--- title: Karen Rohlf's Blog --- - [Free Video Lessons](https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/) - [Student Logins](https://dressagenaturally.net/student-logins/) - [![Facebook](https://dressagenaturally.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/facebook-icon.png)](https://www.facebook.com/DressageNaturally.KarenRohlf/) - [![Facebook Group](https://dressagenaturally.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/facebook-group-icon-ws.png)](https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLand/) - [![Instagram](https://dressagenaturally.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/instagram-icon.png)](https://www.instagram.com/dressagenaturally/) - [![Youtube](https://dressagenaturally.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/youtube-icon-ws.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/kssage/videos) - [![Store](https://dressagenaturally.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/store-icon.png)](https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/) [![dressage-naturally-logo-revision-374x131](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hs-fs/hubfs/dressage-naturally-logo-revision-374x131.png?width=374&name=dressage-naturally-logo-revision-374x131.png)](https://dressagenaturally.net/)   - [Home](https://dressagenaturally.net/) - [About](https://dressagenaturally.net/dressage-naturally-methodology/) - [Meet Karen](https://dressagenaturally.net/meet-karen-rohlf/) - [Programs](https://dressagenaturally.net/online-programs/) - [Events](https://dressagenaturally.net/events/) - [Shop](http://shop.dressagenaturally.net/) - [Podcast](https://dressagenaturally.net/podcast/) - [Blog](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/) - [Contact Us](https://dressagenaturally.net/contact)     ![karen-rohlfs-blog](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hs-fs/hubfs/karen-rohlfs-blog.png?width=475&name=karen-rohlfs-blog.png) # Seriously light-hearted musings about horses & life. [![KR Blog-1](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/KR%20Blog-1.jpg "KR Blog-1")](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/) - [Healthy, Happy Dressage (47)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/tag/healthy-happy-dressage) - [Life, Empowerment & Horses (35)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/tag/life-empowerment-horses) - [Foundation Of Partnership (33)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/tag/foundation-of-partnership) - [Connection With The Reins (9)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/tag/connection-with-the-reins) - [The Horse Business (3)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/tag/the-horse-business) Search ## [Habits For Excellent Horsemanship Part 1 of 3](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/127-habits-for-excellent-horsemanship-part-1) [![partners](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/partners.jpg "partners")](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/127-habits-for-excellent-horsemanship-part-1) It takes years to develop the skills and abilities of an experienced master horseman. The good new is there are specific habits that you can implement starting right now, no matter what level you are.  [>> Read More](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/127-habits-for-excellent-horsemanship-part-1) ## [A Holistic View For Keeping Your Horse's Back Healthy](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/145-holistic-view-for-keeping-your-horses-back-healthy) [![Healthy_Unhealthy_Biomechanics_web](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Healthy_Unhealthy_Biomechanics_web.jpg "Healthy_Unhealthy_Biomechanics_web")](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/145-holistic-view-for-keeping-your-horses-back-healthy) The health of your horse’s back is vital to his performance. Achieving healthy back movement requires a holistic solution that takes into account every aspect of your horse’s experience. [>> Read More](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/145-holistic-view-for-keeping-your-horses-back-healthy) ## Most Recent [![be a superhero for your horse](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/superhero%20and%20horse%20cartoon.jpeg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/what-to-do-when-you-see-abuse) ## [What To Do When You See Abuse.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/what-to-do-when-you-see-abuse) [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/what-to-do-when-you-see-abuse) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Scale%20of%20Safe%20and%20Unsafe.jpeg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/a-few-ways-to-look-at-horse-welfare-issues) ## [A Few Ways To Look At Horse Welfare Issues](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/a-few-ways-to-look-at-horse-welfare-issues) [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/a-few-ways-to-look-at-horse-welfare-issues) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/om%20baboon.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/an-aliens-study-of-human-superiority-complex) ## [An Alien's Study Of Human Superiority Complex](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/an-aliens-study-of-human-superiority-complex) [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/an-aliens-study-of-human-superiority-complex) ## Most Popular [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Mouthful%20of%20foam.jpeg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/foamy-mouth-good-or-bad) ## [Foamy Mouth - Good or Bad?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/foamy-mouth-good-or-bad) [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/foamy-mouth-good-or-bad) [![natilla 4](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/natilla_4.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/111-mother-may-i) ## [Mother, May I?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/111-mother-may-i) [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/111-mother-may-i) [![jedicanterbridlelessmystery](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/e2014/jedicanterbridlelessmystery.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/69-to-bit-or-not-to-bit) ## [To Bit Or Not To Bit](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/69-to-bit-or-not-to-bit) [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/69-to-bit-or-not-to-bit) [![Huey Sitting](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Huey%20Sitting.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/thoughts-for-training-low-energy-horses) ## [How To Train Low Energy Horses](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/thoughts-for-training-low-energy-horses) [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/thoughts-for-training-low-energy-horses) [![glenn stewart karen rohlf](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/glenn-stewart-karen-rohlf.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/47-lessons-relearned-the-pitfall-of-wanting-to-be-nice) ## [Lessons Re-Learned: The Pitfall of Wanting to be ...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/47-lessons-relearned-the-pitfall-of-wanting-to-be-nice) [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/47-lessons-relearned-the-pitfall-of-wanting-to-be-nice) [![hot shot no noseband](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/hot%20shot%20no%20noseband.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/about-nosebands) ## [About Nosebands...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/about-nosebands) [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/about-nosebands) [![be a superhero for your horse](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/superhero%20and%20horse%20cartoon.jpeg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/what-to-do-when-you-see-abuse) ## [What To Do When You See Abuse.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/what-to-do-when-you-see-abuse) Often, the conversations about abuse are about what to do after you see abuse, or what punishment should happen to the ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/what-to-do-when-you-see-abuse) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Scale%20of%20Safe%20and%20Unsafe.jpeg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/a-few-ways-to-look-at-horse-welfare-issues) ## [A Few Ways To Look At Horse Welfare Issues](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/a-few-ways-to-look-at-horse-welfare-issues) We all need to think about horse welfare: what it looks like, how to define abuse, where to draw lines, and what to do ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/a-few-ways-to-look-at-horse-welfare-issues) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/om%20baboon.