Heather Johnson Dressage

09/06/2026

🙌

Of course we must make sure tack is comfortable and correctly fitted, known physical issues are appropriately addressed, and obvious signs of pain or discomfort are taken seriously.

But we can also do horses a disservice by becoming so afraid of asking them to work correctly when it feels difficult that we never give their bodies the opportunity to develop and become stronger.

A horse struggling with something does not necessarily mean that he is in pain. Think about going to the gym: learning a new movement can feel difficult and awkward at first, and it takes time to develop the strength, coordination and balance to perform it well. Horses are no different.

A good rider is also the horse’s physical therapist. Thoughtful, progressive training develops the very things that help horses function better in their bodies: strength, coordination, balance, mobility and confidence.

The goal isn’t to ignore discomfort or assume every problem can be trained through. It’s to listen, address physical concerns when they arise, adapt the work when necessary, and recognize that correct training itself can also be part of the solution.

09/04/2026

In 2017 a friend of a friend gave me an opportunity to show her big bay gelding to tune up my FEI skills after focusing on starting my family. It enabled me to finally finish the scores I needed for my USDF Silver medal. I had a lot of experience riding a lot of horses, but needed an opportunity and she knew that. Sovang’s “Lima” was near the end of his competitive career and I promised his owner we would make all the right decisions for him. He hung in there for me and we achieved what we set out to do efficiently, in just two shows, I believe, with scores to the mid 60s. 🙌
I will not forget the generosity of this horse or his person. At the time they gave me what I needed to move forward in my career and get my competitive groove back. 💙💪 It seems a lot of magic happens at GMHA. ✨

09/01/2026

Favorite place to get blankets cleaned and repaired well and quickly… in September… because I waited too long. 🙄 Thanks in advance! 

08/29/2026

Exactly 🎯

Part of good training is recognizing where the problem really starts.

For example, if your horse gets quick and heavy in the canter and begins blowing through your half halts, trying to push a bigger half halt through in the canter isn’t going to fix it.

Go back to the walk and trot. Use exercises that help your horse understand and respond to the half halt when he can still stay balanced and organized. Then take that improved response back into the canter.

Don’t fight the problem. Give the horse an exercise that teaches him the answer.

08/28/2026

Always on lookout. Always up for a snack. 😆🧐

08/28/2026

I just need to give a shout out to my perfect pony. He had a week of hacking and a missing shoe and came back today meaning business. He had a very normal level of general stiffness for a 20 year old that has worked hard in his life and I had to have 1 conversation about his momentary lack of motivation. 😆 I get it. 🤷🏼‍♀️ He always leaves me feeling gloriously lucky to have him as my partner. What a blessing, at this or any point in my life, to have an educated horse that is safe and willing to teach me about the rider I strive to be every day. ✨BLESSED✨
(This pic because his innocent face is the cutest one. 🥰)

08/27/2026

🙌💙

The most important things often develop very quietly. Some of the best changes happen without a huge lightbulb moment & just develop with consistency & practice - one small improvement that becomes reliable enough for the next one to grow from it. Keep practicing. Keep noticing. Keep building.🦄

08/21/2026

“The Savage"

“It’s not about how hard you can hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."- Rocky Balboa

P.S horse on the right won 😉