Dressage training with AW Dressage
Anne believes quality dressage training should be accessible to all riders, whether they are just learning the basics or competing at the highest levels of dressage. From individual weekly lessons to partial and full training packages, she crafts individualized programs to meet each client’s goals.
Anne primarily trains adult riders and their horses, and also trains and shows horses whose riders are particularly interested in seeing Anne compete their horse as it progresses through the levels.
Lessons & clinics
Anne is a positive, patient, encouraging teacher, and she prioritizes both the comfort of the horse and establishing effective communication between horse and rider in her teaching. She focuses on correct fundamentals, not finding shortcuts.
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Anne's rich education in the biomechanics of both horse and rider has helped her develop an eye for rider asymmetries, giving her a variety of tools to help riders work toward straightness and balance.
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Lesson times are flexible both during the week and on weekends, to meet the needs of busy riders.
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In addition to individual lessons, Anne offers clinics throughout Northern California and the Central Coast.
Training
Whether she is working with a young horse or helping an experienced dressage pair achieve advanced competition goals, Anne crafts an individualized training program focused on helping both horse and rider achieve their full potential.
Anne believes strongly in a holistic approach with a unified team of veterinarians, bodyworkers, farriers, coaches, saddle fitters and others supporting each horse. An important but uncommon technique Anne uses is long lining, both to present questions in a different way to the horse and as an accompaniment to riding.
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Anne is particularly skilled in working through training issues in a way that builds confidence for the horse, and finds it immensely rewarding to help horses and owners who have been stuck in their relationship or training find new perspectives and skills to progress.
Training locations
Anne is a resident trainer at American Sporthorse, which offers full-care boarding as well as haul-in lesson options. The facility includes:
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A variety of stall/paddock boarding options as well as individual pasture boarding
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Full court covered arena, allowing comfortable year-round training
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Full court in oversized outdoor arena offering a second riding space during dry months
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Covered four-horse Eurowalker
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A variety of onsite therapeutic modalities
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Lovely trail riding options within a 30-minute drive time
American Sporthorse hosts 4-6 USEF/USDF recognized shows annually, with additional CDS recognized shows during the show season. The facility also regularly hosts clinics. Two other dressage trainers, Anne Howard (‘R’ judge and facility owner) and Tracey Lert (retired ’S’ judge), are also available for lessons at American Sporthorse.​
Anne also trains and teaches at Oak Ridge Ranch in Watsonville. Oak Ridge offers full-care boarding for a small number of horses seeking individualized dressage training in an intimate, boutique setting. The facility offers:
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Stall and paddock boarding
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Nearly full court size outdoor arena with new premium footing
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Uncovered round pen
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Large turnout pasture on a gentle hillside
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Lovely trail riding options within a 30 minute drive time