Jessie Paine Dressage

09/05/2026

Okay, you guys. 🥹🥹🥹

I am so overwhelmed — and honestly, so touched — by the response to my last post about Adult Amateurs and all of the things you have to balance.

I admire you so much for finding a way to prioritize your horses and carve out time for something that means so much to you, even when life is incredibly full.

I feel especially strongly about this because I’ve been there. Before horses became my full-time career, I was a lawyer (don’t hold that against me — I’m a “recovering attorney,” lol 😂). I know what it’s like to feel like you’re balancing two completely separate lives — on different planets, in different universes. 🌍🪐 I know what it takes to make them coexist, and to find the things that fill your cup.

Which brings me to the rider in the photo who inspired that post: Danielle.

You know what Danielle did this week?
She got on her 3-year-old Westfalen gelding, Malibu, for the FIRST TIME.

Like… casually. 😂

And he did GREAT. And she did SPECTACULAR.

Per usual, Danielle was cool as a cucumber, because apparently that is just how she operates. Meanwhile, I’m sure there are plenty of trainers who would have been holding their breath somewhere nearby. 😉

I love moments like this because they’re about so much more than simply getting on a young horse for the first time.
They represent all of the time, effort, patience, learning, and commitment that came before that moment.

And they represent the village.

My assistant trainer, Rachel, has not only started Malibu, but she figuratively held the reins for Danielle’s first time swinging a leg over. Rachel is a person of profound integrity, love, and work ethic, and I am watching her blossom into a trainer who leads by example. I could not be prouder to have her beside me.

And I found myself thinking about how incredibly lucky I am to have Danielle as a student — and even luckier to call her a friend.

The same goes for Rachel. It is rare for me to trust someone, let alone trust them with my horses. And it is an entirely different level of trust to hand over the reins of a freshly started three-year-old to someone who is about to put my Super Fancy Vascular Neurologist on him for the first time. 😂❤️

But that’s what this is about, too.
Trust. Friendship. Hard work. And the people who make these moments possible.

To all of my Adult Amateurs: I see how hard you work. I see how much you juggle. And I see how much your horses mean to you.

It is an absolute privilege to be a small part of your journeys. 💙💜💙🐴

08/31/2026

There is something I deeply admire about my adult amateur ladies. 💙💜💙

They have careers. They have children. They have spouses, homes, endless responsibilities, and calendars that make my head spin.

And somehow… they still make room for the horses.

They squeeze in the barn before work. They come straight from the office. They rearrange schedules, find childcare, drive in after long days, and sometimes (often!) ride when they are already completely exhausted.

Not because they have unlimited time.

Because this matters to them.

This photo is one of my favorite reminders of that. A doctor, a full-time professional, a mom of two toddlers — and a horsewoman — carving out a little piece of the evening to do something that fills her cup. Just her, her horse, and a sunset.

Here’s to the women who have a million things on their plates — and still make time for their horses. 🥂🐴✨

08/31/2026

“Sweet Dreams” - from Fanta 🐈

08/28/2026

2025 ➡️ 2026 ✨

Okay, friends… I’m going to make myself a little vulnerable here. 😂

Take a look at these two photos and tell me what you see as the biggest differences between 2025 and 2026. 👀

And I mean really look. The horse. The rider. The connection. The balance. The way the movement is being produced.

But please… be nice. 😂🙈 I’m asking for honest eyes, not a roast!

One of my favorite things about dressage is that the progress isn’t always about a bigger movement, a higher score, or a new level. Sometimes it’s in the little details—the way the horse carries himself, the way the rider influences the balance, and how much more together the picture feels.

I know what I see looking at these two photos, but I’d love to hear what you see.

👇 What differences jump out at you between 2025 and 2026?

Bonus points if you can get specific! 😉💜

Quadruple bonus points if you can be NICE😅😅😅!!

08/27/2026

Such a fun and educational opportunity! Thank you Alliance Dressage & Sporthorse INC for hosting! Reach out to her for auditing- you will not be disappointed!!

Flight issues! Friday times changing!

🌟 Don’t Miss Our Christopher Hickey Clinic! 🐴

We’re excited to welcome Christopher Hickey this Friday & Saturday!

Come spend the day watching talented riders and horses at a variety of levels, and experience the opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired by Christopher’s instruction.

👀 Auditors are welcome!

Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:15 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:45 PM

Whether you ride, train, or simply enjoy watching great dressage, come join us for a wonderful weekend of learning and inspiration!

🐴 We can’t wait to see you!

08/25/2026

Good Morning ☀️!

As we enjoy the last few months of green, I’ve been thinking a lot about my goals for 2027.

One of the big ones is to get more lessons for myself! This year, due to injury, scheduling conflicts, and technology issues, I probably had about 8-10 online lessons and nothing in person so far (but two clinics coming up over the next few weeks!!).

Have you started to think about your plans for 2027?

08/24/2026

✨ Horse Show Recap ✨

DunMovin Dressage Days at the Devon Showgrounds is such a special event — Big Show Feel, but Local Show Love. 💜 Thank you so much to the amazing organizers and incredible volunteers who make it all possible!

Marian successfully piloted Bravio through his very first Third Level test on Saturday!! He was all flare (complete with a few leaps and some exuberance in the changes), and she was all smiles. I’m so, so proud of them and excited to be a part of their team!

Carley brought her four-year-old Scylla down centerline in the Dixon on Sunday for the AA SS. They put in a super score — 71!!! — and had a beautiful presentation! Scylla is a lovely young horse who is currently riding the young horse rollercoaster of being a savant one moment and a quirky girl the next. 😂 I’m so pleased that Carley gave her yet another wonderful experience and is laying such a lovely foundation for her bright future!

Six-year-old Furst Sir Prize showed a glimpse of what’s to come with 70% and 71% on Friday in Third Level 3-3, earning him Third Level High Score 🥇, and then laid it all out there for where we sometimes currently are with a lovely comment of “much disobedience (kicked and bolted)” on Saturday. 😂

I felt somewhat justified, as people often remark about how relaxed he is when I’m internally thinking, I swear I’m sitting on a rocket 🚀 that’s about to go BOOM!!

I was also able to cheer on Super Cooper (Kynynmont Cooper O’Grady) and Melissa in their I-1 Freestyle Friday night, and I could feel Pam smiling down. 🥹 That was truly the icing on the cake of a great horse show weekend.

As always, many thanks to Rachel, Jen, and Olivia for managing the farm while I ran off to play in a very fancy sandbox. 💜

08/18/2026

No filter 🤩🤯🌅

Every day, I love this farm even more.

08/17/2026

One of the best investments you can make in your horse—and your goals—is building a strong relationship with your veterinarian.
The more your veterinarian knows, the better equipped they are to identify problems early, treat them appropriately, and help keep your horse healthy, comfortable, and performing at their best.

Your vet shouldn't just know your horse's medical history—they should know your goals. Whether you're pursuing FEI, keeping a senior horse comfortable, or developing a young horse, that context matters.

Share what you feel under saddle. Maybe the connection isn't the same, a transition has become more difficult, your horse is resistant in one direction, or something simply feels "off." Even subtle changes can provide valuable clues.

Don't overlook changes outside of riding, either. New herd dynamics, a different barn, changes in turnout, appetite, or personality can all affect your horse's well-being. And if you've been under significant stress yourself, mention that too. You are part of your horse’s herd, and he feeds on your energy.

I've always believed it's better to call the vet when you're unsure than to wait until you're certain. Horses are masters at hiding discomfort (literally programmed to do that), and small issues have a way of becoming big ones when they're missed.

Finding a problem early is kinder to the horse, often less expensive to treat, and far more likely to keep you both doing what you love.

And if your veterinarian doesn't find an underlying problem? You haven't paid for nothing. You've given your vet another opportunity to learn what "normal" looks like for your horse—their movement, personality, and baseline. That familiarity becomes invaluable when subtle changes arise in the future, making them easier to recognize and address. I'd call that money well spent.

08/15/2026

Excited (though feeling rather under prepared!) for Dunmovin' Dressage Days this week!! I’ve had the opportunity to show many wonderful horses there, including the golden boy, Kynynmont Keaton!

It’s such a fun show - big show vibes, but local love 💙

Who else is going this week??