Intro
Dressage Training
& Instruction
with Laura Gillmer
Intro
Dressage Training
& Instruction
with Laura Gillmer
Dressage & Horsemanship Training
On Site Dressage Clinics with Laura
Virtual Coaching for Riders
Are you looking for a highly skilled, yet positive and patient teacher? Someone who offers compassionate and thoughtful training in the comfort of your own space?
My name is Laura, of Down to Earth Dressage and I love to help riders reach their goals with a holistic, balanced approach.
About
About
See the Transformations
My student Wendy and her paint mare EverSo. Wendy had to retire EverSo from the Hunter arena due navicular changes in EverSo’s front feet. Wendy and her mare knew zero Dressage, but in just a few years they moved up the levels and earned their USDF Bronze Medal!
My student Sue took her husbands retired polo pony mare named Grande and started working on Dressage! Grande is fit and happy at age 25! it goes to show you correct, balanced work can help your horse at any age!
My student Sarah and her Friesian mare Legacy go from scared and rearing, to forward and happy in one session!
How I Can Help
Listen Carefully
I start every lesson by asking how you’re doing, because stress, work, and family life affect the energy you bring to the barn. I tailor our lessons to what you and your horse are capable of in that moment.
Understand How Bodies Work
I’ve worked extensively with a physical therapist to understand how the human body works — on the horse and off. I recognize physical limitations and have tools, exercises, and strategies to help riders and their horses gently push beyond them. I can help riders adjust their bodies to communicate better with their horses.
Challenge Mindfully
I often work with riders and horses who have had past difficulties. I break things down to their smallest component steps, and tackle them one at a time. As you and your horse see progress, your confidence grows and you’re ready to take on even more challenges. The positive effects stay with you even when you’re not in the saddle.
Stay Balanced
Although we’re always looking to move forward, we’ll never do it at the expense of you or your horse’s wellbeing. Sometimes we have to pivot, shift gears, and try something new, because the bottom line is always building a positive partnership between you and your horse.
Pursue Excellence
Having worked with some of the top Grand Prix Dressage trainers in the U.S., I know what it takes to be the best. If you’re a competitor who’s willing to put in the hours it takes to win, I can help you and your horse get there. However, my approach will always be based on doing what’s best for you and your horse’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
Teaching & Training Philosophy
Teach and train
in a positive, compassionate manner building trust and respect for a harmonious partnership.
Improve balance, strength and flexibility
in both horse and rider, leading to a better experience and fewer injuries
Provide an encouraging and safe experience
promoting confidence and clear communication for both horse and rider
About Me
Hi I’m Laura! I grew up in a small town in Vermont and started riding at age six. I learned that I had a real passion working with horses and teaching when I worked at a local Dressage barn in highschool. I decided to further my knowledge by attending the UMass Amherst Equine Industries program. At UMass I was a rider on both the Dressage and Equestrian Teams. During which time I trained with Advanced level eventer and FEI dressage rider, Jerry Schurink.
After graduation I worked as an assistant trainer to FEI trainer Harry Diel at Reindance Dressage. I gained significant experience starting young horses and trained many of them to the upper levels. I then furthered my training abilities with multiple FEI-level horses working as the assistant trainer and barn manager to nationally recognized Grand Prix trainer and competitor, Sharon McCusker of Souhegan Farm. During this time I competed successfully through Prix St. George, and earned my USDF Bronze and Silver Medals.
I started my freelance training business in 2014 and I encountered one of my most challenging horses — a feral rescue pony — which proved to be an unexpected gift as a trainer and educator. My dressage skills seemed to have no value in that particular situation and I started down the path of learning natural horsemanship. This work facilitated a deeper understanding of horse psychology and the value of groundwork as a tool for communication. I have gratefully incorporated this body of work, and I’m on a constant quest to learn more!
USDF Silver Medalist
USDF Bronze Medalist
UMass Dressage & Equestrian Team Rider
MA Licensed Instructor
