Interview with Suzanne Destefano, Feldenkrais Practitioner and Dressage Trainer/Rider

Stephany and Aviva catch up on their own pony journeys, with Aviva dealing with yet more snow and Stephany recounting how her latest lessons went with Kathy Connelly.  We get a really great question for “Ask the L” about corners, and as usual, Aviva makes it so much more digestible!  We have a word from Purina, who is the sponsor of this month’s podcast.  In this episode, Stephany and Aviva chat with Suzanne DeStefano, a Pennsylvania based Feldenkrais practitioner and dressage rider/trainer.  We delve into the mysterious question of “what IS Feldenkrais?” and get some examples of how it can help people, both in and out of the saddle.  We discuss the founder, Moishe Feldenkrais, and how he came to develop this interesting way of helping people get more in touch with their bodies.  We got to hear how Suzanne’s personal journey in riding led her to discovering this modality, and how it has shaped both her riding and her practice with other riders.  It is an interesting practice, and one that some of our listeners might find valuable if they are struggling with their own riding journey.  Take a listen!Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected])Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Suzanne DeStefano, Feldenkrais Practitioner and Dressage Trainer/RiderLink: Video Subscription SiteToday's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, sponsored by EQUESTRIAN+, our interview is with Aviva herself! We talked about how she started riding, what prompted her to fall in love with dressage, the decisions she’s made and the horses she’s loved—all the pieces that have shaped her career. Aviva also shared her experience representing the U.S. at the Maccabee Games in Israel, and what it meant to her. We finished up by chatting about what she’s doing with her current horses and encouraging her to stay in the game until she and her horse Tiger do their Century Ride.Additionally, cohost Stephany Fish Crossman shares how her sessions with renowned dressage trainer Kathy Connelly are going, the ups and the downs experienced in the sport and new learning opportunities. In our “Ask the L” segment, Aviva explains how to determine when you’re ready to progress from First to Second Level and provides tips on what judges want to see to know you’re in the right place. It was a blast catching up with our hosts, and we hope you enjoy getting to know them better!This month's podcast was sponsored by Equestrian+. From short training tips to how-to videos and insider-access to private clinics and lessons, learn from top dressage experts with EQUESTRIAN+. Watch exclusive interviews and lectures, slow motion demonstrations and step-by-step tutorials taught by top-level pros and explore cross-discipline topics such as groundwork, rider fitness and stable management. Visit equestrianplus.com to sign up for a 7-day free trial with subscription.  Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected])Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestLink: Video Subscription SiteToday's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

Aviva and Stephany catch up on what is going on with them, and Stephany has some exciting news about a grant she received from The Dressage Foundation! Next, Aviva gives us input on how to improve your leg yield from the point of view at C, in our Ask the L segmentWe have a word from our sponsor, Purina and then we step into interviews from USDF Convention. Stephany interviews Lindsay Burns from GDCTA in Region 3. Lindsay is a first time convention attendee, and she talks about what she has learned at Convention, why she came and what kind of things she is taking home, both for herself and for her local GMO. Next Stephany talks with Rosa Meehan and Hilary Starzynski, President and VP of Alaska Dressage Association. Rosa was the Region 6 Volunteer of the Year, so she and Hilary decided to make the big trek down to Houston to receive her award in person! We talk about all things Alaska and dressage – when and how they ride, challenges and solutions for doing dressage in Alaska, and what they thought about the Convention. We hope you enjoy the listen, and that you too may be energized to come to USDF Convention next year in Kentucky!Connect with Hosts:Aviva Nebesky, [email protected] Fish Crossman, [email protected]: Lindsay Burns from GDCTA in Region 3Guests: Rosa Meehan and Hilary Starzynski, President and VP of Alaska Dressage Association

Aviva and Stephany discuss the latest L question from Sasha regarding how to ride the shallow loop in Training Level Test 3.  We go to commercial from our sponsor, Equithrive, on its supplements to make your horse’s life better and your life easier! Aviva and Stephany interview Mary Wanless, the creator of the Ride With Your Mind Rider Biomechanics system.  We talk about how Mary got started, how her program differs from the usual training people receive and how it can be an asset to any rider.  We discuss her many ways of connecting to people, including books, DVD series, her podcast and her DressageTraining.TV.  Mary talks about the differences in learning through her methods of teaching compared to a “normal” dressage lesson.  Connect with HostAviva Nebesky, [email protected] Fish Crossman, [email protected]

Welcome to the Training Buzz sponsored by Purina. Hear a bit from retired FEI 5* judge Axel Steiner as he challenges a rider to ride without stirrups as she schools First and Second Level movements on a schoolmaster. He suggests practicing this skill to work on the rider’s position and help activate the rider’s core muscles during the training session.Members of Equestrian+ can watch the full video with Steiner here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.About This Episode's Sponsor, PurinaConfidently address your horse's unique weight needs and help optimize their overall wellbeing with research-proven Purina Animal Nutrition feeds—designed by passionate equine nutritionists. Partner with Purina to nourish your horse to their optimal body condition. Explore weight management resources for your horse today at purinamills.com/feed-finder.You can also follow @purinafeedgreatness on Instagram and @PurinaHorse on Facebook.

