Gozo Dressage

02/05/2026

7-year-old Nico on Austin today.

10/04/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meJWw0tnhT8&t=321s

Meet Frankie 🐴💛

This lovely 15-year-old Gypsy Cob mix gelding has already lived quite a life. From pulling tourists as a traditional karrozin horse, to working as a polo pony, Frankie has now been given the chance to slow down and start a new chapter.

He’s currently with me in Gozo, where we’re beginning his journey toward a healthier, stronger body through classical dressage and groundwork.

In this first video, I talk a bit about Frankie’s past, the physical challenges he’s facing (like lack of muscle and posture issues), and how I plan to help him find better balance and comfort in his body over time.

This is just the beginning, and I’m really looking forward to sharing his progress with you all ✨

If you’d like to follow Frankie’s journey, feel free to like, comment, and share — your support means a lot 💛

Meet Frankie 🐴In this first episode of a new training series, I introduce you to Frankie — a 15-year-old Gypsy Cob mix gelding with a truly unique story.Ori...

20/03/2026

Interesting perspective of the lateral movements ridden by Becky Holden, Ecole de Légèreté.

11/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1511335917661141&set=a.731525228975551

I was doing some work, but then I got distracted so I made this instead. 👀🤩🐴👍 Shop my books at: www.elaineheneybooks.com

07/03/2026

A big moment today ❤️

My 7-year-old son Nicolai riding the pony stallion Austin for the first time 🐎

Austin belongs to a friend of mine and is too small for an adult rider, so all of his training had to be done from the ground. He used to be quite a wild little stallion, but with patience and consistent in-hand work he learned balance, focus, and trust.

Seeing him now carrying Nicolai so calmly makes me incredibly proud. It’s a beautiful reminder of how important groundwork is in building a safe and confident pony for children.

Very proud of these two today. ❤️

09/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2648206625547460

06/02/2026

🐎 Breaking in a Green Horse – Installing the Buttons 🐎

Breaking in a green horse isn’t about force — it’s about building a shared language between horse and rider. The goal is to “install the buttons” in the horse and teach the rider how to press them correctly, until communication becomes so clear that outside help is barely needed.

Step 1: Lunging
We start on the lunge to establish communication without a rider. Bend, balance, tempo, and clear voice commands help the horse learn rhythm and relaxation.

Step 2: Introducing the Rider’s Weight
With a trusted helper on the ground, the horse gets used to the rider’s weight in a calm, controlled way, reinforcing confidence and trust.

Step 3: Lunging With the Rider Mounted
The horse carries the rider while still being guided from the ground. This helps connect voice commands to the rider’s seat, legs, and hands.

Step 4: Rider Takes Over
The lunge is removed and the rider begins giving all the commands. This is where the installed “buttons” start to come together.

Step 5: Occasional Professional Correction
Regular check-ins with a professional rider help fine-tune communication, correct small issues, and keep both horse and rider on the right track.

✨ The Goal:
Horse and rider sharing a mutual language — clear aids, confident responses, and a partnership that grows more independent over time.

05/02/2026

Welcome to Gozo Dressage 🐴🤍

Hello, I’m Kerstin Himmelmann — horse trainer, riding instructor, and the person behind Gozo Dressage here in beautiful Gozo.

Horses have been part of my life since childhood, and for over 40 years I’ve worked with horses of all breeds, ages, and personalities in Germany and Malta. Today, I run a small, personal livery yard where training is calm, correct, and always tailored to the individual horse.

🌿 What I offer at Gozo Dressage:
• Classical dressage training
• Starting young horses from scratch
• Retraining ex-racehorses
• Riding lessons for horse & rider
• Groundwork & in-hand work
• Basic showjumping
• Full livery in a caring, quiet environment

My focus is on trust, balance, and understanding, helping horses and riders grow together — without stress or shortcuts.

📍 Based in Gozo
💬 I’m always happy to chat, so feel free to get in touch with any questions.

Good training builds confident horses and happy partnerships.

11/12/2025

10/11/2025

Isn`t he gorgeous? New pony in training: 11-year-old Arabian stallion "Kareem".