In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, Stephany and Aviva interview dressage rider, upper-level eventer, mom and life-long learner Chelsea Canedy. The avid Mustang and meditation advocate talks about her debut memoir Finding Purpose: A Life Managing the Passion, Compulsion, and Borderline Addiction Called “Horses.” 

The book documents Chelsea’s time with horses and how they’ve shaped the trajectory of her life and gives readers a behind-the-scenes’ view of what it’s like to compete at the upper levels and the inner work that sustains it. Blending raw personal stories with lessons from her decade-long meditation practice and career studying equine behavior, the lifelong horsewoman reflects on resilience, identity and the joy of choosing a life built on passion.

We talked to Chelsea about how publishing her memoir has impacted the conversation she’s part of in the horse world, her beloved horses and how each is doing and the many connections all horses lovers can relate to. This was such a fun interview; we know you’ll love listening to Chelsea, too, and will likely also find many points of connection with her.

Dressage rider and Mustang advocate Chelsea Canedy talks about about her debut memoir “Finding Purpose: A Life Managing the Passion, Compulsion, and Borderline Addiction Called Horses” in this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast. ©Katie Liscovitz 

In this episode, Aviva and Stephany also catch up on what’s been happening in their respective horse worlds. Stephany talks about her recent venture up to WEC Ocala to compete with Dante, and Aviva is focused on avoiding the heat as much as possible as summer unofficially kicks off. In our Ask the L segment, Aviva answers a question from listener Mary about collection and what judges expect to see at Second Level. Listen to get her keen advice.

And as always if you enjoy our podcasts, please like and share them on social media!

About This Episode’s Sponsors: Farnam, Tribute and KPP

Farnam

This episode is brought to you by Farnam, celebrating 80 years of trusted equine care, and Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control, a new fly spray for horses. When your horse needs to stay focused, it helps to take flies out of the equation. Endure Gold uses brand-new, EPA-approved ingredients never before seen in equine care to annihilate flies, ticks, and mosquitoes. This advanced formula delivers fast knockdown and up to 14 days of fly protection you can trust. Discover fly protection with Endure Gold from Farnam.

Tribute

What if your horse’s nutrition only changed when it truly mattered? That’s the philosophy behind Tribute Equine Nutrition. As a fixed-formula brand, they don’t make changes unless new research shows they can make their feeds meaningfully better—supporting things like digestibility, nutrient absorption, and overall performance. That’s why Tribute Equine Nutrition is upgrading every formula in their lineup, building on improvements made to their best-sellers and rolling those advancements out across 2026.

To celebrate, Tribute has hidden golden tickets in random bags—worth up to a year’s supply of feed for one horse. Horse owners can also get a free, personalized feeding plan, and new customers receive their first bag shipped free. Visit TributeEquineNutrition.com and click “Get a Feed Plan” to learn more.

KPP

Has your horse been diagnosed with a neurological or muscular disorder? Is he showing signs of muscle wasting and impaired balance or coordination? Studies show that supplemented water-soluble natural vitamin E can reach a horse’s brain and spinal cord through the blood-brain barrier, where it can benefit horses with neurological issues.

If your horse has any of these problems, Elevate® W.S., a natural vitamin liquid, can help. A research-proven, powerful antioxidant, Elevate maintains healthy muscle, nerve, and immune function. It does this by delivering a highly bioavailable source of natural vitamin E that is preferentially absorbed and retained in a horse’s tissues. For more information, visit KPPusa.com or call 859-873-2974.

Don’t Miss! Dressage Today+ VIP Webinar With Stephany Fish Crossman on June 2

Join us for our second Members-Only VIP Webinar—Rider Biomechanics 101 with Stephany Fish Crossman—on Tuesday, June 2, at 8 p.m. ET.

What exactly is rider biomechanics and how do you incorporate it into your riding? Stephany Fish Crossman, a LEVEL 3 Ride With Your Mind (RWYM) Accredited rider, biomechanics expert and dressage trainer, will explain biomechanics for equestrians, who started the field of study, what the goals are and how it applies to riders of all English disciplines including dressage, hunters, jumpers and eventers. Fish Crossman, who’s also a Team Prac member and co-host of the Dressage Today Podcast, will also share how riders ranging from the competition ring all the way to the trail can benefit from correct rider biomechanics and how these methods can fit in with your normal riding lessons.

Dressage Today+ subscribers can register and submit their questions for this VIP webinar with Stephany Fish Crossman. Click here to subscribe for only $3.99 a month! In addition to our VIP webinars, learn about all the benefits you’ll enjoy as Dressage Today+ member here.

How to Register for Our Members-Only VIP Webinar With Stephany:

  • Register and submit your questions for our Dressage Today+ Members-Only VIP Webinar here.
  • Can’t tune in on Tuesday, June 2? Everyone registered for the event will receive a follow-up email with a link to the recording. 
  • Tune in online or download the GoToWebinar app to listen on your mobile device! 

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