Kiersten Vroman Dressage and Jumping Training

09/01/2026

Cross Training-
As riders we try to cross train- cardio, stretching other sports and activities.

What do you do for your horse? As a dressage and jumping trainer, I try to make sure we incorporate variety into our schedules. Dressage horses do a little jumping, the jumping horses do a lot of dressage, etc ...

But I also think just as important is a change of scenery. Hacking, trail riding, obstacles, hunter pages- all of these different things help to create a mentally well rounded horse. They also help by using different muscle groups, using tendons and ligaments a little differently than they normally. And we know the old saying, " Variety is the spice of life."

Coming into winter months where we are confined to the indoor, I try to spend some time now incorporating some fun and different activities into our routine.

What do you do for variety with your horse?

08/21/2026

08/21/2026

Mazzei( 5 yr old OTTB) testing out the obstacles for our obstacle clinic tomorrow. This was his first time seeing anything like this and he took it all on stride.

08/16/2026

Learning to ride as an adult ...

Adult riders are rewarding and fun to instruct, coach and work with. But learning to ride as an adult presents different challenges.

Fear - As adults, we have fears, we don't bounce like we used to. We have different aches and pains then we did 10 years ago.

Time- Adulting takes a lot of time. Finding time to ride isn't always easy. It's taking a few hours for yourself at least once a week.

Cost- Let's face it, riding isn't cheap! Lessons, leases, ownership, tack equipment...it all adds up.

The list could go on and on.
But the reality is we ride because we love it, we ride because we need a break from all the adult responsibilities of every day. We ride because it's part of our soul and identity.

So if you're thinking of starting or restarting your riding journey, do it! Find yourself a good instructor and a farm that supports your dreams and take the jump!

08/13/2026

This summer, several of my students have been working on developing a show warm up. We have been experimenting with what type of warm up, how long and what things need to be included.

For some horses, it has been transitions, transitions, transitions...

For others, lateral work, some need more walking, while others do better with shorter walk and getting right to work

Do you have a regular warm up?
Do you use it just at shows or with every ride? What things are critical to that warm up? Does it change with temperature, trailering in versus stabling etc...?

07/23/2026

Today while doing a training ride, I was thinking about how slow progress can seem. Soooo slllooooowwwww!

So often we as riders or instructors know where we started and where our horses started. We know how far we've progressed but others, either watching social media videos, seeing pictures etc..can be so critical and judgemental about what they are seeing.

What you don't see are the years of work done quietly at home. The struggles with confidence, health of horse and rider, finances, illness, lameness and so many other pieces that no one but you, your horse and trainer may know about.

Posting videos on social media is a new endeavor to me. I have gotten positive and encouraging comments, private messages thanking me for the content I've been sharing, how helpful it has been etc..

What does surprise me is how cruel and unconstructive people can be. I'm all about open discussion and even some constructive back and forth dialog. Key word being "constructive". So feel free to ask why, ask back story on horses or riders you may see on my page. But ask in a way the encouraged educational and constructive dialogue.

My challenge is, if YOU are one of those critical, rude commentors, share a video of you and your horse at a show, in a parade, struggling in a chaotic warmup. Show us how it's done! And if you can't, feel free to scroll on by while the rest of us keep showing up day after day, making ourselves better, reaching for goals that may or may not be attainable, developing a bond with our horses, having fun with our students, fellow riders and coaches. Not because we care about what the peanut gallery says but because we have a passion!

To everyone that keeps putting the work in and for my students brave enough to share their riding on social media, keep up the good work!

* Norton and Vivian who were the stars of our tense horse show warm up reel, having a beautiful, relaxed time at a show last weekend.*

07/17/2026

While the movement is called a rein back, it’s important that the aid is coming from your seat and your legs.

07/17/2026

Here's an update on Mazzei for those of you who have asked!
Mazzei had an exploratory surgery on his mystery shoulder wound two weeks ago. For better or worse no foreign objects or bone chips were found. The surgeon did find a draining tract that went behind the scapula. He thoroughly debrided the area and flushed it with antibiotics as well as taking a culture to be sure we were using the best antibiotic for him.
Mazzei is home now and had a recheck Tuesday. Dr. S did PRP to continue aiding in the wound healing. Overall everything looks as good as we can expect. The real test will be when he comes off antibiotics in couple of weeks.
Thankfully Mazzei is sound, gaining weight and enjoying bug free night turnout.

Huge thank you to Dr. S and his fabulous staff who have been so helpful and communicative throughout this time. I can't say enough good things about this practice. I was initially quoted for a 3 night visit, this turned into a 2 week hospital stay. I was beyond impressed when the original estimate was honored. Not to mention the great communication I have received. Our regular vet, Dr. K has also been beyond helpful every step of the way.
Thank you to everyone who has helped support Mazzeis recovery. I am still offering virtual lessons and video reviews, all funds go towards Mazzeis vet bills and recovery expenses.
* Photos in comments of post surgery wound*

06/18/2026

After a busy weekend of showing, Vi enjoyed a nice, long hack around the beautiful fields at Viridian Farm with our riding buddy, Bonnaroo!