Dressage Today Podcast

Dressage Today Podcast

By Dressage Today PodcastSports
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Dressage Today Podcast episodes

  • Unsung Hero Interview with Jen Koch

    In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, sponsored by KPP and Tribute Equine Nutrition, Aviva and Stephany interview USEF “r” Technical Delegate from Eastern Pennsylvania Jen Koch, the latest Unsung Hero in their ongoing series.

    Jen represents the kind of quiet, steadfast leadership that keeps dressage thriving behind the scenes through her professionalism, deep knowledge of rules and her genuine desire to help riders have positive, fair experiences in the competition environment. But what makes her truly extraordinary is the way she shows up for people and for the sport—consistently, generously and without ever seeking recognition.

    Jen’s service extends far beyond helping individuals, and her commitment to youth development is unmatched. As president of the Youth Dressage FUNdation, she helps run the Region 1 Youth Dressage Team Challenge every year in Virginia. She has also served on the USDF National Youth Programs Committee, held multiple USDF Group Membership Organization leadership roles, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of her local horse park.

    Jen works tirelessly to create opportunities for young riders, strengthen community programs, and ensure the future of dressage is bright, inclusive and well-supported. This would be impressive on its own—but she does it all while working full-time as a teacher and pursuing her master’s degree. We loved talking with Jen, and we know you will enjoy learning more about her.

    In this episode, Aviva and Stephany also catch up on what’s been going on in their lives, and Aviva answers a new Ask the L question from Heather about virtual showing. Aviva details her experiences with virtual showing from a judge’s point of view and discusses how various groups do it differently.

    As always, if you like what we do, please share it with your friends on social media, hit the “LIKE” button and subscribe!

    About This Episode’s Sponsors: Tribute and KPP AirWise™

    We are always grateful to our sponsors. This month, we have:

    Tribute

    At Tribute Equine Nutrition, caring for horses has always come first. As a family-owned company safely making feed right here in the USA, they’re celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by supporting programs that make a difference through horses. Every bag of Tribute sold helps support PATH International’s Equine Services for Heroes programs helping veterans through equine-assisted services. They’ve also introduced limited-edition Patriotic Horse Treats for summer. Ready to try Tribute? Start with a free personalized feeding plan and your first bag free at TributeEquineNutrition.com.

    AND

    KPP AirWise™

    Is your horse suffering from respiratory problems like intermittent coughing, nasal discharge, seasonal allergies, poor performance, or difficulty breathing during exercise? Kentucky Performance Products has a new supplement—AirWise®—that can help.

    Formulated using a synergistic blend of high-quality, potent antioxidants and micronutrients, AirWise is research-proven to help horses maintain healthy respiratory function. It has been shown to promote normal respiratory rates, enhance lung function, support a healthy inflammatory response in airways, and maintain immune health. To see if AirWise—available through veterinarians—is right for your horse, speak with your vet, visit https://www.KPPusa.com, or call 859-873-2974.

    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 | Pinterest

    Guest: Jennifer Koch | Email Jennifer: [email protected] | Connect with Jennifer on FaceBook

    Our Sponsors this month: Tribute and KPP AirWise™

    1 hr 9 min
  • Interview with Sue Kolstad

    In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, sponsored by Farnam, KPP and Tribute Equine Nutrition, Aviva and Stephany talk to USEF ‘S’ judge Sue Kolstad to ask about her unique perspectives as a judge, her priorities when judging, how to handle mistakes and for any secrets she could provide to help our listeners the next time they show. We cover everything from corners to riding that pesky centerline!

    A professional in the dressage world since 1977, Sue is a USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist and has nearly 50 years of experience training horses to the Grand Prix level, managing farms and coaching students to championships, medals and Young Riders’ honors.

    After exploring many disciplines including hunters, jumpers, eventing, endurance, driving and Western, Sue found dressage to be her greatest inspiration and now spends most of her time judging and teaching clinics while still actively showing and selling horses for the sport.