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/an-aliens-study-of-human-superiority-complex) ## [An Alien's Study Of Human Superiority Complex](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/an-aliens-study-of-human-superiority-complex) (Inspired by all the studies that 'discover' that animals can think & feel) A group of aliens visited Earth because ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/an-aliens-study-of-human-superiority-complex) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Harmonious%20dynamic%20biomechanics.png)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/when-is-the-right-time-to-focus-on-how-your-horse-moves) ## [When Is The Right Time To Focus On How Your Horse ...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/when-is-the-right-time-to-focus-on-how-your-horse-moves) Getting the mental, emotional, and physical dynamic right throughout your horse’s life can be challenging. The more you ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/when-is-the-right-time-to-focus-on-how-your-horse-moves) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Precision%20%26%20Play%20cropped.jpeg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/dissolving-brace) ## [Dissolving Brace](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/dissolving-brace) "Horses are not merely lumps of clay where strongly squeezing and pressing on them will make them soft" Many people ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/dissolving-brace) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/smoke%20mirrors%20welfare.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/smoke-mirrors-horse-welfare) ## [Smoke & Mirrors & Horse Welfare](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/smoke-mirrors-horse-welfare) When it comes to horse welfare we all need to play a part, but even though it 'will take a village', personal ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/smoke-mirrors-horse-welfare) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/shutterstock_339847397.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/im-a-weirdo) ## [I'm A Weirdo.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/im-a-weirdo) I’m a weirdo. I’m OK with that. I am sure there are ‘right ways’ of doing things. I’m sure there are efficient ways of ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/im-a-weirdo) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-10%20at%2010.24.42%20PM.jpeg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/horse-school-has-different-classes) ## [Horse School Has Different Classes](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/horse-school-has-different-classes) Training horses, like most things, does not happen in a straight line. Even if you have one clearly defined goal (to do ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/horse-school-has-different-classes) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/shutterstock_1364464388.jpeg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/stop-breaking-horses) ## [Stop Breaking Horses](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/stop-breaking-horses) Prefer to listen? I covered this in my podcast. Horse Training In Harmony, episode 156 Words matter. Often we use words ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/stop-breaking-horses) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/bubbles%20Natilla%20riding.jpeg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/nothing-is-something) ## [Nothing Is Something](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/nothing-is-something) At a clinic a few years ago, at the last moment, I threw away my plan for the first session and did something ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/nothing-is-something) [![Karen Rohlf Superhero](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/superhero%20and%20horse%20cartoon.jpeg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/be-your-horses-superhero) ## [Be Your Horse's Superhero.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/be-your-horses-superhero) Why Partnership Is Not Enough Starting in the late 1990s, I changed from control-based training to communication-based ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/be-your-horses-superhero) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Training%20Scale-1.png)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/is-your-horse-a-happy-athlete) ## [Is Your Horse A Happy Athlete?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/is-your-horse-a-happy-athlete) I've coached students from multiple disciplines and levels on a variety of breeds of horses, coming from a range of ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/is-your-horse-a-happy-athlete) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Mouthful%20of%20foam.jpeg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/foamy-mouth-good-or-bad) ## [Foamy Mouth - Good or Bad?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/foamy-mouth-good-or-bad) I often get asked about what it means when a horse has foam in their mouth and whether it is good or bad. My answer is: ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/foamy-mouth-good-or-bad) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Karen%20ROhlf%20Dressage%20Naturally%20Natilla%20bridleless%20canter.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/partnership-leadership) ## [Partnership & Leadership](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/partnership-leadership) Prefer to listen? Click HERE to go to a podcast on this subject. Have you been told by an instructor that you need to ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/partnership-leadership) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/hyperflexion%20teo.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/helping-a-horse-with-shivers) ## [Helping A Horse With Shivers](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/helping-a-horse-with-shivers) I was given a very lovely young warmblood who I was told (after they gave him to me) was diagnosed with shivers. For ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/helping-a-horse-with-shivers) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/karen%20rohlf%20hot%20shot%20big%20trot%20liberty.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-to-motivate-your-horse) ## [How To Motivate Your Horse](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-to-motivate-your-horse) Prefer to listen? I did a podcast that includes this subject. You can listen HERE Can you motivate your horse to offer ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-to-motivate-your-horse) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/custom-video-thumbnails/Happy%20Horse%20Interview%20Series%20David%20Lichman-thumb.jpeg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/happy-horse-interview-series) ## [Happy Horse Interview Series](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/happy-horse-interview-series) How do you know if your horse is happy? There are 7 interviews in this series (so far)! You can find them all by going ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/happy-horse-interview-series) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/KR%20happy%20Horse%20thumb2-1.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-do-you-know-your-horse-is-happy) ## [How Do You Know Your Horse Is Happy?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-do-you-know-your-horse-is-happy) Settle in for my thoughts on how to know your horse is happy and how to increase his levels of happiness! (45 min ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-do-you-know-your-horse-is-happy) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Terri%20Miller%20photo-1.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/the-decision) ## [The Decision](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/the-decision) This blog is about how to make The Decision... The decision about how to know if it's time to euthanize your beloved ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/the-decision) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Karen%20Rohlf%20Natilla%20cuddles.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/love-it-or-change-it) ## [Love It Or Change It.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/love-it-or-change-it) (Prefer to listen? Check out my podcast on this subject) What if… In any moment of tension, there was one question you ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/love-it-or-change-it) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Karen%20Rohlf%20Dressage%20Naturally%20Bareback%20bitless%20Extended%20Trot.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/why-are-you-doing-that-exercise) ## [Why Are You Doing Those Dressage Exercises?