Nana Equestrian Training

Why should one never give up...

The Value In The Struggle: Saddlebreds In The Upper Levels - YourDressage For me, the value is in the struggle. For each challenge faced, I am a better rider for it. These horses forced me to think deeply & honestly.

Saddlebreds at FEI

Heidelberg Cup 2026

Today Odin and I achieved the last score we wanted to move forward, and to schooling more GP movements. Although our score could've been higher for sure (58.9% at I-1), sometimes it's helpful to consider the larger picture beyond the score. There were mistakes, yes, but overall, Odin was more relaxed, and more confident. The judge's comment for me says it all: "Positive energy!".

This is especially uplifting given that Odin, for all his try and talent, has been extremely challenging to train. I often say that he is his own worst enemy. He can get extremely tense, brings spooky to a whole new level, doesn't let anything go, and hyper-fixates on the tiniest details. Sometimes just getting him around the ring is an accomplishment.

So when Odin shows up, and can be more relaxed, focused, and confident it is a huge accomplishment- especially at I-1.

From here we will move on to schooling more GP movements and one of Odin's favorite things- Piaf.

We also brought CHC Judicious for a second trip at First 1, and going into a new ring and being pretty sure he was going to die, he pulled it together for a 62.9%. Our only goal was really a positive experience and leaving the ring more confidently than he entered it was something I think we can say we achieved.

Although Judicious has a lot more maturing to do we are very happy with his willing, happy approach to everything. And now he can go back to schooling his favorite trick-flying lead changes:)

Saddlebreds at FEI

Snowbird's Paradise Show

Today was Odin's third go at I-1, and while we are always working to reduce tension (Odin is a very tense, nervous type horse), we are so proud of him when he has reason to be tense (today there was construction going on near the show ring which gave many competitors trouble), but chooses not to. To us, that is the best kind of progress. For Odin, he earned a 60.7% and many 7s on his ride.

We also brought CHC Judicious, one of the babies with us, and it was his second show (ever). At First Level, he was super, winning his class and earning a 63.3%. Much to improve, but, again, we couldn't be happier with his willing, happy attitude.

Saddlebreds at FEI

Dressage Under The Oaks

Today was Odin's second outing at I-1 and he really gave it his all. In fact, he was a bit of an overachiever and threw in a two tempi in the 3 tempi line and a 1 tempi in the 2 tempi line:) But overall he was wonderful, stayed with me the entire time, and came out with a 61.6 score.

As always, so grateful for the trying nature of this breed! (Will add photos when I receive them - the one posted is an older one.)

Saddlebreds at FEI

Today was Odin's I-1 debut, and we could not be more proud. His confidence has improved tenfold and it showed for a 64.7%. And there is still much to be improved!

We have some exciting news!

Odin (Virtual Explosion) is the All Breed Horse of the Year at the PSG level! (Per preliminary standings.) We could not be more proud of Odin, especially the tenacity with which he approaches everything we ask of him. That is one reason we love Saddlebreds.

And with this achievement, Nana Equestrian Training horses have captured all of the All Breed Awards at FEI level (Rockin In Vegas was the 2023 All Breed Horse of the year at I-1 , and the 2024 All Breed horse of the Year at Grand Prix).

Here is to more exciting things to come!

Saddlebreds at FEI

Dressage At The Oaks 2 June 14-15

Super proud of these boys. Odin won his PSG class with a 64.4%. We simply could not have asked for anything more. He was able to stay relaxed, through, and confident the entire test. And while there were plenty of mistakes, there were also some really spectacular moments!

Carter was 2nd in his Intermediate 1 class with a 62.5%. He was super willing, focused, and engaged, and was an absolute delight to ride!

We just have screenshots for now, but will follow with professional photos when we receive them.

Rockin In Vegas ready to rock and roll with his spring loaded tennis shoes.

First, yes these are FEI legal. For those who know me, you know I have always preferred my horses to be barefoot. Several years ago I took a few years off of my regular job as a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT) and learned how to shoe horses. I actually had a career as a farrier, until my back said no more. However, during that time, I learned some invaluable information. One thing I learned that, at the time, was just making it's way onto the market was glue on shoes. Helped along by horses like Justify (he wore these between the Belmont and Preakness) and now riders like Shannon Peters, glue on shoes are now becoming more accepted.

In Vegas's case, a few months of drier than usual weather (making the footing harder than normal) combined with a thin sole (he has always had thin soles) led to some tenderness. So I tried this pair of glue ons from Easy Care (these are called Easy Care Performance), and the improvement was DRAMATIC! In fact his way of moving was entirely different- a freerer shoulder, more lift through the wither, and more reach with both front and rear legs.

I have also used these shoes to help Judicious (our young ASB c**t) transition out of the weighted shoes with size 3 nails he arrived with which led to serious deterioration of the hoof wall AND soreness. (There was no way another set of shoes could have been nailed on.) Now, his hooves have recovered fully, and, like Vegas, he enjoys lovely lift, reach, and freeness in the shoulder. Now if I can just to get him to stop doing lead changes all the time, because he thinks they are so fun:)

One last note about the picture. Being that this is work I do on my own horses, it could be much more finished looking. However, most important to me is functionality. With a job like this, I regularly get 8+ weeks wear, with horses that live out 100%, in all kinds of weather. In fact, I have yet to have pull a shoe:)