Angela Ridgway Dressage

Creating independent, thinking riders


About Angela

Angela Ridgway is an Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) level dressage trainer, a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist, and a USDF Certified Instructor.

Experience:

  • Teaching dressage students since 1990
  • Training horses through Grand Prix.

Accomplishments

  • 2014 USDF All Breeds Award, USPRE Intermediate I Open (on Faralay II)
  • 2013 California Dressage Society (CDS) Championship Top Ten Open Prix Saint George (on Faralay II)
  • 2012 USDF All Breeds Award, USPRE Open Third Level Champion (on Faralay II)
  • 2012 California Dressage Society (CDS) Championship Top Ten Open Third Level (on Faralay II)
  • 2012 Golden State March Madness Open High Percentage, Upper Level (on Faralay II)
  • 2012 US PRE Association California High Point Grand Champions (on Faralay II)
  • 2011 CDS-East Bay Chapter Open Third Level High Point Award (on Faralay II)
  • 2010 United States PRE Association Riders’ Scholarship, Professional Level
  • 2007 Reserve Champion, USDF Region 7 Championships, Intermediare I. (on Legacy)

Philosophy

I believe in a quiet, subtle approach to training.

For the horse:

I focus on throughness of the back, elasticity of the joints, and purity of the gaits. Gradually increased engagement -- through transitions within and between the gaits and in the lateral movements -- build flexibility and strength. The process brings the horse to collection.

For the rider:

I emphasize a functional and influential position based on balance and independence of the aids. Riding the horse with the seat and leg aids into elastic arms and hands brings the horse "to the bridle" in self-carriage.