#MindOfDressage

expert advice - equine health & wellness

Natalya Gryson is a professional equestrian and FEI Trainer. Natalya emphasizes quality, targeted nutrition for her horses in training and competition.

USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist Natalya runs Still Hill Dressage training facility with her husband, Ben Larsen, in Brevard, NC. Still Hill Dressage is currently home to two up and coming Grand Prix prospects, young horses in development, advanced and medium level schoolmasters, and a few amateur rider/horse combos Natalya has taken under her wing.

here is her expert advice on equine health and happiness!

Natalya Gryson

Jan 31, 2021
2 min

State of Flow

#MindofDressage Riding this horse today, I think I could write a book about how to train young horses, because it feels like I've gotten it so right with this young horse on this day. No matter our passion, we pursue that passion in search of this experience - the state of flow. The state of flow experience makes all of the days where we struggle to perfect a new skill, develop a better habit, or better way of being, worth it. So how do we make sure that in the experience of

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Natalya Gryson

Jan 8, 2021
1 min

Happy New Year!

#MindOfDressage We are blessed that the business is growing enough to warrant the edition of a new stall. Last week, the builder walked into the main barn and said "Y'all never do stop loving on these horses, do you?" I paused for a moment and thought "No, I guess we don't." On that note, I'd like to wish everyone a happy New Year! I'm sorry I'm a little late. I lost track of time while I was in the barn loving on the horses! You know where our focus will be in 2021. Same as

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Natalya Gryson

Jun 11, 2020
1 min

The Half Halt

#mindofdressage The half halt is re-balancing. In its elementary form, it connects the horse - hind legs stepping under, back engaging up, neck stretching up and out into the receiving hand. As training advances, the half halt collects the horse, shifting the horse’s center of gravity toward the haunches. On the part of the rider, the half halt is a combination of seat, leg, and hand asking for this effort from the horse. The seat lifts the horse’s back and sets the rhythm. T

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Natalya Gryson

Mar 7, 2020
2 min

Mindful Horsemanship

#mindofdressage Mindful Horsemanship One hot summer day while picking up rocks in a client’s arena, dressage-horse-in-training “Dueszy” began trying to help me by picking up rocks too. He rolled each one around in his mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out and picking up another. He looked at me as if to say, “I’m not sure what you want me to do with this now that I’ve got it in my mouth!” What an eager pupil! Horses are eager pupils. They are eager to copy the behavi

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