE webinar and PDF at www.amelianewcombdressage.com! If you've ever struggled advancing your horse up the levels, this is a course that promises to break that process down for you!

In this episode, Amelia and German share their adventures and some announcements! Amelia's heading to Tennessee for a Clinic! There's a new Training Scale PDF available on Amelia's website that is SO amazing and helpful! We also learn about German's famous fish tacos! Some questions about showing are discussed, canter problems, and so much more!

In this episode, get a preview of the upcoming Western States Expo Clinic, where Amelia will be presenting lectures on suppleness and more with demo riders, German reads an excerpt from a new book, "Breaking and Riding," and Amelia and German answer you questions, as always!

Join the dream team of German and Amelia as they discuss a new injury that has temporarily handicapped German, a little about the 30-Day Rider Position Challenge, and, of course, all of your questions!

To submit your questions, head over to the Amelia Newcomb Dressage page on Instagram or Facebook and post your question. Be sure to include #AskAmelia in the post!

In this episode, Amelia and Gérman recap their recent horseshow and share their horseshow tips, what they learn, and how they adjust to situations to help their horses. Some questions they address in this episode:

• warming up issues
• cavaletti work
• Inside leg to outside rein tips

and so much more!

We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to never miss an episode!

Click here to check out my FREE information on my website!

Join Amelia as she discusses rider position faults, the Rider Position Challenge, the importance of awareness of your position, and questions from listeners. Learn about developing a mantra of what you need to fix, the importance of positive instructions, and so much more! If you want to submit your question, please post them on my Facebook page with the #AskAmelia.

Improve your position in my CHALLENGE for the month of May! To join the Rider Position challenge, click here!

Rider position! It is KEY to achieving your goals and mastery of dressage. It should be a primary focus for everyone who rides! Learn a little more about the Webinar and the 30-Day Rider Position Challenge in this episode! If you're ready to sign up for the webinar (Sunday April 23rd at noon PT), click HERE. If you can't attend, please register via the link and a replay video will be sent out as soon as possible.

If you're ready to improve your position and commit to spending a month dedicated to making YOU a better rider, CLICK HERE and join us now!

Catch up with Amelia and Gérman as they recap their fantastic experience at the World Cup in Omaha, give insight into the importance of rider position, and review the upcoming rider position challenge! Don't miss the upcoming rider position webinar, available at this link! If you can't make it, the recording will be sent out:

https://amelianewcombdressage.com/free-rider-position-webinar-23/

This isn't episode from the FB LIVE, this is an exclusive interview! Amelia hosted a gathering of her students during the World Cup with some special guest appearances. In this podcast replay, Amelia conducts an interview with two of America's top Dressage riders during the World Cup competition at Omaha! Listen along to hear their stories, what they focus on, and what their horses mean to them. This is an inspiring and enlightening interview! Enjoy!

Last night Germán and I talked about how to ride in the arena with other riders. Nothing is worse than not knowing who has right of way, so we shared some important tips!

Bootcamp starts next Wednesday and we are SO excited, tune in to hear some important updates and see the schedule of events.

If you still need to RSVP, you can do so here!

Happy Riding,

Amelia

In this episode of Dressage with Amelia, Amelia & German discuss plans for Omaha, help with half halts, the history of Q and how to help sensitive horses, and more (including what it's like to bike or hike with dressage riders...)

We hope you enjoy this episode! Remember that you can submit your questions by using the hashtag #AskAmelia or emailing support@amelianewcombdressage.com

In this episode, Amelia and German revisit a great topic: leg yields! Some of the things you will get to hear in this episode:

• Recap of Frankie's performance with German from the show
• Leg yield theory
• Challenges in leg yields
• Tips for teaching the leg yield
• What can leg yields improve in horses

If you're interested in learning more about leg yields and learning some useful exercises about leg yields, check out Amelia's workshop on leg yields! It's on sale right now: Leg Yield Workshop

Listen on the go as Amelia covers a bunch of topics! Among them:

• Upcoming Free Live Rider Position Lecture During the World Cup in Omaha (April 6, 9 am, Courtyard Marriott, Downtown Omaha)
• Help Your Friends Find My Content
• Engaging the Hind End YouTube Video
• Recap of the recent horseshow (spoiler alert: Harvey wins his FIRST Grand Prix test!)

and so much more...

ICMYI Live, here's the podcast version of Dressage with Amelia! In this episode, Amelia & German discuss bending aids and how the outside leg in the bend differs from the aid to canter, how to use your reins when bending, how to strength a horse who is being rehabbed, and how they got started in Dressage, and much more!

Enjoy and SHARE this podcast!

Listen along with Amelia and German as they discussion flying changes, challenges people face with them, and challenges they've overcome, along with questions submitted online!

If you want to sign up for the Flying Changes Course, ACT FAST, because enrollment closes Saturday 24 Feb 23!

Here's the link if you need it!

https://amelianewcombdressage.com/flying-changes-course/

In this episode, Amelia is in San Diego with JoElyn! You will hear all about the wildly popular webinar coming up this Sunday on Flying Changes (sign up here: https://amelianewcombdressage.com/free-flying-changes-webinar-reserve-your-spot/)

And as always, Amelia answers all of your questions including:

• position questions
• What to do in a test when things go wrong
• tension in transitions

and so much more!

Enjoy and subscribe so you never miss a podcast!

In this week's episode, German made a dressage arena on a whiteboard and gives a geometry lesson and a math class to help you learn how to ride accurate figures in a dressage arena!

Improve your scores by fixing your geometry in your tests! German shares some great tips on how to figure out where the marks for accurate circles are. And not just circles, but many figures are discussed! This is dressage gold!

Amelia gives some insight into her upcoming webinar on Flying Changes. (Sign up here for the webinar on Feb 19th)

If you'd like to help support Amelia's effort to bring you content, please consider supporting her through Patreon here:

http://www.patreon.com/amelianewcombdressage

Amelia and German host another awesome episode of the Live Q & A. The share some of the best horse advice they've gotten and that people have shared. Questions this episode include:

• how to help a cold backed horse
• how to turn the outside of the horse
• looking up advice
• side reins and their uses
• and so much more...including excerpts from Maj. Andres Lindgren's classic book, "Teaching Exercises"

Among the many gems this week: "Things take time"...write it down :)

Join in as Amelia and German host another episode of Dressage with Amelia! German talks us through his now-famous circle video in this week's video (and there's more to come!). They tackle questions including judging theory, trainer-student mindset, relaxation and rewarding your horse, stretching forward and down, and so much more! If you want to submit your question, please use the hashtag #AskAmelia on our YouTube or Facebook pages or email your question us at support@amelianewcombdressage.com!

Join Amelia and German as they have another great round of Dressage with Amelia. This time, they're talking about so many interesting topics including a sweet tribute to Sue Wells, riding with other trainers, a recap of the CDS Symposium, and so much more. Submit your questions on the Amelia Newcomb Dressage Facebook Page using the Hashtag #AskAmelia

It's the last few days to sign up for the Groundwork Masterclass, so this episode is dedicated to a sneak preview of the class, feedback from some of the enrolled students, and your groundwork and masterclass questions! The class closes for the YEAR on 14th Jan., so we hope to see you there!!

Amelia and German share stories of horses past, and answer questions from Facebook and Live Chat viewers! Get ready for another awesome year with Amelia!

He's baaaack..German joins again for the final dressage q&A of the year! Don't miss the fun-filled year in review podcast edition!