AboutDorothy Morris-Robinson Expertise I have been training and rehabilitating horses, and training riders for combined training for over 40 years, in Virginia and California. This includes dressage, cross country obstacles and show jumping. Years ago I earned my colors with the Blue Ridge Hunt Club in VA. I currently train and teach at my ranch in Kennewick, WA. I can answer certain questions about starting young horses in English riding: dressage, jumping, cross country obstacles and basic equitation. I can help with rehabilitation of spoiled or difficult horses; however, many problems require sustained riding instruction/training and I cannot do this online. Some issues need to be observed to come to a correct diagnosis. If your problem is of this type, please find a qualified instructor/trainer. I cannot give riding lessons via email.
Experience Experience in the area: Over 40 years of English riding experience, including Fox Hunting in Virginia, training young horses for hunting and/or eventing. Coached Desiree Smith from her beginning at Training Level Combined tests through her competition at two Junior International competition Three Day Events. She rode my horse that I also started and trained her to ride. This combination competed in the World Championship Three Day in Lexington, KY in 1978. I trained another horse (TB) through 3rd Level Dressage and jumping. He eventually competed at Advanced level Three Day. I recently re-trained a mare that came to me as "unhandleable" after having had 5 owners in less than 18 months. She is now one of the sweetest tempered mares I have ever owned and given us a handsome, Premium colt by Ideal. I have reschooled several horses with difficulties ranging from running away to running backward, to not allowing a bridle to be put on, to kicking out at the farrier, being "too much on the muscle over jumps", etc
Organizations National Society Daughters of the Revolution (DAR): USDF
Publications Four novels (I am also a novelist)
Education/Credentials Some college
Awards and Honors Who's Who of American Women, Who'w Who in America, Past Board of Directors FDIC-NACM
Question Hi,
I have a 5 year old Arabian/Paint cross who I think would be very good at dressage. I'm new at dressage too though, so what would be a good way for me to start her on my own? Is there any special equipment I will need?
Thank you!
Answer Hello Courtney,
Neither Paints nor Arabian are used extensively in dressage, although they may be used in lower level eventing and in International Pony Club work. They usually don't have the right sort of movement for it. However, you can always improve any horse of any type with dressage training; it all depends on how far you would want to go.
The first thing you would need is a qualified dressage instructor. You cannot learn dressage without a qualified dressage trainer, and herein lies the problem. There are many, many instructors who may tell you that they know the subject, but many of those only know about riding patterns. They do not have an understanding or the skill to teach you the basics of dressage. So my advice is first to contact a qualified dressage trainer. If she is close by, have her come and take a look-see. If there are no qualified instructors close to you, you may have to trailer for lessons. So first find that dressage rider/instructor and see if you can get lessons. She/he will tell you what sort of saddle to get, bridle, etc.
If you cannot locate one, let me know where you live and I will try to find one for you. OK? I would have to know your age, how long you have been riding, your level, etc.
