Biography

Beginning at the age of 5, horses became a passion and an integral part of Tressa’s life.

Over the years, she has been exposed to many disciplines, philosophies and approaches to training the horse which has helped her fine tune her own philosophy & art of dressage training.

As a professional student of dressage herself, Tressa shares with her clients her knowledge as a horseman to build the communication, trust and well-being of the horse.

After working for various western horse trainers in Western Pleasure, Trail, Reining & Cutting, it wasn’t until working with Gwen Stockebrand that she was introduced to the world of dressage.

Over the years Tressa has explored the subtle differences in breeds, dressage philosophy and training techniques while studying with various well known instructors in the USA and Europe.

It was after meeting Melissa Simms, formerly the head rider at the Reitinstitut von Neindorff in Germany,

that she found a pure form of Classical Dressage that resonated for her - a form of training that worked for all breeds of horses. While training under Melissa, she had the privilege to visit the Reitinstitut and meet the master, Egon von Neindorff, himself.

As dressage is an art that is constantly seeking perfection, Tressa continues to study with Melissa to carry on and share the tradition of Traditional Dressage with her clients.

Biography & Philosophy

My approach to traditional dressage or classical riding is sensitive, systematic and is based on the horse’s nature.

This, along with the horse’s natural movement, we use the training scale - developing rhythm, relaxation, suppleness, straightness, impulsion and collection, or more simply - calm, forward, straight, supple as our guideline for training.

A rider’s position is of first & foremost importance in developing an independent seat which is essential to giving the aids sensitively enough to the horse, because the rider’s hands are not being used for balance.

To accomplish this, a strong foundation in dressage basics, which includes longing, for both horse and rider is essential for higher level work in all riding disciplines.

Only then can our journey with our horses be successful.