Make a better life for horses... ~𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒂 𝑩𝒐𝒍𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒆𝒌   Belinda rides dressage in a way that makes you stop and go: 'I want what she's got!'   The horses look happy, athletic, and light. She is poised, elegant, and clearly an effective rider with very subtle aids.   It's how dressage is supposed to be!   When I saw videos of Belinda riding (and hearing her chat with Manolo Mendez and Andrew Turnball), I just *had* to interview her on the podcast to hear more and share her horsemanship ethos with the world...   Belinda Bolsenbroek is an international authority on the Art of Classical Equitation in which the historic relationship between horse and human is expressed as a spiritual connection between two beings.    Belinda harnesses the wisdom of the Old Masters, combines that wisdom with the science of biomechanics and shapes them both into a clear and defined practice that allows you to take your horsemanship to the next level.   In this episode, we discuss:   ⚜️ Belinda’s upbringing with horses from competitive riding on Dutch warmbloods, international competition, Olympic ambitions and her turning point towards classical dressage. ⚜️ Belinda’s healthy and holistic approach to training horses. ⚜️ The evolution of competitive dressage and why many classical riders don’t compete. ⚜️ How contact should feel when it is based on connection not force. ⚜️ Belinda’s interests in the thoracic sling, and nervous system of the horse. ⚜️ The importance of reflection and questioning in your horsemanship journey. ⚜️ Belinda’s viewpoint on contact with the reins and how it should feel.  ⚜️ Her interesting answer to the favourite horse purchase question! I think Belinda might be starting a new trend with this one! ⚜️ All the usual fun horsemanship breakthroughs questions. ⚜️ Plus so much more!   You can find out more about Belinda and her resources here:   Website: https://www.belindabolsenbroek.academy/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindabolsenbroek.academy   _______ Discover a deeper connection & communication with your horse with this free mini-course at www.amaliadempsey.com/ccmc   Sign up for weekly Horsemanship Breakthrough emails, where each week I send you a little bite-sized horsemanship breakthrough that has helped me on my journey, in the hope that it will also help you with your horse. Just go to: https://www.amaliadempsey.com/breakthroughs   Get a list of all the books & resource recommendations mentioned in the podcast here: https://www.amaliadempsey.com/booklist   Improve your rider biomechanics through unmounted exercises with these 10 Free Rider Specific Exercises to improve your riding at: https://www.amaliadempsey.com/exercises    And if you’re ready for a complete riding transformation through exercises join the 8 Week Rider Specific Exercise Program at: https://www.amaliadempsey.com/8-week-rider-specific-exercise-program   Say goodbye to stressful trailer loading with the $9 30-minute Trailer Loading Success Roadmap: https://www.amaliadempsey.com/offers/TCmLdE2o/checkout   Want your horse to be happy, calm, trusting, confident on the ground and riding? Join Horsemanship Fundamentals Academy, where I teach you how to achieve this and more with your horse: https://www.amaliadempsey.com/Horsemanship-Fundamentals-Academy   No matter where you are in the world I can help you and your horse through online coaching. Click here to book your session: https://www.amaliadempsey.com/onlinecoaching _______ ⁠⁠ And if you’re loving this podcast, please screenshot this episode and upload to Instagram (make sure you tag me @amalia_horses so I can reshare!) Let me know your biggest breakthrough from listening!