In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, sponsored by Farnam, KPP and Tribute Equine Nutrition, Aviva and Stephany talk to USEF ‘S’ judge Sue Kolstad to ask about her unique perspectives as a judge, her priorities when judging, how to handle mistakes and for any secrets she could provide to help our listeners the next time they show. We cover everything from corners to riding that pesky centerline!

A professional in the dressage world since 1977, Sue is a USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist and has nearly 50 years of experience training horses to the Grand Prix level, managing farms and coaching students to championships, medals and Young Riders’ honors.

After exploring many disciplines including hunters, jumpers, eventing, endurance, driving and Western, Sue found dressage to be her greatest inspiration and now spends most of her time judging and teaching clinics while still actively showing and selling horses for the sport.

In this episode of the Dressage Today Podcast, co-hosts Stephany Fish Crossman and Aviva Nebesky talk to USEF ‘S’ judge Sue Kolstad about her unique perspectives as a judge. Courtesy Sue Kolstad

During her formative years, Max Gahwyler, M.D., an internationally recognized judge with a passion for dressage theory and an early pioneer of dressage in the U.S., was one of Sue’s most influential mentors. After completing her Century Club ride, she appreciated that Gahwyler helped initiate the program with The Dressage Foundation in 1996. Sue, who also happens to be a dressage historian and talented artist, featured Gahlwyler’s horse and Century Club partner, Prinz Eugen, in a drawing.

Today’s podcast provides a fascinating look at how to better ride your dressage tests from a judge’s point of view. We hope you enjoy the episode, and as always if you like what you hear, please like and share our podcasts on social media!

One final note: We had to hold our Ask the L segment this month because our interview with Sue ran long due all the useful information she provided us with. Check back next month for our latest Ask the L.

For More:

  • To listen to more episodes of the Dressage Today Podcast, click here.
  • For previous Ask the L segments with Aviva Nebesky, click here.

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

Tribute

At Tribute Equine Nutrition, caring for horses has always come first. As a family-owned company safely making feed right here in the USA, they’re celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by supporting programs that make a difference through horses. Every bag of Tribute sold helps support PATH International’s Equine Services for Heroes programs helping veterans through equine-assisted services. They’ve also introduced limited-edition Patriotic Horse Treats for summer. Ready to try Tribute? Start with a free personalized feeding plan and your first bag free at TributeEquineNutrition.com.

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.

KPP InsulinWise®

Is your horse showing signs of metabolic dysregulation? Weight gain, unhealthy insulin levels that can lead to unsoundness, issues with the structural integrity of the laminae within the hoof. InsulinWise® has been research-proven to support a decrease in insulin dysregulation. A synergistic blend of polyphenols and amino acids, InsulinWise helps maintain normal metabolic function and healthy insulin levels, support a healthy body weight and normal fat distribution, and sustain normal structural integrity of the laminae in the hoof. To see if InsulinWise—available through veterinarians—is right for your horse, speak with your vet, visit KPPusa.com or call 859-873-2974.