This article is brought to you by Purina.

In dressage, success is easy to measure. Every movement is judged, scores are posted, and ribbons are awarded.

The harder thing to measure is what happens before entering the arena.

For FEI dressage trainer Laura Ashley Killian, great rides begin long before a horse enters the arena—with thoughtful management, consistent routines and owners who understand why every decision matters.

“I want my students to be thinking riders,” Killian says. “I don’t ever want the answer to be, ‘Because my trainer told me so.’”

Whether she’s explaining why a circle should be truly round, how correct engagement develops topline, or why grooming is more than simply making a horse look clean, Killian believes education creates better horsemanship. She doesn’t hand out instructions; she explains the reasoning behind them.

Nutrition as Part of the Equation

The same philosophy extends to nutrition.

“If something isn’t progressing the way I expect,” she says, “I’m looking at the whole picture.”

That means evaluating training, veterinary care, saddle fit, farrier work, body condition, and nutrition.

FEI dressage trainer Laura Ashley Killian believes great rides begin long before a horse enters the arena—with thoughtful management, consistent routines and owners who understand why every decision matters. Courtesy Purina Animal Nutrition

Killian has fed Purina® equine products since childhood, but her current feeding program reflects years of experience as both a professional trainer and a student of equine nutrition. Her philosophy is built around high-quality forage first, with Purina® Enrich Plus® Ration Balancing Horse Feed providing the right balance of vitamins, minerals and protein, before adding additional calories or specialized support from supplements as individual horses require.

“I’ve always believed less is more,” she says. “I want to know my horses are getting the nutrition they need without making their feeding program unnecessarily complicated.”

Keep It Simple

In a busy training barn, simplicity matters.

Starting with a balanced nutritional foundation helps simplify feeding while supporting each horse’s individual needs.

When horses require added calories or nutrients, like during periods of training or as they transition to older life stages, she may transition horses to products like Purina® Equine Senior ® Active Horse Feed or Purina® Ultium® Gastric Care Horse Feed. This allows her to support gastric health and body condition within the feeding program on an individual horse basis.

Killian doesn’t ask owners to simply trust her recommendations; she walks them through the process. She reviews body condition, discusses nutritional goals, and explains the reasoning behind every dietary adjustment so owners become active participants in their horses’ care.

“They bought a horse because they want to be involved,” she says. “They want to learn.”

Riders who understand how nutrition supports muscle development are more likely to recognize changes in the topline. Owners who understand why forage comes first are better equipped to support digestive health. And clients who understand the purpose behind each management decision become stronger advocates for their horses.

The dressage arena isn’t the only area of focus for Killian’s program; she wants horse owners to understand nutrition as well. Courtesy Laura Ashley Killian

Killian’s goal goes beyond preparing horses for their next dressage test. She’s helping owners learn to make thoughtful decisions every day, creating healthier horses, confident riders and stronger partnerships that extend well beyond the arena.

Ready to take a more thoughtful approach to your horse’s nutrition? Explore Purina’s feed finder to discover the right feeding program, or sign up for a trial and put it to work in your own barn.