Leah Stephen Dressage

10/06/2026

✨ REGION 9 CHAMPIONSHIPS — WHAT A WEEK! ✨

Five horses. Five incredible partnerships. One very proud trainer. ❤️

We came to Region 9 with a pretty amazing group: three green bean babies — Brego, Jakarta, and Saul; a Western-turned-dressage-prodigy, Merle; and our veteran champion, Mattias. And somehow, every single horse and rider combination had a moment during this show where they gave the best ride of their lives. Watching that happen was absolutely incredible.

As an instructor and trainer, I couldn’t be more proud of this team. The results of months of hard training — through what felt like the hottest summer EVER — were so evident this week.

🏅 Mattias earned the Bronze Medal in the Intermediaire II Championships, and I could not be more proud of the improvements he is making in so many of his FEI movements.

🌱 Brego and Saul, both just under saddle this year, stepped into a championship atmosphere and were absolute solid citizens. Watching these babies handle everything that was asked of them was such a proud moment. Saul and Malia were even complimented by the judge afterward! 🤯

❤️ Jakarta gave Gaye absolutely everything he had. They had such a beautiful ride together that it was genuinely emotional to watch. Those are the moments we work for.

🕺 And then there’s Merle — who went from Western champion to dressage dancer in a matter of days! You could literally see him getting lighter in the forehand with every test. What a transformation!

But as proud as I am of the results, I am even more proud of the people behind these horses.

Every rider showed grit, determination, sportsmanship, and an incredible love for their horse and for this sport. And the camaraderie within this group is something really special. We are not just a group of riders — we are a close group of friends who genuinely love and support one another. That love and support was felt every single day during this exhausting week.

And I absolutely have to give a HUGE thank you to our incredible grooms, Nina, Travis, and Cris. Erin as braider making horses look civilized. We truly could not have done this without you! Our ponies were spoiled rotten, beautifully cared for, and ready to go out there and give us their best. ❤️

I can’t say enough good things about my team. I am beaming with pride over their accomplishments, their horsemanship, their sportsmanship, their determination, and most of all, the love they have for their horses.

And to my friends who made this show week so much fun — thank you. Through the exhaustion, nerves, long days, early mornings, highs and lows, you made this the most enjoyable show week I have ever had.

Five horses. Five amazing partnerships. So many unforgettable moments.

My heart is absolutely FULL. ❤️🐴🏆

09/29/2026

Region 9 Championships are this week!! I am excited and proud to be taking 5 amazing horses and riders- Mattias showing Inter 2 under myself, Jakarta with Gaye Elolf Slomka , Brego owned by Erin Fetzer , Merle with Kristina Perry Rothers , and Saul with Malia Desmarais!! And super groom, Nina Fassell there to take care of all of the ponies and riders!! Dressage is not an individual sport to be honest- it takes a whole team to make this work! 🥰 And I am so blessed to have these incredible people to coach and spend this week with. ❤️ By the way, the theme for the Champs is Masquerade Ball and Malia made these amazing stall signs and dance cards! 🤩 We are in barn AA- come visit!

08/31/2026

Register to audit the amazing symposium this weekend with Cesar Torrente !!

Friday, September 4: Unmounted Session and Social Event with Cesar - learn how dressage movements are scored and how to improve your scores

08/20/2026

Registration ends this Sun at midnight!!

Auditors - Please register for the Friday session and auditing separately.  The registration system will not let you select both tickets.  Finish one transaction, then start another for the other ticket. 

08/20/2026

There are some moments as a trainer that fill your heart so completely that it’s hard to put them into words. ❤️

Today, I want to give the biggest congratulations to a very special and very loved student, Nina Fassell, on the purchase of the horse of her dreams — Herodes MOR (Hero)! 🎉🐴❤️

The road to making Hero Nina’s was long, complicated, and at times turbulent. But some things are worth fighting for, and this one absolutely was. Hero is an incredibly talented Intermediaire I Lusitano, a horse of a lifetime, and a true best friend.

And the absolute BEST news? Hero is staying right here with us in my dressage program! My heart is full to bursting. 🥹❤️

Everyone who knows Hero knows just how lucky Nina is to have this incredible horse. But I can assure you — Hero hit the jackpot with Nina, too. She will give absolutely everything she has to this most special horse, and I couldn’t be happier or more proud to watch their journey unfold together.

Nina, congratulations on your dream horse. You worked so hard for this moment, and I know the two of you have an extraordinary future ahead.

Congratulations on the purchase of Herodes MOR! May he be your horse of a lifetime and your best friend for many, many years to come. ❤️

My heart is SO full. 🥰🐴✨
Nina Fassell Yaesshna Pillay Gabriel Armando Maggie Elsbernd

08/03/2026

Come join us for a fun class for all ages this Saturday! Learn to scribe and judge a real dressage test with live riders under the guidance of USDF judge, Carolyn West! We need more participation so please encourage everyone to join!
https://www.alamodressage.org/event-6726204

06/09/2026

**UNICORN ALERT!** This little cutie is looking for his forever home! Herodes MOR is one in a million. Just turned 14 Lusitano, 15.2hh. When I say he is the most perfect horse I really mean that- PPE clean, xrays clean, beautiful ground manners, zero maintenance, easy smooth ride, training Grand Prix, confirmed I-1.

05/29/2026

We need more people to join us for tomorrow's Alamo Dressage Association in-person meeting, dinner, and awards banquet! If you are interested in dressage in our area, please come and join us! We always need more horse enthusiasts. It's at Scuzzi's restaurant at 6pm tomorrow! Learn what we have coming to the San Antonio area soon!

Show your support of local Dressage by joining today! Benefits include a Group Membership to the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), a subscription to USDF Connect magazine, discounts on educational events and more!

05/11/2026

Highly recommend Ila's exercise classes for the dressage rider! Check it out at the SA Polo Club!

04/12/2026

Becky Moody and Jagerbomb win the freestyle and take the World Cup Championship! 🎉🥇🏆 It was an honor to watch them dance effortlessly through an extremely difficult test!! Christian takes second with Indian Rock with a magnificent ride! And one of my favorite horses, Maxima Bella, takes third with a very beautiful freestyle. I believe that my pep talk with Bella yesterday helped. 😉🥰 What a night of watching the best dressage in the world! It was an amazing time!