Connecticut Dressage Academy

Connecticut Dressage Academy Dressage lessons on schoolmasters, groundwork classes, horsemanship classes, leases, full service boarding and training, clinics, and on site shows

Willow & Bastille heading to the outdoor for their lesson in this beautiful weather! 🦄☀️
09/03/2025

Willow & Bastille heading to the outdoor for their lesson in this beautiful weather! 🦄☀️

Wrapping up the summer with some amazing horses and good company!💛
08/26/2025

Wrapping up the summer with some amazing horses and good company!💛

Our show team has been busy! This past weekend we ventured to the New Jersey Horse Park for Lendon Gray and Dressage4kid...
08/10/2025

Our show team has been busy!

This past weekend we ventured to the New Jersey Horse Park for Lendon Gray and Dressage4kids Youth Dressage Festival!
Despite difficult travel and arriving at 2 am, we had an amazing weekend and are grateful to all the effort put into this wonderful event! This was our first time attending and we will definitely be back next year!
The show started with Ruby & Olivir doing their jog, an imitation of the jog expected at CDI events.
The girls spent Friday schooling their horses with coach Katie and participated in the scavenger hunt!
They finished up the day with the written exam - results as follows:
🌟 Ruby General - 2nd place with a score of 98%!
🌟 Amelia Lesieur - 1st place with a score of 94%!
🌟 Willow Ritson- a respectable score of 86%!

The next day the girls rode their Dressage Test & Dressage Seat Equitation Class, and both Amelia & Ruby qualified for the Stable Management Challenge (only 5 of the 65 riders qualified!)!

🌟Overall, Connecticut Dressage Academy Team Placed Second in overall team scores!🌟

Jade & Olivir were superstars! Jade is for sale if anyone is looking for a bronze medal school master! She was an absolute GEM for these young girls at the show!

AND! On July 27th the team attended the schooling show at R Folly Farm in Morris, CT!

🌟Christina Ditullio & Porthos earned a 69% on their Intro B test!
🌟 Neve & Pippa earned a 71% on their Training 1 test, and High Point Young Rider!
🌟 Rachel & Lucky earned a 67% on their Training 1 test!
🌟 Jay & Bastille earned a 66% on their Training 3 test!
🌟 Willow earned a 65% on their First Level Test 2!
🌟 Amelia earned a 64% on their First Levet Test 2!

Congratulations to all our riders on their success and hard work! As always, thank you to our horses who give us their all and the show organizers that make this all possible!

Studying for the Youth Dressage Festival next weekend!
07/29/2025

Studying for the Youth Dressage Festival next weekend!

✨ Now Accepting New Students at Connecticut Dressage Academy ✨Connecticut Dressage Academy is uniquely offering a limite...
07/28/2025

✨ Now Accepting New Students at Connecticut Dressage Academy ✨

Connecticut Dressage Academy is uniquely offering a limited number of spaces in our Riding Academy Program!

Whether your goal is to develop a strong foundation in dressage, explore show opportunities, or simply enjoy riding well-trained horses in a supportive environment, our program is designed to help you grow.

✅ Access to quality, well-schooled horses
✅ Individualized instruction tailored to your goals
✅ Optional competition opportunities for interested riders
✅ A program led by FEI Dressage Trainer

This is a rare opportunity to train in a program that blends classical fundamentals, supportive coaching, and top-notch horses, perfect for riders ready to take the next step.

📩 Message us today to learn more and secure your spot!

💫 The Infinite Mindset & Horses 💫In the horse world, we often hear it said: “It’s not fair.” And to be honest—many times...
07/09/2025

💫 The Infinite Mindset & Horses 💫

In the horse world, we often hear it said: “It’s not fair.” And to be honest—many times, it isn’t. There is an imbalance. Money can and does produce opportunities. Opportunities often flow more easily to those with financial backing. That’s a reality of the horse world.

But what becomes more dangerous is when we use that thought process to discredit others’ success.

I’ve heard riders say things like, “They only achieved X because of Y.” (Hint: usually "Y" is something negative - it typically isn't because they worked hard or earned it). That kind of thinking can feel satisfying in the moment—but it’s ultimately limiting and toxic. You never know someone’s full story, and assumptions often say more about us than them.

I’ll use myself as an example. When I first opened my business, I heard: “She only has a business because her parents gave her a lot of money.”
While I’m grateful to have had encouraging parents, I didn’t receive a financial windfall to start my business—I built it from the ground up.
Later, when I had a quality horse in my program, the rumors evolved: “Her dad bought her a $60,000 horse.”
(For the record—Dad, if you did do that, feel free to hand him over any time!)
The truth? That horse came from a rescue.

But people sometimes need to rewrite someone else's story to make themselves feel better. I know, because I’ve been there too. As a younger rider, I looked around at other girls with imported horses, brand-new Tailored Sportsmans, and walls of ribbons. I’d convince myself they had it easier. And maybe they did. But that mindset only kept me stuck.

Shifting to an infinite mindset changed everything.

Now, I want my competitors to win.
I want the riders with privilege to win.
I want the riders who’ve struggled to win.
I want the riders with fancy horses to win—and the ones riding greenies and hand-me-downs too.
I want my previous students to win.
I want trainers I no longer train with to win.
I still want myself to win, but I am equally as happy to see others winning.

This mindset is about collaboration over competition. Long-term growth over short-term validation. It’s about knowing that when one of us rises with integrity, it lifts the sport as a whole and in the end the horses benefit the most. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Focus on being better, not just "the best" and every step towards improvement will come easier - and your horses will appreciate that you are happy for little wins!

