Dressage seeks perfection. Work and concentration are the price we have to pay...but when it is right ....the beauty is effortless.
Training:
I train horses using " classical methods." What does this mean? It means that the horses natural movement is developed. It is not " tricks" or magic. It is a methodical process of strengthening and working to improve balance and flexibility. This is a slow process. That is not to say that improvements will not come quickly. It will, but upper level movements depend on the years spent establishing the basics through the use of the training scale: rhythm, regularity, relaxation, contact, straightness ,impulsion and finally collection. One can not skip steps.
All horses flourish with dressage training, however not all horses can be upper level dressage horses. That takes a combination of athleticism and mental discipline
Teaching:
I work with all levels of riders from beginning to advanced levels. My teaching style is personalized to the unique needs of each rider and horse. I use visual imagery combined with classical techniques to build rider confidence, emphasizing correct position and lightness to the aids..
The goal is to teach the rider to communicate with the horse. This requires that the rider be quiet enough that they can "speak in a soft voice" with their aids and that they can also hear the horse. I teach the rider to "speak" with quiet, assured aids. I also teach the rider to listen. The horse will tell you if he understands or if he is confused. In the end, I teach the rider to hear the horse and the horse will do the teaching.
What Janet's students have to say:
"Janet takes a totally professional approach to teaching. Her open active mind is constantly seeking new ways to help her students to achieve harmony with and constructively affecting their horses movements. In addition, her excellent riding ability enables her to demonstrate as well as explain any point she wishes a student to understand. Lastly, but equally important is the fact the Janet's forthright manner and sense of humor make the lessons fun." MR
"I have become a much better rider because Janet has taught me that I must be more confident in my own abilities in order to be more relaxed . When you are a confident and relaxed rider you are able to be assertive in your abilities to get what you want." MH
"Janet is the first instructor I have found who was able to spot my problems and show me how to correct them. Now that my position and balance have improved I am a more effective rider who can correctly influence my horse." JW
"Janet teaches dressage skills which she herself has mastered with clarity, imagination, and patients. I feel that I am being taught genuine horsemanship rather than tricks to use in competition." SS