    During her formative years, Max Gahwyler, M.D., an internationally recognized judge with a passion for dressage theory and an early pioneer of dressage in the U.S., was one of Sue’s most influential mentors. After completing her Century Club ride, she appreciated that Gahwyler helped initiate the program with The Dressage Foundation in 1996. Sue, who also happens to be a dressage historian and talented artist, featured Gahlwyler’s horse and Century Club partner, Prinz Eugen, in a drawing.

    Today's podcast provides a fascinating look at how to better ride your dressage tests from a judge’s point of view. We hope you enjoy the episode, and as always if you like what you hear, please like and share our podcasts on social media!

    One final note: We had to hold our Ask the L segment this month because our interview with Sue ran long due all the useful information she provided us with. Check back next month for our latest Ask the L.

    About This Episode’s Sponsors: Tribute, Farnam, and KPP InsulinWise®

    Tribute

    At Tribute Equine Nutrition, caring for horses has always come first. As a family-owned company safely making feed right here in the USA, they’re celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by supporting programs that make a difference through horses. Every bag of Tribute sold helps support PATH International’s Equine Services for Heroes programs helping veterans through equine-assisted services. They’ve also introduced limited-edition Patriotic Horse Treats for summer. Ready to try Tribute? Start with a free personalized feeding plan and your first bag free at TributeEquineNutrition.com.

    Farnam

    This episode is brought to you by Farnam, celebrating 80 years of trusted equine care, and Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control, a new fly spray for horses.

    When your horse needs to stay focused, it helps to take flies out of the equation. Endure Gold uses brand-new, EPA-approved ingredients never before seen in equine care to annihilate flies, ticks, and mosquitoes.

    This advanced formula delivers fast knockdown and up to 14 days of fly protection you can trust. Discover fly protection with Endure Gold from Farnam.

    KPP InsulinWise®

    Is your horse showing signs of metabolic dysregulation? Weight gain, unhealthy insulin levels that can lead to unsoundness, issues with the structural integrity of the laminae within the hoof. InsulinWise® has been research-proven to support a decrease in insulin dysregulation. A synergistic blend of polyphenols and amino acids, InsulinWise helps maintain normal metabolic function and healthy insulin levels, support a healthy body weight and normal fat distribution, and sustain normal structural integrity of the laminae in the hoof. To see if InsulinWise—available through veterinarians—is right for your horse, speak with your vet, visit KPPusa.com, or call 859-873-2974.

    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 | Pinterest

    Guest: Sue Kolstad

    Our Sponsors this month: Tribute, Farnam, and KPP InsulinWise®

    1 hr 1 min
  • Interview with Michele Wellman of By Chance Farm

    In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, we welcome Michele Wellman, dressage trainer, contributor to Dressage Today and owner of By Chance Farm in Fredrick County, Maryland. Since founding the farm in 2002, Michele has been working for more than two decades to expand boarding, riding and showing opportunities for local dressage riders. Last month, however, an F2 tornado struck the farm and caused major devastation to their barn structures. While much of her beloved farm was destroyed, no horses or people were lost or injured during the powerful storm that swept through Libertyown, Maryland.

    Michele tells us about her vision for By Chance Farm, the devastating tornado that turned her world upside down and the incredible response she’s received from horse people across the country in the storm’s aftermath. It’s a tale of love and loss, as well as one of a community rallying around one of their own. We know you’ll enjoy hearing her extraordinary story.

    In this podcast, Stephany and Aviva also share their thoughts on two of the newest rule changes taking place in the dressage world—no longer allowing the double bridle in Third Level and the penalty change for using your voice in the show ring. And in a new Ask the L, Aviva shares her thoughts on proper and improper use of the whip in competition.

    We hope you enjoy this episode, and as always if you like what you hear, please like and share our podcasts on social media!

    As always, we are grateful for our sponsors! This month, we are sponsored by KPP Summer Games Electrolyte and by Farnam Endure Gold Fly Spray. Check out the links below to see these terrific products!

