788: USDF Report with Amy Ekelman, Anne Sushko on Volunteering, Shannon Warner Reports on CA Season - The Dressage Radio Show

Amy Ekelman, Senior Education Administrative & Programs Coordinator at the USDF, shares the latest news from USDF and highlights educational opportunities. USDF Gold Medal trainer Shannon Warner to talks about heading west for a winter season of training and competition in California. The Dressage Foundation's Judith Noone Volunteer Award recipient Anne Sushko, shares her experiences in the dressage community and what this recognition means to her.GUESTS AND LINKS DRESSAGE EPISODE 788:Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | FacebookGuest: Amy Ekelman, USDF r. Education Administrative & Programs Coordinator - FacebookGuest: Shannon Warner - Facebook Guest: Anne Sushko - Facebook Book Club: How to Ride the Horse You thought you Bought by Anne BuchananDressage Radio Show: Website | FacebookPlease visit our sponsors, who make all this possible: Kentucky Performance Products, & Horse Radio Network!

This episode dives into the California dressage scene!We chat with Ashlyn De Groot Dodge about being selected for the Dr. Ulf & Eva Möller Young Horse Symposium and riding her amazing horse Odessa, sharing her experience and key takeaways. Next, McKenzie Milburn talks about her experiences at the symposium and the 2026 USEF Dressage Training Series – West Coast in Del Mar, CA, giving insight into high-level competition and training. Finally, we hear from a high-performance rider Rebecca Rigdon on organizing, riding, and everything involved in the Young Horse Symposium, offering a behind-the-scenes look at being super woman!GUESTS AND LINKS DRESSAGE EPISODE 788:Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | FacebookGuest: Ashlyn De Groot Dodge - Facebook | InstagramGuest: Mckenzie Milborn - Facebook | InstagramGuest: Rebecca Rigdon- Website | FacebookBook Club: How to Ride the Horse You thought you Bought by Anne BuchananDressage Radio Show: Website | FacebookPlease visit our sponsors, who make all this possible: Kentucky Performance Products, DressageToday+, & USRider!

In this month’s episode, Stephany and Aviva interview their first Hometown Hero, Anne Mouen Stahl. With more than forty years of experience teaching both amateur and professional riders, Anne has come to appreciate the profound importance of establishing a strong, reliable foundation in every rider’s training. She has been fortunate to train horses and riders through every level of dressage, from Training Level to Grand Prix. This breadth of experience has given her a deep understanding of how to guide riders in the correct execution of dressage exercises as they advance—from the early education of the young horse to the refined work required of the elite dressage athlete.Anne has a wide background of Dressage education, from riding at Morven Park International Equestrian Center after college to working with various trainers at Tempel Lippizans to her favorite mentor Juan Matute, and has a deep love of bringing horses of all types along, whether they were the typical or atypical horse for Dressage. She uses a progressive, gymnastic approach to developing the dressage horse allows riders to gain a clear and lasting understanding of the fundamental principles of training under her careful systematic training.We enjoyed getting to know Anne, and we thank Nancy Gilby for submitting her as her hero!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: Anne Mouen Stahl, Rosehill DressageLink: Video Subscription SiteLink: Kentucky Performance ProductsOur Sponsor this month: KPP and their product Elevate®

Reese & Megan bring you three thoughtful and inspiring conversations from across the dressage community — from goal-setting and mindset, to perseverance, to top-level competition success.Reese and Megan kick things off with Ruth Hogan Poulsen, creator of The Dressage Rider’s Journal 2026. Ruth shares the inspiration behind the journal, how riders can use reflection and intention to support their training, and why mindset and consistency are just as important as time in the saddle. A great conversation for riders at every level looking to be more thoughtful and purposeful in their training year.Next, we sit down with Carly, who shares her personal journey in the dressage industry and what perseverance has meant throughout her career. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Carly runs her own farm and training program and talks candidly about the challenges, growth, and determination it takes to build something of your own — and keep going when the path isn’t easy.We wrap up the episode with Meagan Davis, who reflects on her incredible Florida season with her homebred partner Toronto Lightfoot. Meagan shares highlights from the season, what went into their preparation, and what it means to see long-term development pay off in the show ring. An inspiring look at partnership, patience, and performance at the top level.GUESTS AND LINKS DRESSAGE EPISODE 787:Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | FacebookGuest: Ruth Holgen Paulson - Book | FacebookGuest: Carly Collari - Website | Facebook | InstagramGuest: Meagan Davis - Website | Facebook | InstagramBook Club: How to Ride the Horse You thought you Bought by Anne BuchananDressage Radio Show: Website | FacebookPlease visit our sponsors, who make all this possible: Kentucky Performance Products, & Horse Radio Network!

Reese and Megan kick off the show with a Florida season update and a conversation with Genay Vaughn to talk about her and Gino’s personal-best performances in the CDI 5*. Genay shares insight into their preparation, mindset, and what it means to achieve top results at the highest level of the sport. Reese and Megan chat with Hannah Irons about her experience riding in the FEI Trainers Conference at High Meadow Farm, led by Olympic gold medalist Heike Kemmer and renowned judge Christof Umbach. Hannah reflects on the education, atmosphere, and value of learning from world-class horsemen. Hannah also recapped the wildly successful master class featuring dressage legends Kyra Kyrklund, Catherine Dufour, and Jan Brink. They discuss key takeaways, rider impact, and what made this educational event such a standout.GUESTS AND LINKS DRESSAGE EPISODE 786:Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | FacebookGuest: Genay Vaughn: Website | Facebook | InstagramGuest: Hannah Irons: Website | Facebook | InstagramBook Club: How to Ride the Horse You thought you Bought by Anne BuchananDressage Radio Show: Website | FacebookPlease visit our sponsors, who make all this possible: Kentucky Performance Products, & My New Horse.Advertise on Horse Radio Network Podcasts!

