What an unforgettable weekend.
My team and I just returned from the World Cup — buzzing with inspiration, new ideas, and a renewed love for this sport. Whether you were there with us in person (thank you!) or are just now hearing about it, here’s your behind-the-scenes look at everything that happened.
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🎙️ EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS: STEFFEN PETERS & BECKY MOODY
On Friday, I had the extraordinary privilege of sitting down with two of the most accomplished dressage riders in the world — Steffen Peters and World Cup winner Becky Moody. Both were generous, grounded, and refreshingly real. Here are the insights that stuck with me most:
On Riding & Training Philosophy
- Riding alone isn’t a weakness. Becky competed at the World Cup without a coach. Her message? Become a thinking, feeling rider because when you ride down centerline, you’re on your own!
- Your horse doesn’t need to be fancy — just correct. Becky bred Jagerbomb and trained him up through the levels herself. He’s not a flashy horse or an extravagant mover – just incredibly steady and well trained. Her freestyle is one of the most technically difficult ones I’ve ever seen!
- Competition is just more training. The stronger your basics at home, the better you’ll perform in the ring. Trust the process and don’t change how you ride, just because you’re at a show.
On Suppleness, Balance & Feel
- Suppleness and balance must come before power. It’s never about driving your horse into the hand. Make sure that your horse is correctly bending around the leg and mentally relaxed before adding power.
- Take your legs off to create forward. When Jagerbomb (Becky’s horse) was young, he wasn’t the most forward horse. Lots and lots of transitions, as well as taking your leg off, will help to get your horse more sensitive and forward.
On Young & Spooky Horses
- Know your limits with young horses. Steffen ensures every young horse he leads will stop and back up on command. Becky prefers to have someone braver start her young horses — and she’s unapologetic about it.
- For spooky horses at shows: do your homework at home, then keep them occupied at the venue. Simple, but effective.
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🏟️ SATURDAY: OUR LIVE EDUCATIONAL EVENT
On Saturday, we took everything off the screen and into the room. Our live session focused on Rider Position and the Training Scale — and it was anything but a lecture.
Everyone was up, moving, laughing, and learning. Here’s a taste of what we covered:
Rider Position Highlights
- Elbows and the posting trot
- Breathing and your core
- The canter aid and seat
- The Scrambled Eggs Challenge (you had to be there!)
Training Scale in Action
- We clapped out the rhythm of footfalls, which was both hilarious and eye-opening because we had a hard time getting in sync.
- My mom brought pieces of rope so everyone could practice holding the reins and finding a steady, electric contact. I’ll be honest — I was surprised by how many riders haven’t yet mastered this feel. It’s something worth practicing at home, starting today.
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Being ringside at the World Cup, watching the world’s best horses and riders, does something to you. It reminds you why you started riding — and makes you want to go home and be better.
I hope this recap gave you a little of that feeling, too.
Happy Riding,
Amelia
P.S. The 30 Day Canter Challenge Starts May 1st – click here to learn more and join!