    Summer Games® Electrolyte - Electrolytes, Vitamins and Minerals - KPP

    Meet Endure Gold

    About This Episode’s Sponsors: KPP and Farnam

    KPP

    When your horse loses significant amounts of electrolytes and fluids as he sweats, problems such as dehydration, muscle cramping, fatigue, tying up, and colic may occur. Even in mild forms, these conditions can have a negative impact on your horse’s ability to perform and recover after exercise.

    Research shows that electrolytes help regulate nerve and muscle function and maintain a healthy fluid balance. Summer Games® Electrolyte is formulated to replenish electrolytes and trace minerals that are lost when your horse sweats, regardless of the season. It also stimulates the thirst response, so he continues to drink and stay properly hydrated. For more information, visit KPPusa.com or call 859-873-2974.

    Farnam

    This episode is brought to you by Farnam, celebrating 80 years of trusted equine care, and Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control, a new fly spray for horses. When your horse needs to stay focused, it helps to take flies out of the equation. Endure Gold uses brand-new, EPA-approved ingredients never before seen in equine care to annihilate flies, ticks, and mosquitoes. This advanced formula delivers fast knockdown and up to 14 days of fly protection you can trust. Discover fly protection with Endure Gold from Farnam.

    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 | Pinterest

    Guest: Michele Wellman of By Chance Farm in Fredrick County, Maryland | Facebook | GoFundMe

    Our Sponsors this month: KPP and Farnam

    59 min
  • Unsung Hero Interview with Jennifer Mutchler

    In this month’s episode, Aviva and Stephany interview Jennifer Mutchler, owner and operator of Half Pass Farm in Catlett, Virginia. Jennifer is our second Unsung Hero (formerly Hometown Hero, we like “unsung” better!) and was nominated by Sandy Mueller. She has earned her USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medal, taking several different horses (and breeds) to the Grand Prix level. She trains, teaches and breeds a few warmbloods each year from their Virginia location, and is well known in the area for matching the right people with the right horses! We really enjoyed chatting with Jennifer, especially because she and Aviva have another connection between them – take a listen to hear what it is!

    In our Ask the L section Aviva clarifies a question from a listener about a previous L Question. Aviva and Stephany catch up on their various recent exploits, and they play “where in the world is Stephany?” as she records from a layover in an airport!

    As always, if you like what we do, please share it with your friends, on social media, hit the “LIKE” button and subscribe!

    We are so grateful for our numerous sponsors – we must be doing something right!

    Take a listen now!

    About This Episode’s Sponsors: Tribute, KPP, and Farnam

    Tribute

    Great partnerships are built on trust — and that’s foundational at Tribute Equine Nutrition. As a family-owned company safely making their feeds right here in the USA, they’re celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by giving back through horses. Every bag of Tribute sold helps support PATH International’s Equine Services for Heroes programs serving veterans through the healing power of horses. Plus, their limited-edition Patriotic Horse Treats are here for summer.

    New to Tribute? Get a free personalized feeding plan and your first bag free at TributeEquineNutrition.com.

    KPP

    Is your horse suffering from digestive tract issues, such as diarrhea, colic or hindgut imbalances? Does he need a high-grain diet? Is he under stress? Neigh-Lox® ADVANCED can help.

    Neigh-Lox ADVANCED is a scientifically formulated blend of ingredients that works synergistically to maintain a healthy stomach, small intestine, and hindgut. It contains long-acting gastric buffers and coating agents to maintain a normal stomach pH. It provides an effective probiotic to support complete digestion of starch and sugars in the foregut, helping maintain a healthy hindgut. And it supplies broad-spectrum prebiotics to sustain a healthy balance of beneficial microbes and well-balanced microbiome. For more information, visit KPPusa.com or call 859-873-2974.

    Farnam

    This episode is brought to you by Farnam, celebrating 80 years of trusted equine care, and Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control, a new fly spray for horses.

    When your horse needs to stay focused, it helps to take flies out of the equation. Endure Gold uses brand-new, EPA-approved ingredients never before seen in equine care to annihilate flies, ticks, and mosquitoes.