This month, we are bringing back an older interview from Stephanie Ruff and Aviva, where they interviewed Chelsey Canedy. The reason we are revisiting this interview is that Chelsey has a new book out, and we are looking forward to getting her BACK on the podcast to talk to us about her latest book. We thought it would be great for people to hear her original story so they could be up to date when we interview her later this year. Whether you heard it on the original interview or this is your first time hearing about Chelsey, we hope you enjoy this podcast! As always, if you enjoy the content we put out, please subscribe, hit the like button and share with your friends!We have received a few more L questions, but please keep them coming! You can submit L questions to Stephany or Aviva at any of their social media handles listed below!Dressage Today S7 E1 Show Notes:Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected]) | Plus, look them both up on Facebook!Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestGuest: Chelsey CanedyLink: TDF AuctionLink: Video Subscription SiteToday's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

We chat with FEI trainer Jordan LaPlaca about the importance of mental health, balance, and physical strength for riders, and how prioritizing the human side of the partnership can improve performance, confidence, and longevity in the sport. The conversation highlights how rider wellness directly affects the horse and why caring for the rider should be viewed as essential, not optional.GUESTS AND LINKS DRESSAGE EPISODE 785:Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | FacebookGuest: Jordan LaPlaca | FacebookGuest: Mackenzie Peer | Facebook | InstagramBook Club: How to Ride the Horse You thought you Bought by Anne BuchananDressage Radio Show: Website | FacebookPlease visit our sponsors, who make all this possible: Kentucky Performance Products, USRider Equestrian Motor PlanAdvertise on Horse Radio Network Podcasts!

The episode begins with highlights from the USDF Book Club panel, where Reese and Megan sat with author, Beth Baumert of When Two Minds Meet: The Mental Dynamics of Dressage. Together, they explore the powerful role of mindset, communication, and partnership in dressage — and what it truly means when horse and rider come together as one. Megan and Reese catch up with USDF President Kevin Reinig, who shares insights from the convention and offers a look ahead at what’s coming for USDF in 2026 and beyond, including key initiatives and future direction for the organization. To wrap up the episode, Reese and Megan sit down with Dr. Jane Manfredi for an important conversation inspired by her talk about endocrine disease and the equine athlete at the USDF Convention. Dr. Manfredi breaks down how hormonal health impacts performance, longevity, and overall well-being, offering valuable insights for riders, trainers, and owners alike. This episode brings together education, leadership, and horse health — all from the heart of the USDF Convention.Tune in and enjoy the ride with us!GUESTS AND LINKS DRESSAGE EPISODE 784:Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | FacebookGuest: USDF President Kevin Reinig | FacebookGuest: Dr. Jane ManfrediBook Club: Begin and Begin Again by Denny EmersonBonus Book: How Two Minds Meet: The Mental Dynamics of Dressage - Beth BaumertDressage Radio Show: Website | FacebookPlease visit our sponsors, who make all this possible: Kentucky Performance Products, Chewy!Advertise on Horse Radio Network Podcasts!

The episode begins with highlights from the USDF Book Club panel, where Reese and Megan sat with author, Beth Baumert of When Two Minds Meet: The Mental Dynamics of Dressage. Together, they explore the powerful role of mindset, communication, and partnership in dressage — and what it truly means when horse and rider come together as one. Megan and Reese catch up with USDF President Kevin Reinig, who shares insights from the convention and offers a look ahead at what’s coming for USDF in 2026 and beyond, including key initiatives and future direction for the organization. To wrap up the episode, Reese and Megan sit down with Dr. Jane Manfredi for an important conversation inspired by her talk about endocrine disease and the equine athlete at the USDF Convention. Dr. Manfredi breaks down how hormonal health impacts performance, longevity, and overall well-being, offering valuable insights for riders, trainers, and owners alike. This episode brings together education, leadership, and horse health — all from the heart of the USDF Convention.Tune in and enjoy the ride with us!GUESTS AND LINKS DRESSAGE EPISODE 784:Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | FacebookGuest: USDF President Kevin Reinig | FacebookGuest: Dr. Jane ManfrediBook Club: Begin and Begin Again by Denny EmersonBonus Book: How Two Minds Meet: The Mental Dynamics of Dressage - Beth BaumertDressage Radio Show: Website | FacebookPlease visit our sponsors, who make all this possible: Kentucky Performance Products, Chewy!Advertise on Horse Radio Network Podcasts!

This month is a little different for a couple of reasons – first, we do not have Ask the L question for the first time in a long time! Please, loyal listeners, send us your burning questions about showing, your tests, a specific movement or anything else that Aviva can answer in that segment!We introduce our new segment, Hometown Heroes – we are interested in hearing form our listeners about people in their world that have been a positive influence In their dressage journey. Even if they are not typical dressage people, send us your favorite hometown hero. We will select some of our favorites across 2026 and interview them!Aviva tells us all about her 5 day whirlwind tour of Israel, from the riders and horses to the amazing landscapes and the food – oh my goodness, the food! You can practically taste it through the recording!Stephany recaps her time at USDF Convention, including some potential rule changes that might affect you (we will know more after January!). We talk about the purpose and importance of Convention, reasons to go, and why it may be changing in the future.All in all, it is great to catch up with the ladies, and we encourage you to have a listen!As always, LIKE, share and subscribe to our podcast! We love hearing from our listeners, so here is how to get in touch...Dressage Today S6 E13 Show Notes:Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected]) | Plus, look them both up on Facebook!Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | PinterestLink: TDF AuctionLink: Video Subscription SiteToday's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+