Team PracIn this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, we have a twist on our usual format with two interviews! Instead of doing our normal catch-up and “Ask the L” segment, we welcome back our friend and former Dressage Today editor Stephanie Ruff. She tells us what she’s been doing at The Horse and offers insights on her new podcast, “Feeding Horses.”
Our other interview in this episode arose from a suggestion from one of our amazing listeners, who suggested we talk to an Israeli dressage rider after Aviva discussed her recent trip to Israel. In response to your request, we interviewed dressage rider, judge and coach Na’ama Segev Hasson. With more than 30 years of experience in the sport and as a member of the National Equestrian Federation’s Dressage and Education Committees, Na’ama is a central figure in Israel’s equestrian community and plays a vital role in shaping the sport’s future.
She is also the co-founder and program manager of the “Pegasus” project, an equestrian leadership program designed to advance youth, instructors and trainers in Israel, and serves as chief examiner for their federation, overseeing the certification and training of instructors and coaches at all professional levels. Outside of her official roles, Na’ama is the proud mother of three, including daughter Maya, who is carrying on her mother’s riding tradition in both dressage and jumping.
It was amazing to hear about the riding programs in Israel, as well as how both horses and riders are coping with riding and training during war times. We enjoyed getting to hear more about dressage in Israel, and we know that you will, too. Take a listen!
As always, if you love our podcasts, make sure to subscribe, like and share them with your friends!
For More:
- Listen to more episodes of the Dressage Today Podcast here.
- Check out Stephanie Ruff’s new podcast “Feeding Horses” here.
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About Our Dressage Today Podcast Cohosts
Stephany Fish Crossman began riding as a young girl in Maine, and at 18, she discovered dressage and left college to join Michael Poulin as a working student. After a successful career working for large and small animal veterinarians and grooming for Jane Savoie, she attended the former International Academy of Equestrian Studies in Warendorf, Germany, where she graduated with her National Trainer Certificate. She’s also a USDF bronze and silver medalist as well as one of only nine accredited coaches for Mary Wanless’ Ride With Your Mind Biomechanics System in the U.S. She runs her training business, Serendipity Dressage, in Okeechobee, Florida.
Aviva Nebesky started riding in her 30s, but horses rapidly took over her life and she went on to graduate with distinction from the USDF “L” Program. She actively trains and competes in dressage while maintaining a busy teaching and judging schedule throughout the mid-Atlantic. She has her USDF Bronze Medal and the Fourth Level scores towards her Silver and has competed internationally representing the USA at the Maccabi Games in Israel in 2022. Aviva regularly works with eventers, working equitation riders, Western Dressage riders and classical dressage riders. With a master’s degree in social services and Social Research and decades of work in the field of physical rehab, she specializes in working with adult amateurs with fear issues.