Dressage with Amelia – Details, episodes & analysis

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.