    This advanced formula delivers fast knockdown and up to 14 days of fly protection you can trust. Discover fly protection with Endure Gold from Farnam.

    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 | Pinterest

    Guest: Jennifer Mutchler, owner and operator of Half Pass Farm in Catlett, Virginia

    Our Sponsors this month: Tribute, KPP, and Farnam

    54 min
  • Interview with Lauren Chumley

    In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, sponsored by Tribute, we talk to Grand Prix dressage rider Lauren Chumley about her superstar partner Leeloo Dallas and the Dressage Foundation Anne Barlow-Ramsay grant she and the mare received in 2024, her experience training a variety of breeds for dressage and her passion for teaching up-and-coming dressage professionals to prioritize developing young horses for the sport.

    As always, if you love our podcasts, make sure to subscribe, like and share them with your friends!

    About Lauren Chumley

    Lauren Chumley, who’s often referred to by her peers as the “coolest dressage trainer,” wasn’t born into a horse family, but even from a young age the telltale signs that she indeed had the recessive horse gene were there. From the moment she could read, she started pouring over every horse book she could get her hands on and amassed an unusually large collection of Breyer horses for a 12-year-old that she still has to this day.

    Lauren pleaded for riding lessons, but her parents who came from humble means thought the “hobby” was too expensive. It was her grandmother, however, who would eventually turn her riding dreams into a reality. One fortuitous summer, Lauren went to stay with her grandparents at the Quantico Marine Corps Base in Virginia, where her grandfather was stationed. When her grandmother decided she wanted to learn how to ride, Lauren jumped at the chance to take riding lessons with her on the base.

    The now decorated Grand Prix dressage rider laughs that her parents likely never forgave her grandmother for fostering her budding passion. Following her introduction to riding at Quantico, Lauren started taking lessons at a local barn in Hamilton, Ohio, where she quickly found her calling in dressage.

    At 14, she started training with dressage trainer Rebecca Stromatt and went on to also worked for Sorum Fjord Farm in Lebanon, Ohio, one of the largest Norwegian Fjord breeding farms in the country, where she gained a wealth of knowledge and experience working with different breeds. After attending clinics with Grand Prix dressage rider Silke Rembacz for three consecutive years, Lauren was invited to join Silke’s team as an assistant trainer.

    In 2011, she branched out to start her own training and sales business at Hilltop Farm based out of New Jersey and Florida. Today, she is a USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist with distinction and has made her mark in both dressage and eventing, proving her diverse talent as a rider. Lauren, who regularly works with Michael Bragdell, has competed multiple self-trained horses through Grand Prix and has earned many USDF year-end and all-breeds awards at the national levels.

    In 2024, she received one of two Dressage Foundation Anne Barlow-Ramsay grants for U.S.-bred horses with her then 8-year-old home-bred Dutch Warmblood mare Leeloo Dallas, who she is currently competing with at the Grand Prix level. She and one of her other current Grand Prix mounts, Santa Barbara DASH also have an amazing partnership and won the 3* Intermediate I Freestyle at the 2022 Dressage at Devon during a downpour.

    Lauren is a regular competitor at the USEF Festival of Champions, Dressage at Devon, USDF Regional Championships and the US Dressage Finals. She has high hopes for her pipeline of North American-bred young horses and hopes to start them in the FEI young horse classes in the future.

    About This Episode’s Sponsor: Tribute

    What if your horse’s nutrition only changed when it truly mattered? That’s the philosophy behind Tribute Equine Nutrition. As a fixed-formula brand, they don’t make changes unless new research shows they can make their feeds meaningfully better—supporting things like digestibility, nutrient absorption, and overall performance. That’s why Tribute Equine Nutrition is upgrading every formula in their lineup, building on improvements made to their best-sellers and rolling those advancements out across 2026.

    To celebrate, Tribute has hidden golden tickets in random bags—worth up to a year’s supply of feed for one horse. Horse owners can also get a free, personalized feeding plan, and new customers receive their first bag shipped free. Visit TributeEquineNutrition.com and click “Get a Feed Plan” to learn more.