Welcome to the Training Buzz sponsored by Cosequin. Hear a bit from FEI dressage rider and trainer Ashley Donadt as she shares strategies for dealing with competition nerves. She discusses acknowledging the source of your nerves to help take away their power, looking at the physical effects nerves have on your body and thinking about how your nerves are affecting your horse.Members of Equestrian+ can watch the full video with Donadt here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.COSEQUIN®, the #1 veterinarian-recommended joint health supplement brand, is excited to bring you, COSEQUIN® ASU Balance. This formula supports joint, immune, and digestive health. COSEQUIN® ASU Balance helps moderate the inflammatory responses that can cause immune and GI tract disturbances through the innovative inclusion of postbiotics and beta-glucans. The formula also includes the joint support COSEQUIN® is known for, with ingredients such as ASU, Hyaluronic Acid, and Boswellia serrata Extract. With over 30 years behind the COSEQUIN® name, you can rely on COSEQUIN® products when performance matters. To learn more, speak with your veterinarian or visit Cosequin.com. 

REVISIT (Originally released as Season 3, Episode 31 on December 27, 2022) Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Purina. In the last episode of 2022, Stephanie and Aviva reflect on the year, and Aviva answers a tough question about keeping older horses supple. Then together they interview Stephany Fish Crossman, an accredited biomechanics trainer based in Brooksville, Florida who also has a popular series of videos that covers a wide range of riders and breeders our subscription video site, Dressage Today OnDemand.Stephany Fish Crossman began riding as a young girl in Maine. By eighteen, she discovered Dressage and left college to join Michael Poulin as a working student. After a successful management career in Florida's hospitality industry, working for a large, small, and exotic animal vet, and grooming for Jane Savoie, Stephany attended the now defunct International Academy of Equestrian Studies in Warendorf, Germany where she graduated with her National Trainer Certificate. She is a USDF bronze and silver medalist as well as one of only nine accredited coaches for Mary Wanless' Ride With Your Mind Biomechanics System in the U.S. In addition to her Dressage and Biomechanics background, Stephany furthers her knowledge of how horses think and how to work best with them by working with Harry Whitney, a little known horsemanship treasure based in Arizona. She is currently based in Brooksville, FL with her husband Chris, who is a cattle rancher, her two horses that she’s up the levels, and her pet cows.Connect with HostAviva Nebesky [email protected] Fish Crossman, [email protected]

Welcome to the Training Buzz sponsored by Purina. Hear a bit from dressage and horsemanship trainer Monique Potts as she works with a rider on a horse that gets easily distracted by new objects. She has the rider pay attention to the horse’s ears. When they fixate on something, then the rider needs to do an exercise like a small circle or transition to get the ears to switch back to the rider.Members of Equestrian+ can watch the full video on riding a distracted horse with Potts here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.Confidently address your horse's unique weight needs and help optimize their overall wellbeing with research-proven Purina Animal Nutrition feeds — designed by passionate equine nutritionists. Partner with Purina to nourish your horse to their optimal body condition. Explore weight management resources for your horse today at purinamills.com/feed-finder.You can also follow @purinafeedgreatness on Instagram and @PurinaHorse on Facebook.

Welcome to the Training Buzz sponsored by Horse Week. hear a bit from dressage and event rider Chelsea Canedy as she leads a short, guided meditation to realign yourself before interacting with your horse. She helps get you to a place where you can find stillness and internal quiet and locate that gratitude for your horse and your time with him.Members of Equestrian+ can watch the full video with Canedy here. Not a member? Sign up for a free trial with subscription. Enter DTPODCAST at checkout to save 15% on your first month.Celebrate the splendor of horses during Horse Week! Join us for the ultimate equine celebration during the Horse Week Film Festival, brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim, October 20-26, 2024. This extraordinary event unites horse enthusiasts from around the globe in a free weeklong online film festival dedicated to the awe-inspiring world of horses. Sign up for our free newsletter to stay in the know and tune in live October 20-26 at horseweek.tv.

Aviva and Stephany discuss the latest L question from Nancy regarding the judge's comments about her pony’s poll being too low. We go to commercial from our sponsor, Purina, on Empowering Excellence in Every Horse. Aviva and Stephany interview Amy Bradley Swerdlin, the 2024 Grand Prix Champion at U.S. Equestrian’s Dressage Festival of Champions in August at Lamplight Equestrian Facility in Illinois. We talk about her journey with her partner Quiliuete from birth to Grand Prix excellence and all things in between. We also talk with Amy about her future plans and her work with USDF. Listen in...Connect with HostAviva Nebesky [email protected] Fish Crossman, [email protected]