USDF Gold Medalist and 4th Level Trainer, Reese Koffler Stanfield

Elise’s guest today is Reese Koffler-Stanfield, U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) bronze, silver and gold medalist. Reese is a lifelong professional horseperson from Kentucky, who has competed in the sport of dressage since early childhood. She is one of the only USDF Certified Instructor/Trainers through Fourth Level in Region II, which encompasses five states.   Reese participated in USDF Youth programs including the Advanced Young Rider Program, culminating in numerous international medals. She has trained with world-class coaches including Conrad Schumacher, Kathy Connelly, Jessica Ransehousen, Ellen Bontje and George Williams.   Now, Reese is the head rider, trainer and coach at Maplecrest Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, a state-of-the-art dressage training facility. She is also a sought- after clinician... even among other internationally renowned clinicians. “She’s one of the bravest people I know,” says Stacy Westfall.  “She’s a dressage trainer who’s willing to teach a reiner to ride dressage.”   In this week’s episode, Reese discusses the art of dressage, focusing on both the physical and the mental components that are so crucial to the sport. She also speaks about her family’s involvement with horses, how she first got into dressage, and the very special horses in her life. She shares her passionate advocacy of safety equipment and safe practices while riding or being around horses, and the important qualities she looks for in the students she accepts into her training program. One of the most essential? Enjoying your time with horses.   Topics of Discussion: [:18] About today’s guest, Reese Koffler Stanfield. [1:01] How Reese describes dressage. [4:09] Reese speaks about as an art form. [6:20] A bit of background on Reese’s family involvement with horses and how she first got started in dressage. [6:54] The many different ways people can work, ride, and compete with horses. [10:35] The different levels of dressage and why it is often said that riding dressage doesn’t really start until the second level. [16:04] What the training and preparation process is like for dressage competition. [22:37] The crucial mental component of riding dressage. [25:43] Reese speaks about the very special horses in her life. [30:11] Coaches who have influenced Reese’s riding career. [34:49] The qualities that are consistent amongst Reese’s best students. [42:14] Courtney King-Dye, Reese’s advocacy for safety, and what she would like other riders to know. [50:32] What it’s like to have a family who shares her love of horses. [54:54] About next week’s episode of Because of Horses with James Clement. [57:09] Reese talks about her wonderful podcast, The Dressage Radio Show. [59:48] Where to find Reese and Maple Crest Farm online.   Know Someone Inspirational, Whose Life Has Been Forever Changed Because of Horses? Because of Horses would love to get to share their story! To recommend someone please send an email to [email protected].   Mentioned in this Episode: FEI USDF Because of Horses episode with Denny Emerson Next week’s episode of Because of Horses The Dressage Radio Show (with Reese Stanfield) on the Horse Radio Network Maple Crest Farm Maple Crest Farm on Facebook Reese Koffler Stanfield on Facebook Courtney King-Dye Riders4Helmets   Like what you hear? Because of Horses would love to hear your feedback! Please email [email protected] to send Because of Horses your thoughts.   To Support the Podcast: ● Donate on Paypal to help keep Because of Horses running — all amounts are welcome! ● Subscribe: RSS Feed, iTunes, Google Play, TuneIn, Stitcher, and Player FM