    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 | Pinterest

    Guest: Lauren Chumley

    Our Sponsors this month: Tribute

    1 hr 18 min
  • Interview with Chelsea Canedy, Author of “Finding Purpose"

    In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, Stephany and Aviva interview dressage rider, upper-level eventer, mom and life-long learner Chelsea Canedy. The avid Mustang and meditation advocate talks about her debut memoir Finding Purpose: A Life Managing the Passion, Compulsion, and Borderline Addiction Called “Horses.”

    The book documents Chelsea’s time with horses and how they’ve shaped the trajectory of her life and gives readers a behind-the-scenes’ view of what it’s like to compete at the upper levels and the inner work that sustains it. Blending raw personal stories with lessons from her decade-long meditation practice and career studying equine behavior, the lifelong horsewoman reflects on resilience, identity and the joy of choosing a life built on passion.

    We also talked to Chelsea about how publishing her memoir has impacted the conversation she’s part of in the horse world, her beloved horses and how each is doing and many points of connection all horses lovers can relate to. This was such a fun interview; we know you’ll love listening to Chelsea, too, and will likely also find many points of connection with her!

    In this episode, Aviva and Stephany also catch up on what’s been happening in their respective horse worlds. Stephany talks about her recent venture up to WEC Ocala to compete with Dante, and Aviva is focused on avoiding the heat as much as possible as the unofficial summer kicks off.

    In our Ask the L segment, Aviva answers a question from listener Mary about collection and what judges expect to see at Second Level. Listen to get her keen advice!

    And as always if you enjoy our podcasts, please like and share them on social media!

    About This Episode's Sponsors: Farnam, Tribute and KPP

    Farnam

    This episode is brought to you by Farnam, celebrating 80 years of trusted equine care, and Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control, a new fly spray for horses. When your horse needs to stay focused, it helps to take flies out of the equation. Endure Gold uses brand-new, EPA-approved ingredients never before seen in equine care to annihilate flies, ticks, and mosquitoes. This advanced formula delivers fast knockdown and up to 14 days of fly protection you can trust. Discover fly protection with Endure Gold from Farnam.

    Tribute

    What if your horse’s nutrition only changed when it truly mattered? That’s the philosophy behind Tribute Equine Nutrition. As a fixed-formula brand, they don’t make changes unless new research shows they can make their feeds meaningfully better—supporting things like digestibility, nutrient absorption, and overall performance. That’s why Tribute Equine Nutrition is upgrading every formula in their lineup, building on improvements made to their best-sellers and rolling those advancements out across 2026.

    To celebrate, Tribute has hidden golden tickets in random bags—worth up to a year’s supply of feed for one horse. Horse owners can also get a free, personalized feeding plan, and new customers receive their first bag shipped free. Visit TributeEquineNutrition.com and click “Get a Feed Plan” to learn more.

    KPP

    Has your horse been diagnosed with a neurological or muscular disorder? Is he showing signs of muscle wasting and impaired balance or coordination? Studies show that supplemented water-soluble natural vitamin E can reach a horse’s brain and spinal cord through the blood-brain barrier, where it can benefit horses with neurological issues.

    If your horse has any of these problems, Elevate® W.S., a natural vitamin liquid, can help. A research-proven, powerful antioxidant, Elevate maintains healthy muscle, nerve, and immune function. It does this by delivering a highly bioavailable source of natural vitamin E that is preferentially absorbed and retained in a horse’s tissues. For more information, visit KPPusa.com or call 859-873-2974.

    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 | Pinterest

    Guest: Chelsea Canedy | Facebook

    Our Sponsors this month: Farnam, Tribute, KPP

    1 hr 23 min
  • Interview With Christian Simonson, 2026 Dressage World Cup™ Final Silver Medalist (BONUS)

    In this special episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, we talk to rising dressage superstar and Team Prac memeber Christian Simonson fresh off his double silver podium placing with Indian Rock at the 2026 Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Fort Worth, Texas. Christian tells us about his experience at his first-ever World Cup™ Final, his close partnership with "Rocky," what he loves so much about the sport and why he's excited to see dressage riders having more fun.

