"Dressage is more than just learning how to ride. Dressage is a way of life. As you learn more about horses ... and the beauty of creating something in a horse ... you find that this process becomes how you ask yourself about what is right and wrong in your own life. Because when you work with a horse, you are not just dealing with the problems in this horse , but also with the problems in your life. People grow through their riding. Or you don't grow. You have a choice, but the opportunity is there."I deal with hundreds of horses -- horses that have been handled correctly and incorrectly, all with different problems and talents. And I may not know anything about their histories, but I have to learn to understand them at that moment. With this creature we've chosen to confine, we have the responsibility to learn how to make its confinement as pleasant as possible. Not just tolerable, but pleasant, because he liked it when he was free, and he can only be beautiful when he likes where he lives and how he's being treated.
"Which is why I think everyone who rides has the responsibility to learn to ride at least to a certain level, so that the horse is comfortable carrying him around. A badly ridden horse is never a happy horse. Badly ridden horses develop problems they'd never develop in the wild. A poor-sitting rider or poorly-fitting equipment causes soundness problems. And even if the horse is so strong that it won't go lame, it will develop temperament problems.
"And handling on the ground is also a horse's environment. If a horse is being unfairly handled, or even brushed too hard, he'll react. If you go into a stable and see a horse that just stands in a corner, this is very uncharacteristic of natural horse behavior, because a horse in nature is totally interested in his life, and has to be to stay alive. You may have to remember, the animal has no say-so in what will happen to it; you're totally responsible for its well-being. And that's really how I see my duty with respect to dressage: to teach people how to make their horses' lives more comfortable.
"The horse must be allowed to be a horse and to develop its character. Correct dressage and correct handling develop the horse's character. They become perkier, and more confident in themselves. They stop shying because they feel confident in their world. And their bodies become more beautiful through correct dressage, and they live longer and healthier lives. We take away the horse's freedom, but we give something back. We develop the horse's mind."
(©1996 Hunter & Sport Horse, January/February)

First Lecture of the year will start at 4:00 pm. Location (inquire)
Topic "what is Horsemanship/Classical Horsemanship?"
Followed by "The School of Horsemanship" film by Roland Blume
​Wine and cheese discussion..
​Non-students $20

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After two years off due to Tressa's child being born and many changes that followed here at the our farm, we are back at it with a few of our baroque breeds!
Paloma David, my new assistant, made her first go at showing dressage since returning after being away in South America for 8yrs. This seasons showing  has put her two scores away from earning her bronze medal abroad the back of Hendrik fan de Sweech , a Friesian trained from scratch here at Traditions Farm, owned by Susan Yasinitsky. 
Hechi Cero owned by Laura Bowlby was shown by Tressa at Second levels. Coming to the farm Hechi Cero as an 11yr. was not cantering so in a short time he has become confident in doing so and got a 65% for his first outing. He also got remarks from the judges about "Impressive Canter work"!! So we are extremely proud of his progress, to say the least! 
Johan owned by Beverly Chambers made his debut at 3rd level and also was in the 60% +'s shown also by Tressa.  Johan is also a horse trained here from the beginning.
Over all our horses have  made us proud, but what makes us the most proud is the horses we have been showing are all trained here at Traditions Farm, something Tressa takes pride in...Let the fun continue in our learning experiences!

I have been a student of and known Melissa Simms for nearly two decades and I continue to hold onto the ideals and strive to learn more about classical horsemanship through Melissa. She is the best teacher of the horse and human students that I know. She not only understands, but can teach the intricacies of riding from it's basic fundamentals to Grand Prix Niveau, the finer work in hand such as Piaffe and Passage and the airs above the ground, all of which she is known for having a particular talent for. With all of this said the most important attribute that Melissa has to offer the riding world as a fine teacher and trainer is her unwavering passion and compassion for the horse. Through her knowledge she is able to portray to her students what is required in correct riding so that they may help rather than damage their horses. I still have so much that I want to learn from her and I am so grateful for her persistence in teaching me through all these years. Here is quote by Melissa that I feel is valid to issues in todays riding world...
"As an internationally known educator for many years in the broad spectrum, realm of horsemanship and particularly classical dressage, I have encountered many horses who have been mentally and physically abused and harmed. It has often been my job to rehabilitate such horses and riders, who have either by choice or not, participated in this system. Sometimes I have been successful and other times not. It always makes me feel sad. I feel it is imperative that we continue to educate young riders, judges, instructors, trainers and horse lovers about the fact that classical dressage does not involve either physical or mental abuse to the horse. It is a nature oriented gymnastic schooling created to strengthen the horse's physical and mental capacities and when properly applied,, creates a healthier, mentally balanced animal, increases it's longevity and beauty while creating harmony and understanding between horse and rider. Young riders should understand that dressage competitions can be won without using unethical or brutal means Sadly, there are more examples of the opposite today. Perhaps because we have too few teachers anymore. It is up to each individual horse owner to take the responsibility for their animal and search for instructors and trainers who are more concerned about the horse's well being then they are about their own, who tenaciously uphold classical precepts without deviation and who are not afraid to ask for help before initiating pain. When the rider's skill comes to an end, the door is opened for abuse to begin."
Melissa Simms.

Traditions farm has opportunity for motivated individuals to learn through internship and working student program. This give students the opportunity to learn  classical riding and training in the old European tradition. Under Tressa's guidance  individuals can gain a full experience in horse husbandry and training of horses. This is ideal for students that wish to pursue the knowledge of what is required to run ones own farm and/or a training business or simply become an exceptional riding student.