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/why-are-you-doing-that-exercise) The key to getting the benefit out of a specific dressage exercise or movement is to know WHY you are doing it. If you ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/why-are-you-doing-that-exercise) [![hero shot](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/hero%20shot.png)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/3-steps-for-improving-anything) ## [3 Steps For Improving Anything](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/3-steps-for-improving-anything) There are only three steps to get from where you are to where you want to be: Be aware. Do what you can. Play with what ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/3-steps-for-improving-anything) [![Karen Rohlf Dressage Naturally cartoon about people dressing the same](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Karen%20Rohlf%20Dressage%20Naturally%20cartoon%20about%20people%20dressing%20the%20same.png)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/dont-do-natural-horsemanship) ## [Don't Do Natural Horsemanship](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/dont-do-natural-horsemanship) When someone says they do dressage, you can picture them doing specific movements like half pass, pirouettes, and ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/dont-do-natural-horsemanship) [![thought](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/thought.png)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/focus-vs-intention) ## [Focus vs Intention](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/focus-vs-intention) In a previous blog I wrote about how intention is the main aid we use with horses so they know the difference between ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/focus-vs-intention) [![unnamed-18](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Landing%20Pages/unnamed-18.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-to-choose-your-teacher) ## [How To Choose Your Teacher.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-to-choose-your-teacher) Prefer to listen? Go HERE to listen to this topic on Karen's Podcast. Finding the right teacher for each stage of your ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-to-choose-your-teacher) [![hot shot no noseband](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/hot%20shot%20no%20noseband.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/about-nosebands) ## [About Nosebands...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/about-nosebands) There's a lot of discussion in dressage circles about how tight or loose a noseband should be in order to create the ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/about-nosebands) [![Moving With Ease Karen Rohlf](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Moving%20With%20Ease%20Karen%20Rohlf.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/3-guidelines-for-improving-how-your-horse-moves) ## [3 Guidelines For Improving How Your Horse Moves.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/3-guidelines-for-improving-how-your-horse-moves) Prefer to listen? Check out Karen's podcast on this subject. When students want to improve their horse's biomechanics ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/3-guidelines-for-improving-how-your-horse-moves) [![Stop Getting horse on the bit Dressage Naturally SM](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Stop%20Getting%20horse%20on%20the%20bit%20Dressage%20Naturally%20SM.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/stop-putting-your-horse-on-the-bleeping-bit) ## [Stop Trying To Get Your Horse On The (Bleeping) ...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/stop-putting-your-horse-on-the-bleeping-bit) Prefer to listen? Check out Karen's Podcast on this subject. The phrase "get your horse on the bit" has caused much ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/stop-putting-your-horse-on-the-bleeping-bit) [![launch2](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/launch2.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/horse-stressed-in-new-places) ## [Horse Stressed In New Places?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/horse-stressed-in-new-places) In the Q&A calls we do for our online programs, we often get questions about how to handle things when you take ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/horse-stressed-in-new-places) [![Karen Rohlf Natilla Bridleless](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Karen%20Rohlf%20Natilla%20Bridleless.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/a-technique-to-use-when-you-feel-fear-with-your-horse) ## [A Technique To Use When You Feel Fear With Your ...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/a-technique-to-use-when-you-feel-fear-with-your-horse) 'Maybe Today' is a technique that will help you when there is something that you want to do with your horse, that you ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/a-technique-to-use-when-you-feel-fear-with-your-horse) [![Karen Rohlf Make it Easy and Fun](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Karen%20Rohlf%20Make%20it%20Easy%20and%20Fun.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/read-this-before-buying-your-next-horse-read-this-even-if-youre-not-looking-for-a-new-horse) ## [Read This Before Buying Your Next Horse](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/read-this-before-buying-your-next-horse-read-this-even-if-youre-not-looking-for-a-new-horse) (Read this even if you are not thinking of buying a new horse) Here's a sentence I hear way too often: "If my horse was ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/read-this-before-buying-your-next-horse-read-this-even-if-youre-not-looking-for-a-new-horse) [![Give Your Horse A Break Dressage Naturally](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Give%20Your%20Horse%20A%20Break%20Dressage%20Naturally.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/give-your-horse-a-break) ## [3 Reasons To Give Your Horse A Break](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/give-your-horse-a-break) It's important to give your horse breaks. A break can mean a day off, or weeks off. In this article, I will talk about ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/give-your-horse-a-break) [![Karen Rohlf Dressage Naturally Bending](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Karen%20Rohlf%20Dressage%20Naturally%20Bending.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-to-bend-correctly) ## [How To Bend Your Horse Correctly](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-to-bend-correctly) "Is this the right bend?" is one of the most common question I get asked during clinics. When riders ask this, they are ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-to-bend-correctly) [![oops](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/oops.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/my-most-perfect-and-embarrassing-mistake-with-horses) ## [My Most Embarrassing Mistake With Horses.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/my-most-perfect-and-embarrassing-mistake-with-horses) (5 minute read) James Joyce said: "Mistakes are the portals of discovery." That's probably the last thing you want to ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/my-most-perfect-and-embarrassing-mistake-with-horses) [![it depends](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Yes%20And%20Web%20sized.jpeg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/yes-and) ## [Yes, And...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/yes-and) Note to readers: If you immediately look for how this article is wrong, then you are proving me right. :-) I have a ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/yes-and) [![Huey Sitting](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Huey%20Sitting.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/thoughts-for-training-low-energy-horses) ## [How To Train Low Energy Horses](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/thoughts-for-training-low-energy-horses) (5 minute read. Includes videos) My first thought for training low energy horses is to not call them lazy. Lazy implies ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/thoughts-for-training-low-energy-horses) [![Image-1](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Image-1.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/new-year-2019-musings-on-getting-help) ## [Musings On Getting Help](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/new-year-2019-musings-on-getting-help) (This was written for the new year of 2019 and it applies to every moment!) New Year: Celebrating another trip around ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/new-year-2019-musings-on-getting-help) [![](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Landing%20Pages/unnamed-12.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/assess-your-horse) ## [Assess Your Horse](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/assess-your-horse) The following is an excerpt from my book: Dressage Naturally... Results In Harmony. A Guide To The Basics Of Dressage ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/assess-your-horse) [![alien calculus karen rohlf](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/alien%20calculus%20karen%20rohlf.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/an-assumption-of-obligingness) ## [An Assumption Of Obligingness](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/an-assumption-of-obligingness) Prefer to listen? Check out Karen's podcast on this subject. Many riders aren't enjoying the process of training or ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/an-assumption-of-obligingness) [![Karen Rohlf rolling-1](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Karen%20Rohlf%20rolling-1.png)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/my-most-viral-video-the-backstory) ## [My Most Viral Video - The Backstory](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/my-most-viral-video-the-backstory) Out of all the videos I have made, there is one video that has gotten more attention than all the others. You can see ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/my-most-viral-video-the-backstory) [![Karen Rohlf human dressage arena](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Karen%20Rohlf%20human%20dressage%20arena.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/riding-dressage-tests-can-be-fun) ## [Riding Dressage Tests Can Be Fun](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/riding-dressage-tests-can-be-fun) Riders can often fall into one of two categories: Those who want to compete and those who don't. A more extreme version ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/riding-dressage-tests-can-be-fun) [![drag](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/drag.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/contemplation-is-a-drag-and-thats-a-good-thing) ## [Contemplation Is A Drag (and that's a good thing)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/contemplation-is-a-drag-and-thats-a-good-thing) I spend my life creating intangible and fleeting moments: An amazing feeling on a horse, a breakthrough of ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/contemplation-is-a-drag-and-thats-a-good-thing) [![stratery](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/stratery.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/5-keys-to-enjoy-learning-dressage) ## [5 Keys for Enjoying Learning Dressage](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/5-keys-to-enjoy-learning-dressage) I’ve seen so many people spend SO much money to suffer through dressage lessons. It does NOT have to be that way. ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/5-keys-to-enjoy-learning-dressage) [![unnamed-23](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/TYB%20ASG%20AD.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/love-your-life-in-the-horse-business) ## [How To Love Your Life In The Horse Business](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/love-your-life-in-the-horse-business) ‘When you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life’. A lot of people are credited for that quote, from ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/love-your-life-in-the-horse-business) [![TheChoice](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/TheChoice.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/147-fancy-horse-expensive-trainer-why-so-unhappy) ## [Fancy Horse. Expensive Trainer. Why So Unhappy?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/147-fancy-horse-expensive-trainer-why-so-unhappy) You’ve done everything the ‘right’ way. You bought the fancy horse. You hired the big name trainer in the area and ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/147-fancy-horse-expensive-trainer-why-so-unhappy) [![massageweb](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/massageweb.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/125-a-business-built-for-horses) ## [A Business Built For Horses](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/125-a-business-built-for-horses) Professionals: How I Created A Business Built FOR Horses In my article about a Fresh Look At The Industry Standard For ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/125-a-business-built-for-horses) [![Happy AThlete FB scale](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/Happy_AThlete_FB_scale.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/36-big-picture) ## [Big Picture](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/36-big-picture) Not missing the forest for the trees...Keeping the Big Picture in mind when advancing with your horse. It happens all ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/36-big-picture) [![youre the best](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/youre_the_best.png)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/110-accepting-praise) ## [Accepting Praise](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/110-accepting-praise) Here's a short story about accepting praise and positivity. I don't know about you, but I am not one for false ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/110-accepting-praise) [![Wendy Barchowsky in Dressage Naturally Bitless Bridle](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/Wendy_Barchowsky_in_Dressage_Naturally_Bitless_Bridle.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/105-blue-ribbons-and-bitless) ## [Blue Ribbons and Bitless!](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/105-blue-ribbons-and-bitless) Dressage Naturally recently sponsored a couple of awards at DunMovin Farms Adult Amateur Dressage Schooling Show in ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/105-blue-ribbons-and-bitless) [![Dangerous Patterns - Ancora Imparo](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/dp-heart2.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/35-dangerous-patterns) ## [Dangerous Patterns](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/35-dangerous-patterns) Dangerous Patterns: In Horsemanship & in the World, Harmony or Conflict Begins with Us My reason for writing this ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/35-dangerous-patterns) [![crop circles1web](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/crop_circles1web.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/123-expanded-by-limits) ## [Expanded By Limits](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/123-expanded-by-limits) Prefer to listen? Click HERE for a podcast on this subject. Don't let limits limit you. Let's face it - Life often ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/123-expanded-by-limits) [![Habits For Excellent Horsemanship Course](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/gallery/karengalleryfolder/Habits_For_Excellent_Horsemanship_Course.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/139-habits-for-excellent-horsemanship-part-3) ## [Habits For Excellent Horsemanship Part 3 of 3](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/139-habits-for-excellent-horsemanship-part-3) Prefer to listen? Check out Karen's podcast episode on all 9 Habits For Excellent Horsemanship. Part 3: Feel, ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/139-habits-for-excellent-horsemanship-part-3) [![SS1](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Hot%20Shot%20liberty.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/132-healthy-movement-healthy-horse) ## [Healthy Movement - Healthy Horse](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/132-healthy-movement-healthy-horse) The way a body moves is a result of posture, mental state, openness to suggestion, and whether or not there is pain or ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/132-healthy-movement-healthy-horse) [![Ovation halfpass](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/Ovation_halfpass.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/10-intention-is-the-main-aid) ## [Intention is the Main Aid](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/10-intention-is-the-main-aid) "Inside leg!", "Outside rein!", "Shorten your reins!" Ahh ... the sounds of a typical riding lesson! I learned long ago ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/10-intention-is-the-main-aid) [![DNTrainingScale 325w](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/DNTrainingScale-325w.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/122-whole-horse-perspective) ## [Keeping a Whole-Horse Perspective In ...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/122-whole-horse-perspective) All work and no play makes your horse a dull boy Here is a too-common story: Things are going well with your horse; you ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/122-whole-horse-perspective) [![glenn stewart karen rohlf](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/glenn-stewart-karen-rohlf.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/47-lessons-relearned-the-pitfall-of-wanting-to-be-nice) ## [Lessons Re-Learned: The Pitfall of Wanting to be ...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/47-lessons-relearned-the-pitfall-of-wanting-to-be-nice) "If you're not growing you're going backwards" "Not all movement is progress" Those are the statements that stick in my ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/47-lessons-relearned-the-pitfall-of-wanting-to-be-nice) [![GDF and PBIEC](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/GDF_and_PBIEC.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/133-life-imitating-art-imitating-life) ## [Life Imitating Art Imitating Life](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/133-life-imitating-art-imitating-life) The picture of dressage in my head is a beautiful one. It is where the horse is a happy Athlete, educated harmoniously. ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/133-life-imitating-art-imitating-life) [![IH5](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/IH5.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/108-life-in-the-sweet-spot) ## [Life In The Sweet Spot](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/108-life-in-the-sweet-spot) Warning: This might not be only about horsemanship. In developing my horses I focus on finding what I call the Sweet ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/108-life-in-the-sweet-spot) [![jedicanterbridlelessmystery](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/e2014/jedicanterbridlelessmystery.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/69-to-bit-or-not-to-bit) ## [To Bit Or Not To Bit](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/69-to-bit-or-not-to-bit) Is Bitless A Viable Option For 'Real' Dressage? NOTE: This is a long read, but totally worth it. If you want to listen ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/69-to-bit-or-not-to-bit) [![Karen-Ovation-Natilla-6-2015sml.jpg](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/Karen-Ovation-Natilla-6-2015sml.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/86-partnership-progress-2-sides-of-the-same-coin) ## [Partnership & Progress: 2 Sides Of The Same Coin](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/86-partnership-progress-2-sides-of-the-same-coin) My ultimate vision is to progress with my horses gymnastically as far as we can go together in a way that builds our ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/86-partnership-progress-2-sides-of-the-same-coin) [![Hot Shot Karen Rohlf](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/gallery/karengalleryfolder/Hot_Shot_Karen_Rohlf.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/140-rehabilitating-the-mind-and-body-of-an-equine-athlete) ## [Rehabilitating The Mind & Body Of An Equine ...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/140-rehabilitating-the-mind-and-body-of-an-equine-athlete) Rehabilitating a horse can be one of the most rewarding experiences. The horses I have returned to wholeness have ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/140-rehabilitating-the-mind-and-body-of-an-equine-athlete) [![bbbmonty](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/bbbmonty.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/34-self-carriage-dressage-naturally) ## [Self Carriage from a Dressage, Naturally ...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/34-self-carriage-dressage-naturally) Self-carriage is one of those qualities that, no matter what discipline you are doing, makes you say: "Wow, this horse ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/34-self-carriage-dressage-naturally) [![me3](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/me3.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/126-sneaky-disempowerments) ## [Sneaky Disempowerments & 7 Steps To Avoid Them](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/126-sneaky-disempowerments) Sneaky Disempowerments And The Paradox Of Empowerment Ever since I can remember I have been playing the empowerment ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/126-sneaky-disempowerments) [![Karen Rohlf Dressage Naturally](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/reading-room/Karen_Rohlf_Dressage_Naturally.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/141-5-truths-for-learning-dressage) ## [The 5 Truths For Learning Dressage](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/141-5-truths-for-learning-dressage) Dressage trainers are known for (among other things) their ability to ride straight lines and to stay inside the box. ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/141-5-truths-for-learning-dressage) [![D,N Training Scale](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/pyramid1.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/46-the-dressage-naturally-training-scale-for-happy-athletes) ## [The Dressage Training Scale For Happy Athletes](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/46-the-dressage-naturally-training-scale-for-happy-athletes) As the author of what I call Dressage, Naturally, I am always trying to reconcile the bodies of knowledge that I have ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/46-the-dressage-naturally-training-scale-for-happy-athletes) [![BT001](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/BT001.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/87-the-hero-6-in-praise-of-the-ordinary-horse) ## [The Hero 6: In Praise Of The Ordinary Horse.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/87-the-hero-6-in-praise-of-the-ordinary-horse) Ordinary horses don't know they're ordinary. Every day, help your horse feel like the champion that he is. A lot of ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/87-the-hero-6-in-praise-of-the-ordinary-horse) [![marathon](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/marathon.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/106-the-sweet-spot-walking-the-talk-or-in-this-case-running-the-talk) ## [The Sweet Spot: Walking The Talk (or in this ...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/106-the-sweet-spot-walking-the-talk-or-in-this-case-running-the-talk) I also could call this post: Hey, this sh\*t really works! Many of you already know that I teach what I call Finding The ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/106-the-sweet-spot-walking-the-talk-or-in-this-case-running-the-talk) [![ MG 0497 2](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/_MG_0497-2.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/112-universal-truths-international-appeal) ## [Universal Truths: Playful Empowerment](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/112-universal-truths-international-appeal) When I first started embracing dressage and natural horsemanship together as a unique system, I felt like a contagious ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/112-universal-truths-international-appeal) [![Heidi Lowthorp](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/Heidi_Lowthorp.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/84-what-makes-a-good-rider) ## [What Makes A 'Good' Rider?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/84-what-makes-a-good-rider) Prefer to listen? Check out Karen's podcast on this subject. On one of our weekly Q & A calls in the Sweet Spot of ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/84-what-makes-a-good-rider) [![Natilla stretch bridle less](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/Natilla_stretch_bridle_less.png)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/27-freestyle-riding-and-healthy-biomechanics) ## [Freestyle Riding and Healthy Biomechanics](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/27-freestyle-riding-and-healthy-biomechanics) I often get asked about whether it is harmful to a horse's posture to do freestyle riding (riding without the reins). ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/27-freestyle-riding-and-healthy-biomechanics) [![atomic rear](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/atomic_rear.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/55-horse-that-does-not-go-forward-and-rears-under-saddle) ## [Horse That Does Not Go Forward and Rears Under ...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/55-horse-that-does-not-go-forward-and-rears-under-saddle) QUESTION from a student: I have a 6 yr old horse who never was really in front of the leg, but now she gets sticky, ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/55-horse-that-does-not-go-forward-and-rears-under-saddle) [![KarenNatilla2web](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/KarenNatilla2web.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/54-stretch-vs-low-head) ## [Stretch vs Low Head](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/54-stretch-vs-low-head) Q: Can you explain the difference between an engaged stretch and a horse just going with their head down? A: There is a ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/54-stretch-vs-low-head) [![jedistretch](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/jedistretch.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/42-treeless-saddles) ## [Treeless saddles](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/42-treeless-saddles) Q: What are your thoughts about treeless saddles? A: I personally ride in a treeless saddle. It is a very simple one, ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/42-treeless-saddles) [![ss1](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/ss1.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/sweet-spot-healthy-biomechanics) ## [What is the Sweet Spot?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/sweet-spot-healthy-biomechanics) The Sweet Spot is what Karen calls those magic moments when you are riding around thinking: "Oh wow, this just feels ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/sweet-spot-healthy-biomechanics) [![DNTrainingScale 325w](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/DNTrainingScale-325w.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/karen-rohlf-happy-athlete-formula) ## [Karen's Happy Athlete Formula](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/karen-rohlf-happy-athlete-formula) The Object Of Dressage The object of dressage is the development of a happy athlete through harmonious education ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/karen-rohlf-happy-athlete-formula) [![Hot Shot bitless](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/Hot_Shot_bitless.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/26-connection-with-the-reins) ## [Connection with the Reins](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/26-connection-with-the-reins) I get many questions about how to get your horse on the bit, how to get the horse 'rounder' or softer in the contact. ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/26-connection-with-the-reins) [![Solana in arena](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/Solana_in_arena.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/29-interesting-circles) ## [Interesting Circles](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/29-interesting-circles) Q: In dressage we have to do so many circles… Won't my horse become bored and dull? A: I have seen a lot of ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/29-interesting-circles) [![K NatAto Sol fun web](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/mist.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/121-a-fresh-look-at-industry-standard) ## [A Fresh Look at the Industry Standard For ...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/121-a-fresh-look-at-industry-standard) When it comes to caring for our horses we are often faced with conflicting information. This is especially true if you ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/121-a-fresh-look-at-industry-standard) [![Natilla_foundation](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hubfs/Natilla_foundation.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/88-empower-your-progress) ## [Empower Your Progress](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/88-empower-your-progress) (This article was originally written for, and published in Equine Wellness Magazine.) Why do some students progress ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/88-empower-your-progress) [![O trotting with touch](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/O_trotting_with_touch.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/28-freestyle-inside-the-finesse) ## [Freestyle Inside the Finesse: The Paradox of ...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/28-freestyle-inside-the-finesse) "You have freedom when you are easy in your harness" ~Robert Frost What an interesting way to define freedom. If asked ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/28-freestyle-inside-the-finesse) [![o liberty](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/o_liberty.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/131-habits-for-excellent-horsemanship-part-2) ## [Habits For Excellent Horsemanship Part 2 of 3](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/131-habits-for-excellent-horsemanship-part-2) Prefer to listen? Check out Karen's podcast episode on all 9 Habits For Excellent Horsemanship. Part 2: Curiosity, ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/131-habits-for-excellent-horsemanship-part-2) [![question](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/question.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/33-how-to-ask-questions) ## [How to Ask Horsemanship Questions (In A Way That ...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/33-how-to-ask-questions) Prefer listening? Click here for a podcast on this subject. "A prudent question is one half of wisdom." ~Francis Bacon ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/33-how-to-ask-questions) [![natilla 4](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/natilla_4.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/111-mother-may-i) ## [Mother, May I?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/111-mother-may-i) Perhaps you know the childhood game: “Mother, May I?” In this game the players line up, and the ‘mother’ calls to one ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/111-mother-may-i) [![jedicrop](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/jedicrop.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/109-new-year-2016-love-and-choices) ## [New Year 2016: Love and Choices](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/109-new-year-2016-love-and-choices) A new year and a new chance to choose to be happy, to choose love, to choose to be the best you you can be... And to ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/109-new-year-2016-love-and-choices) [![Karen Rohlf Natilla 2](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/Karen_Rohlf_Natilla_2.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/9-partners-in-the-process) ## [Partners in the Process](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/9-partners-in-the-process) OK, here are just some informal, semi-rambling thoughts on something I consciously seek and often achieve in the ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/9-partners-in-the-process) [![Power of relax0987web](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/Power_of_relax0987web.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/56-precision-play) ## [Precision & Play](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/56-precision-play) This article was originally published in Equine Wellness Magazine. Precision & Play: Here’s how they can work ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/56-precision-play) [![Healthy Unhealthy Biomechanics web](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/Healthy_Unhealthy_Biomechanics_web.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/145-holistic-view-for-keeping-your-horses-back-healthy) ## [A Holistic View For Keeping Your Horse's Back ...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/145-holistic-view-for-keeping-your-horses-back-healthy) The health of your horse’s back is vital to his performance. Achieving healthy back movement requires a holistic ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/145-holistic-view-for-keeping-your-horses-back-healthy) [![partners](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/partners.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/127-habits-for-excellent-horsemanship-part-1) ## [Habits For Excellent Horsemanship Part 1 of 3](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/127-habits-for-excellent-horsemanship-part-1) Prefer to listen? Check out Karen's podcast episode on all 9 Habits For Excellent Horsemanship. Part 1: Partnership, ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/127-habits-for-excellent-horsemanship-part-1) [![shelby karen teaching](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/shelby_karen_teaching.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/104-the-art-of-being-an-excellent-student) ## [6 Steps To Becoming An Excellent Student](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/104-the-art-of-being-an-excellent-student) How to be open to instruction, yet true to yourself. Being an excellent student is an art. There are a lot of factors ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/104-the-art-of-being-an-excellent-student) [![Clarity Dressage Naturally](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/Clarity_Dressage_Naturally.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/24-yes-moments-results-in-harmony) ## ["Yes" Moments ... The Power of 100% Clarity](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/24-yes-moments-results-in-harmony) As a dressage professional and 're-naturalized horseman', I understand the importance of building complex maneuvers ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/24-yes-moments-results-in-harmony) [![Karen Rohlf Riding down centerline](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/Karen_Rohlf_Riding_down_centerline.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/144-why-its-a-great-idea-to-ride-dressage-tests) ## [5 Mistakes People Make Doing Dressage Tests](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/144-why-its-a-great-idea-to-ride-dressage-tests) Competition test riding can bring up a lot of emotions. Being judged and tested can trigger all kinds of anxiety, but ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/144-why-its-a-great-idea-to-ride-dressage-tests) [![O power trot](https://dressagenaturally.net/images/O_power_trot.jpg)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/107-the-power-of-expectation) ## [The Power of Expectation](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/107-the-power-of-expectation) I am a dreamer and am very comfortable 'living in the mystery'... But I also have a science brain. My dad is a ... [Read More >](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/107-the-power-of-expectation) ## All Blogs ## [What To Do When You See Abuse.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/what-to-do-when-you-see-abuse) ## [A Few Ways To Look At Horse Welfare Issues](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/a-few-ways-to-look-at-horse-welfare-issues) ## [An Alien's Study Of Human Superiority Complex](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/an-aliens-study-of-human-superiority-complex) ## [When Is The Right Time To Focus On How Your Horse Moves?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/when-is-the-right-time-to-focus-on-how-your-horse-moves) ## [Dissolving Brace](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/dissolving-brace) ## [Smoke & Mirrors & Horse Welfare](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/smoke-mirrors-horse-welfare) ## [I'm A Weirdo.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/im-a-weirdo) ## [Horse School Has Different Classes](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/horse-school-has-different-classes) ## [Stop Breaking Horses](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/stop-breaking-horses) ## [Nothing Is Something](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/nothing-is-something) ## [Be Your Horse's Superhero.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/be-your-horses-superhero) ## [Is Your Horse A Happy Athlete?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/is-your-horse-a-happy-athlete) ## [Foamy Mouth - Good or Bad?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/foamy-mouth-good-or-bad) ## [Partnership & Leadership](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/partnership-leadership) ## [Helping A Horse With Shivers](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/helping-a-horse-with-shivers) ## [How To Motivate Your Horse](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-to-motivate-your-horse) ## [Happy Horse Interview Series](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/happy-horse-interview-series) ## [How Do You Know Your Horse Is Happy?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-do-you-know-your-horse-is-happy) ## [The Decision](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/the-decision) ## [Love It Or Change It.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/love-it-or-change-it) ## [Why Are You Doing Those Dressage Exercises?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/why-are-you-doing-that-exercise) ## [3 Steps For Improving Anything](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/3-steps-for-improving-anything) ## [Don't Do Natural Horsemanship](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/dont-do-natural-horsemanship) ## [Focus vs Intention](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/focus-vs-intention) ## [How To Choose Your Teacher.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-to-choose-your-teacher) ## [About Nosebands...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/about-nosebands) ## [3 Guidelines For Improving How Your Horse Moves.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/3-guidelines-for-improving-how-your-horse-moves) ## [Stop Trying To Get Your Horse On The (Bleeping) Bit](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/stop-putting-your-horse-on-the-bleeping-bit) ## [Horse Stressed In New Places?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/horse-stressed-in-new-places) ## [A Technique To Use When You Feel Fear With Your Horse](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/a-technique-to-use-when-you-feel-fear-with-your-horse) ## [Read This Before Buying Your Next Horse](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/read-this-before-buying-your-next-horse-read-this-even-if-youre-not-looking-for-a-new-horse) ## [3 Reasons To Give Your Horse A Break](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/give-your-horse-a-break) ## [How To Bend Your Horse Correctly](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-to-bend-correctly) ## [My Most Embarrassing Mistake With Horses.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/my-most-perfect-and-embarrassing-mistake-with-horses) ## [Yes, And...](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/yes-and) ## [How To Train Low Energy Horses](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/thoughts-for-training-low-energy-horses) ## [Musings On Getting Help](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/new-year-2019-musings-on-getting-help) ## [Assess Your Horse](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/assess-your-horse) ## [An Assumption Of Obligingness](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/an-assumption-of-obligingness) ## [My Most Viral Video - The Backstory](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/my-most-viral-video-the-backstory) ## [Riding Dressage Tests Can Be Fun](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/riding-dressage-tests-can-be-fun) ## [Contemplation Is A Drag (and that's a good thing)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/contemplation-is-a-drag-and-thats-a-good-thing) ## [5 Keys for Enjoying Learning Dressage](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/5-keys-to-enjoy-learning-dressage) ## [How To Love Your Life In The Horse Business](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/love-your-life-in-the-horse-business) ## [Fancy Horse. Expensive Trainer. Why So Unhappy?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/147-fancy-horse-expensive-trainer-why-so-unhappy) ## [A Business Built For Horses](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/125-a-business-built-for-horses) ## [Big Picture](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/36-big-picture) ## [Accepting Praise](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/110-accepting-praise) ## [Blue Ribbons and Bitless!](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/105-blue-ribbons-and-bitless) ## [Dangerous Patterns](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/35-dangerous-patterns) ## [Expanded By Limits](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/123-expanded-by-limits) ## [Habits For Excellent Horsemanship Part 3 of 3](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/139-habits-for-excellent-horsemanship-part-3) ## [Healthy Movement - Healthy Horse](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/132-healthy-movement-healthy-horse) ## [Intention is the Main Aid](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/10-intention-is-the-main-aid) ## [Keeping a Whole-Horse Perspective In Sport-Specific Training](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/122-whole-horse-perspective) ## [Lessons Re-Learned: The Pitfall of Wanting to be Nice](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/47-lessons-relearned-the-pitfall-of-wanting-to-be-nice) ## [Life Imitating Art Imitating Life](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/133-life-imitating-art-imitating-life) ## [Life In The Sweet Spot](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/108-life-in-the-sweet-spot) ## [To Bit Or Not To Bit](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/69-to-bit-or-not-to-bit) ## [Partnership & Progress: 2 Sides Of The Same Coin](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/86-partnership-progress-2-sides-of-the-same-coin) ## [Rehabilitating The Mind & Body Of An Equine Athlete](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/140-rehabilitating-the-mind-and-body-of-an-equine-athlete) ## [Self Carriage from a Dressage, Naturally Perspective](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/34-self-carriage-dressage-naturally) ## [Sneaky Disempowerments & 7 Steps To Avoid Them](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/126-sneaky-disempowerments) ## [The 5 Truths For Learning Dressage](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/141-5-truths-for-learning-dressage) ## [The Dressage Training Scale For Happy Athletes](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/46-the-dressage-naturally-training-scale-for-happy-athletes) ## [The Hero 6: In Praise Of The Ordinary Horse.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/87-the-hero-6-in-praise-of-the-ordinary-horse) ## [The Sweet Spot: Walking The Talk (or in this case: Running the talk!)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/106-the-sweet-spot-walking-the-talk-or-in-this-case-running-the-talk) ## [Universal Truths: Playful Empowerment](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/112-universal-truths-international-appeal) ## [What Makes A 'Good' Rider?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/84-what-makes-a-good-rider) ## [Freestyle Riding and Healthy Biomechanics](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/27-freestyle-riding-and-healthy-biomechanics) ## [Horse That Does Not Go Forward and Rears Under Saddle](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/55-horse-that-does-not-go-forward-and-rears-under-saddle) ## [Stretch vs Low Head](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/54-stretch-vs-low-head) ## [Treeless saddles](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/42-treeless-saddles) ## [What is the Sweet Spot?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/sweet-spot-healthy-biomechanics) ## [Karen's Happy Athlete Formula](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/karen-rohlf-happy-athlete-formula) ## [Connection with the Reins](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/26-connection-with-the-reins) ## [Interesting Circles](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/29-interesting-circles) ## [A Fresh Look at the Industry Standard For Professional Horse Care.](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/121-a-fresh-look-at-industry-standard) ## [Empower Your Progress](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/88-empower-your-progress) ## [Freestyle Inside the Finesse: The Paradox of Riding in Connection with the Reins](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/28-freestyle-inside-the-finesse) ## [Habits For Excellent Horsemanship Part 2 of 3](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/131-habits-for-excellent-horsemanship-part-2) ## [How to Ask Horsemanship Questions (In A Way That Will Give You The Best Answer)](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/33-how-to-ask-questions) ## [Mother, May I?](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/111-mother-may-i) ## [New Year 2016: Love and Choices](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/109-new-year-2016-love-and-choices) ## [Partners in the Process](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/9-partners-in-the-process) ## [Precision & Play](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/56-precision-play) ## [A Holistic View For Keeping Your Horse's Back Healthy](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/145-holistic-view-for-keeping-your-horses-back-healthy) ## [Habits For Excellent Horsemanship Part 1 of 3](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/127-habits-for-excellent-horsemanship-part-1) ## [6 Steps To Becoming An Excellent Student](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/104-the-art-of-being-an-excellent-student) ## ["Yes" Moments ... The Power of 100% Clarity](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/24-yes-moments-results-in-harmony) ## [5 Mistakes People Make Doing Dressage Tests](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/144-why-its-a-great-idea-to-ride-dressage-tests) ## [The Power of Expectation](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/107-the-power-of-expectation) See more ![footer-logo](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/hs-fs/hubfs/footer-logo.jpg?width=213&name=footer-logo.jpg) - [Karen's Approach](https://dressagenaturally.net/dressage-naturally-methodology/) - [Meet Karen](https://dressagenaturally.net/meet-karen-rohlf/) - [Student Stories](https://dressagenaturally.net/success-stories/) - [Speaking](https://dressagenaturally.net/karen-rohlf-speaking/) - [Events](https://dressagenaturally.net/events/) - [Media Kit](https://dressagenaturally.net/media-kit/) - [Contact](https://dressagenaturally.net/contact/) ### Online Programs - [Video Classroom](https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/) - [Excellent Horsemanship](https://inbound.dressagenaturally.net/heh) - [Successful Gymnastics](https://inbound.dressagenaturally.net/uss) - [Healthy Biomechanics](https://inbound.dressagenaturally.net/sweet-spot) - [Prepare, Perform, Progress](https://inbound.dressagenaturally.net/prepare-perform-progress) - [Aware, Balanced, Calm](https://inbound.dressagenaturally.net/abc) - [TRAINERS & PROFESSIONALS](https://dressagenaturally.net/professionals/) ### Resources & Information - [Shop](https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/) - [Book & DVD's](https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/collections/home-page-featured/products/book-dvd) - [Blog](https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/) - [Video Classroom](https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/) - [Wednesday Wisdom Emails](https://dressagenaturally.net/wednesday-wisdom-emails-from-karen-rohlf/) - [Free Starter Lessons](https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/) ### Student Logins - [Video Classroom Login](https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/classroom/login-logout) - [Virtual Arena Login](https://www.dnvirtualarena.com/) - [![Facebook](https://dressagenaturally.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/facebook-icon.png)](https://www.facebook.com/DressageNaturally.KarenRohlf/) - [![Facebook Group](https://dressagenaturally.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/facebook-group-icon-ws.png)](https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLand/) - [![Instagram](https://dressagenaturally.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/instagram-icon.png)](https://www.instagram.com/dressagenaturally/) - [![Youtube](https://dressagenaturally.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/youtube-icon-ws.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/kssage/videos) - [![Store](https://dressagenaturally.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/store-icon.png)](https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://4216373.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4216373/Happy%20Horse%20How%20To%20with%20Karen%20Rohlf.mp4", "dateModified" : "2022-05-26T14:29:44.124Z", "duration" : "PT14M29.902S", "height" : 720, "name" : "Happy Horse How To with Karen Rohlf", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://api-na1.hubapi.com/filemanager/api/v3/files/thumbnail-redirect/30821532438?portalId=4216373&size=medium", "uploadDate" : "2020-06-16T18:38:04.617Z", "width" : 1280 } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://4216373.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4216373/Happy%20Horse%20Karen%20Rohlf.mp4", "dateModified" : "2022-05-26T14:30:50.038Z", "duration" : "PT44M45S", "height" : 720, "name" : "Happy Horse Karen Rohlf", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://api-na1.hubapi.com/filemanager/api/v3/files/thumbnail-redirect/28513123770?portalId=4216373&size=medium", "uploadDate" : "2020-04-20T01:48:12.602Z", "width" : 1280 } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://4216373.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4216373/Karen%20Rohlf%20Dressage%20Naturally%20Quick%20Tip%20How%20To%20Improve%20Anything.mp4", "dateModified" : "2022-05-26T14:30:38.070Z", "description" : "A quick tip from Karen Rohlf and Dressage Naturally for how to improve with your horse.", "duration" : "PT2M5.993S", "height" : 720, "name" : "Quick Tip: How To Improve Anything With Your Horse", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://api-na1.hubapi.com/filemanager/api/v3/files/thumbnail-redirect/23953551942?portalId=4216373&size=medium", "uploadDate" : "2020-01-01T14:24:05.210Z", "width" : 1280 } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://4216373.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4216373/Karen%20Rohlf%20Dressage%20Naturally%20Blog%20intro%20-%20Doing%20NH.mp4", "dateModified" : "2022-05-26T14:29:53.056Z", "duration" : "PT2M6S", "height" : 720, "thumbnailUrl" : "https://api-na1.hubapi.com/filemanager/api/v3/files/thumbnail-redirect/23513658628?portalId=4216373&size=medium", "uploadDate" : "2019-12-15T23:29:41.896Z", "width" : 1280 } ```