Photo by Ella Chedester Photography
Day One Journal:
While at Havensafe Farm, owner Betsy Juliano shared valuable insights on sponsorships, emphasizing that she enjoys watching horses develop and that a rider’s reputation begins early, making it important to be mindful of what is shared publicly. She stressed that successful sponsorships are built on shared values and philosophy between the rider and the brand.
Scott Hassler’s educational focus centered on piaffe work and the importance of establishing rhythm before attempting to add expression or difficulty. He explained that correct piaffe can only develop once rhythm is secure, and that this rhythm can be improved through exercises such as working in three tracks and jogging in place. Scott emphasized fairness to the horse and the importance of listening to what the horse is offering, reinforcing the idea that horses are constantly communicating with the rider if attention is paid.
Learning from Scott Hassler
At the Dressage Infusion Masterclass at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, the emphasis was placed on clarity and effectiveness of the rider’s aids. Increased contact in the canter was addressed through correct use of the outside leg, with the whip kept on the outside to encourage engagement of the outside hind leg. In the turn on the forehand, the horse was expected to step clearly across, reinforcing lateral responsiveness. Half halts were emphasized as being executed with one hand rather than pulling with both. An exercise used to test attentiveness involved riding a rising trot for two beats and then sitting for one, assessing whether the horse remained responsive. Riders were encouraged to sit deeply on their seat bones, remain relaxed in the saddle, and influence the front legs to help the horse maintain balance. As Kyra Kyrklund noted, “Flying changes are very personable between the rider and horse.” She suggested that to introduce changes, a recommended exercise was riding a half 10-meter circle, straight line, change, followed by another half 10-meter circle.
Day Two:
Today was a really lovely and interesting day. We spent most of it talking with several different people and hearing all these different perspectives on dressage, including what it’s like to be involved with dressage in Wellington. These discussions made the whole experience feel very real - and in a way "attainable." The conversations covered a lot of ground, from how people got started to where they are now, and what it actually takes to work and survive in a place like Wellington. One thing they all said in common is that you can't get here and sleep all day; you have to work quite hard for it.
One of the most eye-opening parts was learning about the different pathways people take to end up working in Wellington. There isn’t one straight line, but hearing how varied everyone’s journeys were made it clear that flexibility and persistence matter just as much as talent. We also talked about how and why trainers choose to move to Wellington, and what draws them there year after year. It truly highlights how much planning, sacrifice, and timing go into those decisions.
Learning how to get involved in dressage with Heather Petersen
A huge highlight was being able to watch several rides in the CDI 5* FEI Grand Prix. Seeing that level of sport up close was incredible. Watching the precision, the softness, and the partnership between horse and rider was extremely motivating. There’s so much you can learn just by observing—it was fascinating to watch.
We also had the chance to meet and talk with Jennifer Williams, Molly Maloney, and Ali Brock, which was really special. I found it especially interesting hearing Molly talk about rehabbing a Grand Prix horse after surgery, or if the horse goes lame. It was a good reminder that every horse is different and that rehab looks different for every situation, and to be frank, that one hit pretty darn close to home! I’ve had my fair share of rehab experiences, too.
Overall, it was a valuable and inspiring day, and I’m really looking forward to Friday Night Lights.
Day Three: Coming soon!
Day Four: Coming soon!
Day Five: Coming soon!