So if you're not riding upper levels yet—cheer for those who are. Cheer for the ones walking alongside you with similar dreams. Cheer for the horses, no matter who rides them.

Because this sport isn’t really about you.
It’s about the horses—and the people you touch along the way.

Shifting to this mindset will open doors for you—truly.
If someone showed up at your door, venting about how everyone else is only successful because they have it easier and painting themselves as the victim of an unfair system, would you be eager to invite them in for coffee? Probably not.

When you put others down or carry resentment, you’re showing up with that same energy. And guess what? Opportunities can sense that. Doors won’t open when you bring bitterness to their threshold.

But when you operate with confidence, positivity, and a genuine desire to see others succeed—even when it’s not your turn yet—you attract the kind of energy and relationships that do open doors.

✨ So take a breath, refocus, and trust your process—with gratitude, grace, and grit. Celebrate others, work hard, and trust that your time is coming. The right people, horses, and opportunities will find you. Just keep showing up with the right mindset. ✨

Pictured: My student Amelia & Roscoe

Our Connecticut Dressage Academy show team had a fantastic day at the Weatogue Show!Not only did our horses and riders d...
06/23/2025

Our Connecticut Dressage Academy show team had a fantastic day at the Weatogue Show!
Not only did our horses and riders deliver great results in the ring, but the energy all day was full of encouragement, teamwork, and positivity.

✨ Highlights from the day:
🏅 Katie & Porthos – 71% in Training Level Test 3 (1st place!)
🏅 Amelia & Roscoe – 73% in Training Level Test 1 (1st place!)
⭐ Neve & Pippa – 73.5% in Intro C
⭐ Willow & Roscoe – 69% in Training Level Test 1
⭐ Ruby & Olivir – 66% in Third Level Test 3
⭐ Rachel & Lucky – 67% in Intro C
⭐ Jay & Bastile – 65% in Training Level Test 1
⭐ Victoria & Lucky – 64% in Training Level Test 1
⭐ Christina & Porthos – 60% in Intro B

We’re especially proud of Roscoe, who had a major breakthrough this weekend. Once a spooky and anxious horse who wasn’t expected to make it into the show ring, Roscoe showed up calm, confident, and ready to shine. A true testament to the power of patient, thoughtful training and a supportive team!

Congratulations to all our riders—you make us proud! 💙🐴

🌟 Private Clinic 🌟with Dr. Joanna Frantz Underway at Connecticut Dressage Academy! Our exclusive clinic with Dr. Joanna ...
06/08/2025

🌟 Private Clinic 🌟
with Dr. Joanna Frantz Underway at Connecticut Dressage Academy!

Our exclusive clinic with Dr. Joanna Frantz is currently in session, offering a unique opportunity for our riders to enhance their skills under the guidance of a distinguished expert.

About Dr. Joanna Frantz:

Dr. Joanna Frantz is a licensed physical therapist with both a Master’s and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. She is the founder of Refine Your Ride, a program dedicated to improving rider biomechanics and performance. Joanna serves as a contracted physical therapist for the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team and was part of the team that earned a team bronze and two individual gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games .
refineyourride.net

Through her clinic, riders are receiving personalized assessments and manual therapy, combined with tailored exercise programs to address individual needs. This holistic approach aims to correct movement imbalances, prevent injuries, and enhance overall riding performance.

We are excited to witness the progress and insights gained during this clinic and look forward to applying these learnings to further our riders' development.

Willow & Deka 💜
05/28/2025

Willow & Deka 💜

Wash stall makeover!
05/20/2025

Wash stall makeover!

🌞 Exciting Summer 2025 at Connecticut Dressage Academy! 🌞Get ready for a summer full of growth, saddle time, and unforge...
05/18/2025

🌞 Exciting Summer 2025 at Connecticut Dressage Academy! 🌞

Get ready for a summer full of growth, saddle time, and unforgettable experiences at CTDA!

✨ Summer Lease Weeks
Think summer/boot camp—but elevated. Our lease weeks offer riders daily access to a dedicated horse, independent ride time, one-on-one lessons, group learning sessions, and hands-on training opportunities. Perfect for students prepping for lease, horse ownership, or wanting more than weekly lessons—without the pressure of a full lease.

✨ Summer Lesson Tuition Options
Whether you’re looking for consistency or elite coaching, we have multiple options to fit your goals—including options for guaranteed lessons with FEI rider Katie Bogaert Dressage.

✨ CDA Summer Show Team
Join a team of committed riders with weekly private + group dressage lessons, supervised practice rides, groundwork classes, show coaching, and off-site competition opportunities. Designed to keep you progressing and competing confidently all summer long.

🌟 And don’t miss…
The Stephen Hayes Dressage Clinic – June 14 & 15!
A world-class opportunity to ride or audit with one of the most sought-after clinicians in the sport. Open to CTDA riders and guests, and trailer ins are very welcome!—space is limited!

Let’s make this a summer to remember 💫 Message us for more details or to reserve your spot!



Photo by Selleques Studios of CTDA resident Olivir owned by Kristy Porter

Smile! It's Sunday!😂🌞
05/18/2025

Smile! It's Sunday!😂🌞

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237 Bradley Corners Road
Madison, CT
06443

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On Site Schoolmasters & Bio-Mechanics Focus

KB Equine prides itself on offering services to those riders that are interested in learning the why and how behind everything. We truly believe that when you can fully grasp a concept, you are more likely to be able to implement in your riding and routine. We focus heavily on bio-mechanics and educating the rider about their horse’s body, how how it all connects together! We are proud to offer schoolmaster lesson horses on site with training up to fourth level to help you achieve your goals in the higher levels.

Although we primarily focus on dressage, we welcome all disciplines.