    As always, if you love our podcasts, make sure to subscribe, like and share them with your friends!

    About This Episode's Guest: Christian Simonson

    Growing up in Ventura, California, Christian Simonson had plenty of hobbies. From mountain biking and downhill skiing to scuba diving to getting his student’s pilot license at 15, he’s always had a sense of adventure, but dressage is where his heart lies. Having started dressage at 6 years old, Christian dedicated himself to the sport and had an illustrious junior career, which included competing at four FEI North American Youth Championships, winning junior team gold and individual silver in 2017, young rider team silver in 2018 and young rider team, individual and freestyle gold in 2021. He also won the Horseware Ireland/USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship title at the 2021 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions.

    Christian has been part of the U.S. Dressage Young Rider European Tour three times, winning team bronze at the Future Champions CDIY in Hagen, Germany, twice, first with Zeaball Diawind in 2021, then with Son of a Lady in 2023. Under the tutelage of his coach, Olympian Adrienne Lyle, he has competed at CHIO Aachen, finishing third in the young rider freestyle with Son of a Lady twice in 2022 and 2023. He and Son of a Lady were named to the U.S. Dressage Team for the 2023 Pan American Games, where they helped secure team gold.

    Christian's success didn’t stop upon making it to the senior levels; in fact, he’s just gotten more competitive. Before Heidi Humphries of Zen Elite Equestrian Center purchased Indian Rock for him to ride, the 23-year-old had never competed at Grand Prix, but with the 13-year-old stallion, he’s been unbeatable. They’ve never lost a class and were champions in the Neue Schule/USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship at the 2025 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions. In addition, he rode Fleau de Baian, who is also owned by Humphries, to the Adequan®/USEF Brentina Cup Dressage National Championship.

    He started the 2026 season with “Rocky” by winning the CDI-W in at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida, qualifying them for this year’s Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Fort Worth, Texas. In their World Cup™ Final debut, the pair brought the crowd to their feet with an explosive freestyle choreographed to the “Rocky” movies’ soundtrack to take silver on a personal best score of 83.81%.

    About This Episode's Sponsor: Zoetis® Equine

    Has your horse experienced lameness? Did you know that your veterinarian can use the healing power of your horse’s own blood to help manage lameness, joint pain and more? The Pro-Stride APS regenerative medicine device is designed to help keep horses feeling and performing at their best. Ask your vet if Pro-Stride APS may be a great option to help support your horse’s joint health journey. Zoetis® is always by your side in the barn, down the centerline and everywhere in between.

    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 | Pinterest

    Guest: Christian Simonson

    Our Sponsors this month: Zoetis® Equine

    37 min
  • Interview with an Israeli Horsewoman and Our Very Own Stephanie Ruff!

    In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, we have a twist on our usual format with two interviews! Instead of doing our normal catch-up and “Ask the L” segment, we welcome back our friend and former Dressage Today editor Stephanie Ruff. She tells us what she’s been doing at The Horse and offers insights on her new podcast, “Feeding Horses.”

    Our other interview in this episode arose from a suggestion from one of our amazing listeners, who suggested we talk to an Israeli dressage rider after Aviva discussed her recent trip to Israel. In response to your request, we interviewed dressage rider, judge and coach Na’ama Segev Hasson. With more than 30 years of experience in the sport and as a member of the National Equestrian Federation’s Dressage and Education Committees, Na’ama is a central figure in Israel’s equestrian community and plays a vital role in shaping the sport’s future.

    She is also the co-founder and program manager of the “Pegasus” project, an equestrian leadership program designed to advance youth, instructors and trainers in Israel, and serves as chief examiner for their federation, overseeing the certification and training of instructors and coaches at all professional levels. Outside of her official roles, Na'ama is the proud mother of three, including daughter Maya, who is carrying on her mother’s riding tradition in both dressage and jumping.

