Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Farnam’s Endure Gold Fly Spray, KPP’s InsulinWise and Tribute Equine Nutrition! This month Aviva and Stephany are shaking it up a little bit! Would you expect anything less? Because the interview ran long and was so full of great information, we decided not to do our usual catch up or Ask the L. Guess you’ll just have to check back with us next month to see what’s been going on!

In this month’s interview, Stephany and Aviva speak with Sue Kolstad, a USEF ‘S’ Judge, to ask her questions about ring craft! No, its not talking magic, it is getting some feedback on what Sue thinks as a judge, where she puts priorities as she judges and tips to pay attention to for the next time YOU show!

Sue has been a professional in the world of dressage since 1977. Over these almost 50 years, she has owned or managed several different farms, trained several horses to Grand Prix, and coached students to many championships, medals, and Young Riders. She has explored many disciplines, including hunters, jumpers, eventing, endurance, driving, and western, but found dressage to be her greatest inspiration, and now spends most of her time judging and teaching clinics, at home and away. She is still actively showing and selling horses. Sue also has completed her Century Club ride, as well as her Bronze Silver and Gold USDF Medals!

During her formative years, Dr. Max Gahwyler was one of her greatest mentors. Sue is also a talented artist and a dressage historian. So it was a great honor for Sue to know that Dr Gahlwyler initiated the Century Club, and she drew his horse Prince, who he did his ride on.

During the interview, we get to ask Sue questions about what would be better, as far as mistakes go. We cover everything from corners to riding that pesky center line, and Sue gives us a couple of judges’ secrets that we were sure glad to know! It is a fascinating look into riding a better test from the judge’s perspective, and we think that you will get lots of great a-has from it!

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 Tribute, Farnam, and KPP InsulinWise®. Check out the links below to see these terrific products!

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

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®

First, we chat with Jackie Jolie, creator of AnimaSol, about red light therapy and what AnimaSol offers to our equine community—and our canine friends, too! Next, we meet Alexandria Andrasko and her incredible Norwegian Fjord mare, Corgi Hill Flinka. Hear about their journey from a young Fjord mare to competing at the FEI level, and how Flinka became the 2026 BreyerFest Celebration Horse! And finally, we catch up with Vee Dravilas about her 2026 show season and the incredible accomplishment of earning a spot on the Region 2 Junior Team for the North American Youth Championships—riding her trainer’s horse!

• Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | Facebook
• Title Sponsors: Purina & Farnam Endure Gold
• Premier Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products
• Guest Name: Jackie Jolie - Website | Facebook
• Guest Name: Alexandria Andrasko - Facebook | Instagram
• Guest Name: Vee Dravilas
• Book Club: Stable Core Training by Joyce Kramer
• Dressage Radio Show: Website | Facebook

Sophie Meyer, joins the show to share how she helped organize the American Dressage Mentorship Program at Reese's, Maplecrest Farm, over the past weekend. She gives us an inside look at the program and the opportunities it provides for riders and parents looking to grow in the sport. Next, we welcome Evvie Lancione, USDF Senior Content & Programs Coordinator, for an update on the USDF L Education Program. We discuss the current program and the exciting updates and changes that are in the works for 2027. Tune in for an episode full of encouragement, education, and insight for every dressage enthusiast! The show wraps up with a chat about the disappointment of receiving a score that isn't what you hoped for.

• Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | Facebook
• Premier Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products
• Guest Name: Sophie Meyer
• Guest Name: Evvie Lancione, Senior Content & Programs Coordinator - Website
• Book Club: Stable Core Training by Joyce Kramer
• Dressage Radio Show: Website | Facebook

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

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

This week, we're focusing on women's health with three inspiring guests who share their unique perspectives on health, wellness, and life in the equestrian world. Jennifer Flory joins us after singing the National Anthem at Pony Cup. A professional opera singer and equestrian, Jennifer discusses riding during pregnancy, balancing motherhood and horses, and the importance of caring for your voice and overall health. Kerri, an adult amateur rider, shares a remarkable story about how pain while sitting the trot led her to seek medical attention. That decision resulted in the discovery of an ovarian mass, highlighting the importance of listening to your body and not dismissing persistent pain. Dr. Wendy from Intention Health & Wellness rounds out the episode with practical insights into women's health, whole-body wellness, and proactive care. She discusses ways women can prioritize their health so they can continue to thrive both in and out of the saddle. Join us for an informative conversation about recognizing your body's signals, prioritizing wellness, and supporting women's health throughout every stage of life.

• Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | Facebook
• Title Sponsor: Farnam Endure Gold
• Premier Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products
• Guest Name: Jennifer Flory - Website | Instagram
• Guest Name: Kerri Montgomery - Facebook | Instagram
• Guest Name: Dr. Wendy Enneking - Website
• Book Club: Stable Core Training by Joyce Kramer
• Dressage Radio Show: Website | Facebook

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast episode is intended solely for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Guest Dr. Wendy Enneking holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and is a licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN); she is not a Medical Doctor (MD). Views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this show.

We are talking all things education, development, and the future of our sport! We chat with Sarah Delahanty from USDF about youth programs and the incredible opportunities available to young riders as they grow in dressage. Next, we are joined by Fie Andersen of Equito to discuss training young stallions! Fie shares her experience, insights, and what goes into developing young horses with the goal of creating successful dressage partners. And last, we had the pleasure of speaking with USDF Certified Instructor Susan Harris Perellis of Spring Run Farm of KY! Susan celebrated an incredible milestone; her 50th year hosting a show at her farm and sharing her passion for dressage, education, and creating opportunities for riders. Join us for another episode filled with inspiration, education, and stories from the dressage community!

GUESTS AND LINKS FOR EPISODE 795:

• Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | Facebook
• Premier Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products
• Additional Sponsors: US Rider, Spalding Labs
• Guest: Sarah Delahanty - USDF Youth Programs
• Guest: Fie Andersen of Equito | Facebook
• Guest: Susan Harris Perellis | Spring Run Farm | Facebook
• Book Club: Stable Core Training by Joyce Kramer
• Dressage Radio Show: Website | Facebook

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.

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

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

On today’s show, Reese & Megan are talking all about the 2026 USEF Grand Prix Championships held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, from May 13–17.

First, we welcome Jodie Kelly-Bexley to the show to chat about her impressive 6th place finish aboard her very own Grayton Beach. Jodie shares her experience at the championships, her partnership with Grayton Beach, and what it means to compete at this level.

Next, we sit down with championship winner Ellesse Gundersen to discuss her unforgettable experience at the championships and life with her incredible partner, Quintessential 4. Ellesse shares insights into their journey together, preparation for competition, and what makes Quintessential 4 such a special horse.

GUESTS AND LINKS FOR EPISODE 794:

• Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | Facebook
• Title Sponsor: Farnam and Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control
• Premier Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products
• Guest: Jodie Kelly - Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Guest: Ellesse Gundersen - Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Book Club: Fur Mama by Diana du Pont
• Dressage Radio Show: Website | Facebook

First, we chat with Kendall Cox, assistant to Olympian Robert Dover, and learn all about the American Dressage Mentoring Program! This incredible program supports youth dressage development and focuses on nurturing young riders as they work toward achieving their goals in the sport. Next, we sit down with Laura St. Clair to talk about how her ICONEQ website is helping support the American Dressage Mentoring Program and the community efforts. Finally, Sara and Jenny join us to share exciting details about the new grant through The Dressage Foundation that will help support riding schools across America. It’s an inspiring episode focused on education, mentorship, and growing the future of dressage!

GUESTS AND LINKS FOR EPISODE 793:

• Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | Facebook
• Title Sponsor: Farnam and Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control
• Premier Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products
• Guest: Kendall Cox - Facebook | Instagram
• Guest: Laura St. Clair - Website | Facebook
• Guest: The Dressage Foundation - Website | Facebook
• Book Club: Fur Mama by Diana du Pont
• Dressage Radio Show: Website | Facebook