Amanda was fortunate to have an extensive education by Grand Prix dressage rider and Thoroughbred advocate, Elizabeth Madlener, in how to retrain OTTB's for dressage and compete them successfully. 

Thoroughbred horses are exceptionally intelligent, willing horses with a good work ethic and a desire to please. Ex-racers may not always come as naturally into the contact or have as much reach in the shoulder or natural ability with the hind leg as those horses purpose bred for the sport. Some of the approaches used with naturally gifted purpose-bred dressage horses do not influence the thoroughbred enough to change the way their bodies are naturally inclined and race-track trained, to go.

Dressage is for all horses; it is the work of conditioning and relationship-building. The early work can and should look simple and un-impressive. Tasks should be accomplished in small confidence building increments that lay a foundation for the future, and urges for immediate gratification must be set aside. 

The ex-racehorse at his core is bred to compete and win. The most successful riders of OTTB's will consistently seek out even the smallest ways to help their horse feel like a winner during every training session.

"The Thoroughbred is the ultimate equine athlete. He cannot be trained by domination. You have to approach him with a sense of humility. You don't conquer him - you conquer his heart." - Elizabeth Madlener 

 Read Amanda's full bio here