The definition of a well trained dressage horse is a horse responsive, willing, and relaxed undersaddle:

A well trained dressage horse, by definition, is a pleasure to ride.

And the educated rider's actions with such a horse

are a pleasure for the horse.

This is the expectation for horses trained under Craig Stevens at the National School of Academic Equitation.

At NSAE our goal in training is to produce a horse willing, relaxed, and responsive to the rider, and a rider with a clear understanding of how to work well with their horse.

We work with horses of any age, from any breed and any background at NSAE.

Craig Steven's training methods produce, very quickly and without abuse, a calm, willing, responsive horse interested in engaging in a conversation with his rider.

We train horses to the highest level of their capability, and we do it without pain or fear or external devices.

The horse learns to carry himself, and to trust the rider, and the rider learns the conversational skills to engage with the horse.

Contact Mary Anne to schedule your horse's training with Craig, or simply to discuss any questions.

The first requirement is calm.

Craig himself works with the horses in training at NSAE from November through March, and alternates with his skilled assistants when he is on clinic tours.