When I reflect on the various dressage trainers I have had over the years I feel I have seen it all. Having lived overseas for twenty years (moving every three years) I rode with trainers from all over the world. Some great, some not so great. It took moving to Houston for my riding to really take off, however, and that is thanks to Susan Shiba of Roseate Dressage.

When I first moved to Houston I was impressed initially with Susan as a rider. Her elegance in the saddle is unsurpassed. I remember thinking how I wished I could ride like that. Her passion, however, is teaching. Susan took me on as a student and has had her hands full trying to rectify my bad riding habits. She has deconstructed my riding and is slowly and methodically putting me back together, correctly this time.

Susan insists on quality work. We all want to get to the 'fancy stuff' but unless the basics are there it's not going to happen with Susan in the arena. With the horse, she insists on relaxation, throughness and engagement of the hind end. She reminds the rider to get out of the horse's way and to allow him to make the right decision. When everything is there then the lateral work comes easily and correctly. And what a pretty picture it is.

Susan's patience and compassion with both the horse and the rider create a learning environment that is both positive and rewarding. She treats every horse and every rider uniquely. Susan tailors her lessons to where the rider and the horse are at that particular moment. She has the ability to frame a concept in such a way that it makes sense. It's logical. A light bulb goes off. Then, when you factor in her great sense of humor, lessons are fun, fun, fun. We laugh a lot.

Perhaps one of Susan's greatest qualities as a teacher is that she continues to be a student. Unlike many trainers I have observed, she routinely trains with the experts. She regularly clinics with some of the best riders this country has to offer (Janet Brown Foy, Tom Noone and Volker Brommann) and never misses an opportunity to participate in various other symposia and clinics. As her student I reap the benefits. She'll return from a clinic and will eagerly share her newfound insights and techniques. Her enthusiasm in all things dressage is contagious and we all benefit.

For all these reasons and more, I would love to see Susan have the recognition that she deserves. I believe she should receive the USDF Region 9 Teaching Excellence Award.

Nancy Flanders
August 2009