This episode dives into the California dressage scene!

We chat with Ashlyn De Groot Dodge about being selected for the Dr. Ulf & Eva Möller Young Horse Symposium and riding her amazing horse Odessa, sharing her experience and key takeaways. Next, McKenzie Milburn talks about her experiences at the symposium and the 2026 USEF Dressage Training Series – West Coast in Del Mar, CA, giving insight into high-level competition and training. Finally, we hear from a high-performance rider Rebecca Rigdon on organizing, riding, and everything involved in the Young Horse Symposium, offering a behind-the-scenes look at being super woman!

GUESTS AND LINKS DRESSAGE EPISODE 788:

1. Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | Facebook
2. Guest: Ashlyn De Groot Dodge - Facebook | Instagram
3. Guest: Mckenzie Milborn - Facebook | Instagram
4. Guest: Rebecca Rigdon- Website | Facebook
5. Book Club: How to Ride the Horse You thought you Bought by Anne Buchanan
6. Dressage Radio Show: Website | Facebook
7. Please visit our sponsors, who make all this possible: Kentucky Performance Products, DressageToday+, & USRider!

In this month’s episode, Stephany and Aviva interview their first Hometown Hero, Anne Mouen Stahl. With more than forty years of experience teaching both amateur and professional riders, Anne has come to appreciate the profound importance of establishing a strong, reliable foundation in every rider’s training. She has been fortunate to train horses and riders through every level of dressage, from Training Level to Grand Prix. This breadth of experience has given her a deep understanding of how to guide riders in the correct execution of dressage exercises as they advance—from the early education of the young horse to the refined work required of the elite dressage athlete.

Anne has a wide background of Dressage education, from riding at Morven Park International Equestrian Center after college to working with various trainers at Tempel Lippizans to her favorite mentor Juan Matute, and has a deep love of bringing horses of all types along, whether they were the typical or atypical horse for Dressage. She uses a progressive, gymnastic approach to developing the dressage horse allows riders to gain a clear and lasting understanding of the fundamental principles of training under her careful systematic training.

We enjoyed getting to know Anne, and we thank Nancy Gilby for submitting her as her hero!

Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky (horsepenhillfarm@aol.com) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman (stephanyfish@gmail.com)

Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Guest: Anne Mouen Stahl, Rosehill Dressage

Link: Video Subscription Site

Link: Kentucky Performance Products

Our Sponsor this month: KPP and their product Elevate®

Reese & Megan bring you three thoughtful and inspiring conversations from across the dressage community — from goal-setting and mindset, to perseverance, to top-level competition success.

Reese and Megan kick things off with Ruth Hogan Poulsen, creator of The Dressage Rider’s Journal 2026. Ruth shares the inspiration behind the journal, how riders can use reflection and intention to support their training, and why mindset and consistency are just as important as time in the saddle. A great conversation for riders at every level looking to be more thoughtful and purposeful in their training year.

Next, we sit down with Carly, who shares her personal journey in the dressage industry and what perseverance has meant throughout her career. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Carly runs her own farm and training program and talks candidly about the challenges, growth, and determination it takes to build something of your own — and keep going when the path isn’t easy.

We wrap up the episode with Meagan Davis, who reflects on her incredible Florida season with her homebred partner Toronto Lightfoot. Meagan shares highlights from the season, what went into their preparation, and what it means to see long-term development pay off in the show ring. An inspiring look at partnership, patience, and performance at the top level.

GUESTS AND LINKS DRESSAGE EPISODE 787:

1. Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | Facebook
2. Guest: Ruth Holgen Paulson - Book | Facebook
3. Guest: Carly Collari - Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Guest: Meagan Davis - Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Book Club: How to Ride the Horse You thought you Bought by Anne Buchanan
6. Dressage Radio Show: