🖤 DAY TWO — DEVELOPING RESPONSIVENESS
This four-year-old dressage mare is being developed to remain responsive and reactive to the aids — not dull to the leg, whip or rein contact.
On Day Two, we went back to some groundwork with the purpose of reinforcing that responsiveness and encouraging the horse to listen, think forward and respond promptly.
It's not about using more pressure. It's about technique, timing and clear communication.
The aim is to develop a horse that understands the aids and stays attentive to them, rather than becoming accustomed to them.
And once we'd achieved the response we were looking for, we finished by allowing her to stretch deep and round, soften and relax.
Responsive. Reactive. Then relaxed. 🖤💛
Excelsior Equestrian
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SALLY-LEIGH WOODS - Dressage Trainer of Riders and Horses
[email protected]
SESSION 1 — LUNGING & LONG REINING 🖤💛
4 year old warmblood mare
Everything I do on the ground is as close as possible to what I want to feel when I’m riding.
When we ride, we use the inside leg to the outside rein.
On the ground, I use my body as the inside leg.
The horse learns to yield away from me and around me, into the outside rein — developing the same balance, connection and understanding that I’m looking for under saddle.
It’s not just about moving the horse around.
It’s about creating the feel and response that we want when we eventually sit in the saddle.
Groundwork with purpose.
Feel. Balance. Connection. 🖤💛
22/08/2026
🖤💛 NEXT EXCELSIOR DRESSAGE HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC 💛🖤
Following such a wonderful response to our recent clinic, I'm excited to announce the next Excelsior Dressage Horsemanship Clinic.
📅 25th, 26th & 27th September
Three days combining dressage coaching with horsemanship, designed to develop a stronger partnership, confidence and understanding between horse and rider.
We'll work with dressage, horsemanship obstacles, groundwork, confidence building and connection — always with the aim of helping each horse and rider become the best partnership they can be.
Whether you're a competitive rider or simply want to enjoy your horse, all levels are welcome.
Build Trust. Improve Skills. Have Fun. 🖤💛
Places are limited.
Message me to secure your place or for more information.
“I felt like an Olympic rider…” 🖤💛
Sometimes a rider's own words say it all.
Thank you for sharing your experience. 🖤💛
20/08/2026
19/08/2026
A little look back at a wonderful weekend at Excelsior Equestrian. 🖤💛
Three days of horses, learning, horsemanship, dressage and plenty of moments that made me smile.
Watching a rider find something new with their horse, seeing confidence grow, and celebrating those little breakthroughs together is what makes coaching so rewarding.
Every horse and rider came with their own story, their own challenges and their own goals — and it was a privilege to be part of their journey for the weekend.
A huge thank you to everyone who came, rode, learnt, laughed and shared the weekend with us.
Where dressage meets horsemanship.
Thank you to Jacqueline Anderson Photography for capturing these beautiful moments.
It's not about the obstacle. It's about what the obstacle develops.
When we ask the horse to follow a flowing pattern, we're looking for rhythm, balance, suppleness and softness — while maintaining a clear connection between horse and rider.
The goal isn't simply to complete the exercise. It's to develop a horse that stays thoughtful, balanced and connected throughout.
That's where dressage meets horsemanship. 🖤💛
13/08/2026
Where Dressage Meets Horsemanship
Where dressage meets horsemanship… this is how we roll at Excelsior Equestrian. 🐴✨
The arena is set, the obstacles are out, the weather is looking perfect, and everything is ready to go.
Tomorrow we welcome a wonderful new bunch of ladies for our three-day clinic — a mix of dressage, horsemanship, thinking, learning, challenges and, of course, plenty of time with the horses.
I’m really looking forward to seeing what this group brings and watching the horses and riders come together over the next three days.
Let the learning begin! 💫🐎
09/08/2026
Don’t take directions from someone who’s never been where you’re going.
Some roads are best navigated with someone who’s already walked them.
Experience matters.
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2 Keenan Street
Wungong, WA
6112