    It was amazing to hear about the riding programs in Israel, as well as how both horses and riders are coping with riding and training during war times. We enjoyed getting to hear more about dressage in Israel, and we know that you will, too. Take a listen!

    As always, if you love our podcasts, make sure to subscribe, like and share them with your friends!

    About This Episodes Sponsors: Tribute Equine Nutrition and KPP Elevate®

    Tribute Equine Nutrition

    You know that feeling when everything comes together—the rhythm, the balance, the connection. At Tribute Equine Nutrition, that same pursuit of excellence drives us to keep improving. We’re upgrading our entire line with advanced formulations to better support your horse’s health, performance, and longevity. To celebrate, we’re hiding golden tickets in select bags—each one worth 40 free bags of feed… about a year’s supply for one horse. Ready to elevate your program? Visit TributeEquineNutrition.com for a free, personalized feeding plan. If you’re new to Tribute, your first bag is on us—and everything we make is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. Be sure to mention Dressage Today sent you!

    Kentucky Performance Products

    Do you want to help ensure your breeding stallion’s reproductive efficiency? Do you want to make sure your newborn foal has the strongest immune system possible? Studies show that supplemental vitamin E can support a stallion’s sperm-cell quality and motility and offset the effects of stress associated with breeding. They also show that foals of mares supplemented with vitamin E have more responsive immune system than those that weren’t.

    Elevate® natural vitamin E can help. A research-proven, powerful antioxidant, Elevate maintains healthy muscle, nerve, and immune functions. It does this by delivering a highly bioavailable source of natural vitamin E that is preferentially absorbed and retained in a horse’s tissues. For more information, visit KPPusa.com or call 859-873-2974.

    Our Sponsors this month: KPP and their product Elevate® & Tribute Equine Nutrition

    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 | Pinterest

    Guest: Stephanie Ruff,

    Guest: Na'ama

    1 hr 13 min
  • 2026 World Cup Final Press Conference with the Top Three Finishers (BONUS)

    As part of our 2026 Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final post-coverage, this episode, sponsored by Tribute, features a press conference with the top three riders following the freestyle competition—Becky Moody, Christian Simonson and Sandra Sysojeva.

    British dressage powerhouse Becky Moody and her homebred 11-year-old gelding Jagerbomb delivered a dynamite and near flawless freestyle 2026 Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Fort Worth. Set to a medley of The Beatles’ hits, the pair’s freestyle performance sent them to top the podium on a final score of 88.33%—a personal-best for both of them.

    Dressage movements are beautiful with or without a soundtrack, but there is something magical in the freestyle when a horse and rider have the technical ability not only to ride to music but to dance with it—and Moody and Jagerbomb, more commonly known as “Bomb,” proved to be the ultimate dance partners.

    From double pirouettes, one-tempis down the centerline and one and two-tempi serpentines to Beatles’ favorites like “All You Need is Love,” “Here Comes the Sun” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” their freestyle included plenty of technically difficult choreography, sending the explosive crowd into an eruption of applause and cheers.

    To the home crowd’s delight, the U.S.’s 23-year-old rising superstar Christian Simonson and 13-year-old KWPN stallion Indian Rock brought the crowd to their feet with an explosive freestyle choreographed to the “Rocky” movies’ soundtrack to take silver in their World Cup™ Final debut—also on a personal best score of 83.81%.

    Poland’s Sandra Sysojeva and her 10-year-old mare Maxima Bella rounded out the podium on a score of 80.77%, marking an impressive leap from their seventh-place finish at last year’s World Cup™ Final and underscoring just how quickly the young mare is maturing on the world stage.

    In this special episode, you’ll get behind-the-scenes’ feel for the World Cup press room and hear directly from these talented riders, fresh off their 2026 podium finishes.

    Take a listen!

    If you like what we are doing, remember to hit the LIKE button, share with your friends and make sure to subscribe!

    Our sponsor this month is Tribute Equine Nutrition.

    You know that feeling when everything comes together—the rhythm, the balance, the connection. At Tribute Equine Nutrition, that same pursuit of excellence drives us to keep improving.

    We’re upgrading our entire line with advanced formulations to better support your horse’s health, performance, and longevity.

    To celebrate, we’re hiding golden tickets in select bags—each one worth 40 free bags of feed… about a year’s supply for one horse.

    Ready to elevate your program? Visit TributeEquineNutrition.com for a free, personalized feeding plan. If you’re new to Tribute, your first bag is on us—and everything we make is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

    Be sure to mention Dressage Today sent you!

    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 | Pinterest

    Guests: Becky Moody, Christian Simonson, and Sandra Sysojeva

    Our Sponsors this month: KPP and their product Elevate® & Tribute Equine Nutrition

    22 min
  • Interview With Noel Williams

    This month, Aviva and Stephany interview Noel Williams of Noel Williams Dressage, based in Maryland. They catch up with what has been going on with each other – Mary Wanless, Maui and an exciting trip coming up (or going down centerline!) for Stephany, and a bittersweet sharing for Aviva. In the Ask the L, they discuss what is needed to have a successful move from Training to First Levels – thanks to Deana for the question!

    The daughter of George and Roberta Williams, Noel Williams grew up around classical and high performance dressage. Noel has been riding and competing all of her life with an Olympic Dream at heart. Noel is a USEF “R” Dressage Judge, and is currently in the USEF “r” DSHB Judge’s Program. She has trained and competed numerous horses from young horses to FEI Grand Prix.

    Noel is a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist. A member of the 2007 NAJYRC Silver Medal team (Region 2), and the 2005 USEF Junior Dressage Team Championships Gold Medal, Noel was also the 2005 USEF Junior Dressage National Champion on the Hanoverian stallion Pik L.

    Noel aspires to continue her career on the international stage and to represent Team USA in competition. Noel's greatest passion is starting and developing young horses, especially stallions, to campaign them through the CDI levels.

    In the interview, Aviva and Stephany get the benefit of Noel’s super humor, her history of riding and her boundless enthusiasm for our sport. It was great getting to know her and her belief system, and we wish her all the best!

    Take a listen!

    If you like what we are doing, remember to hit the LIKE button, share with your friends and make sure to subscribe!

    Thank You to Our Sponsors This Month: KPP and Tribute Equine Nutrition!

    KPP

    Does your performance horse have sore, stiff muscles? Does he lack energy or tire quickly during exercise? Does his competition schedule require travel? Studies show that horses in regular training and those with limited access to pasture often require additional vitamin E. They also show that horses being trailered even short distances can face immunity challenges. Elevate® natural vitamin E can help. A research-proven, powerful antioxidant, Elevate maintains healthy muscle, nerve, and immune functions. It does this by delivering a highly bioavailable source of natural vitamin E that is preferentially absorbed and retained in a horse’s tissues. For more information, visit KPPusa.com or call 859-873-2974.

    Tribute Equine Nutrition

    Let’s be honest—no two dressage horses are the same. So it's no surprise their nutrition needs will differ. Tribute Equine Nutrition’s equine nutrition specialists can help you create personalized feeding plans based on your horse and your goals—from building topline and strength to supporting soundness and longevity. Their feeds are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, made in their own ionophore-free facilities, and are fixed formulas you can trust—so your horse gets consistent nutrition, every ride, every test. And if you’re new to Tribute, your first bag is free, so you can try it with confidence! Take the stress out of feeding your dressage partner. Visit tributeequinenutrition.com to get started and let them know Dressage Today sent you.

    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 | Pinterest

    Guest: Noel Williams of Noel Williams Dressage

    Our Sponsors this month: KPP and their product Elevate® & Tribute Equine Nutrition

    1 hr 12 min

About Dressage Today Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Come along with us, the Dressage Today team, as we mix and mingle with the most inspiring members of our dressage community—from top riders to local legends. We talk all angles of our sport—sharing everything from training philosophies to stories of chasing dreams to horse-care tips.

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