Dressage Life with JJ Tate
Episodes
124. Kate Fleming-Kuhn and Martin Kuhn
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ sits down with long-time friends Kate and Martin Kuhn, the husband-and-wife team behind StarWest in New Berlin, Illinois. Together...
123. A Conversation with Ingrid Klimke
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re thrilled to welcome Olympic champion and world-class horsewoman Ingrid Klimke to the podcast! 🐴🎙️In this special episode, Ingrid share...
122. Clinic Insights: Common Problems, Deeper Lessons
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ shares a couple of the most common challenges she’s recently encountered while teaching clinics across the country. These reflec...
121. Melissa Wessel: LENS Neurofeedback
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join JJ and special guest Melissa Wessel for a fascinating discussion on how this type of passive neurofeedback can help your horse (and yourself!) re...
120. Decide & Do
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does your horse have a favorite exercise? Have you ever asked yourself why they like it? In this episode, JJ talks about taking accountability and the...
119. 75 Hard - Insights from Richard & Harley
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode JJ welcomes two special guests, her husband Richard Malmgren, and their friend and fellow dressage trainer, Harley Sarge, to d...
118. Legendary Lendon
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most influential figures in American dressage, Lendon Gray sits down with JJ to share some great stories—from her humble beginnings in th...
117. They Didn't Ask For This
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
JJ goes off script a little in this heartfelt episode when she shares some recent challenges with horses in her barn. As custodians of these incredibl...
116. Embracing Presence with sports psychologist, Annette Paterakis
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
JJ kicks off her return to podcasting with a thought-provoking conversation with her sports psychologist, Annette Paterakis. Riding and caring for hor...
115. Finding Balance with Steffen Peters
30 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ sits down with 6-time Olympian and dressage legend Steffen Peters for a heartfelt conversation about life both in and out of the c...
114. Special Edition: Interview with Brett Parbery
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for this special bonus podcast where JJ sits down with Brett Parbery, this year's Dressage at Devon Masterclass presenter. Brett offers a...
113. Basics to Brilliance with Suzanne Galdun
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
JJ welcomes back rider biomechanics expert Suzanne Galdun to talk about their upcoming collaboration called Basics to Brilliance. This symposium-sty...
112. Relax, Dammit!
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We all want our horses relaxed and happy to work with us, but what does that actually mean? And how do we achieve it? JJ adds dimension to the concept...
111. Weeding & Cooking
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you train a horse? This week, JJ shares her thoughts on the parallels of evolving as a human and training a horse, and 2 things we need to not ...
110. Humans Becoming Riders: Contact
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In what JJ hopes to turn into a regularly visited theme, she talks about how so much of being a good rider goes against our normal human instinctual r...
109. Notice, and Carry On
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ shares how she handled a near-disastrous warmup with Denali at a recent CDI, and still managed a great test (and a win!). How sh...
108. Millimeters and Minutes
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it's improving our own riding skills or training the horse, it all takes repetition. Sometimes it feels like we're at it forever! But,...
107. Do Less Sooner
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just like with horses, being able to give ourselves a half halt before things spin out of control is a valuable skill. In this podcast, JJ shares the ...
106. Encore: Getting the Most Out of a Clinic
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever go to a clinic or a lesson and have this big breakthrough? Or sometimes one thing gets better and something else gets worse? In this shor...
105. What "Grand Prix" Means to Me
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this recently found recording from almost 2 years ago, JJ talks about what the Grand Prix means to her. It's not about having a fancy horse or...
104. A Tack Room Chat with JJ
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're sharing something usually reserved for Academy members only! We thought our loyal listeners would enjoy hearing a partial recordin...
103. Annette Paterakis, Sports Psychologist
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meet JJ's fabulous sports psychologist, Annette Paterakis! In this podcast, JJ and Annette give us a look into her Master Your Mind program and ho...
102. Concentrate Yourself
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week JJ recaps her rides with Denali and Romeo at the FEI Trainer's Conference with Sabine Schut-Kery and Sven Rothenberger. JJ shares what ...
101. The Educated Leg
10 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An essential aspect of effective communication, an educated rider's leg is a skill to be cultivated. More than just on or off, or a kick, the leg...
100. Encore Presentation: Exaggerate to Reach Your Riding Goals
27 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A treat for the philosophical dressage riders out there! Learn why you shouldn't believe everything you think, and how Hegel's Dialectics can ...
099. The Vocabulary of the Daily Work
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, JJ talks about how the 3 stages of training actually show up in every exercise we do, every time we ride. Being able to adjust the di...
098. Behind the Leg
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A common problem, JJ offers some new insights on why it happens, and how to fix it. Drop your whip and spurs and take a closer look at why your horse...
097. Dave Thind, Feldenkrais for Riders
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dave Thind is a German classically trained dressage rider who has developed a deep passion for the Feldenkrais method after discovering for himself ho...
096. Brandi Roenick, An American Rider Working, Training, and Winning in Germany
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, JJ interviews Brandi Roenick, the American rider who is now the head Young Horse Rider at Schoeckemöhle Stallion Station in Germany....
095. Balanced Like a Square
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, JJ helps us expand our understanding of the horse's ever-changing balance; in her unique JJ style, she also gives us a new label to hel...
094. Debbie Witty, Trilogy Performance Saddlery, Fitting the Horse and Rider
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, JJ brings to the podcast her dear friend and creator of what she calls her "soulmate of saddles," Debbie Witty. Debbie has an ext...
093. Train Your Brain: Who is doing the Driving?
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, JJ fills us in on what she's focusing on with the help of her new sports psychologist, Annette Paterakis. She introduces us to Sa...
092. Jan Byyny and Laura Crump Anderson
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, JJ brings us 2 very interesting and inspiring people: Jan Byyny and Laura Crump Anderson. Jan is well-known in the eventing world and her stor...
091. Just Start Shoveling
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We all have struggles. With our horses, with our riding skills, with our jobs, family, and just in life. Totally normal. But how we respond is up to u...
090. Taming, Teaching & Training
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, JJ shares a lecture she did recently while teaching a clinic at Daisy Lane Farm in Maryland. The concept of taming, teaching and training, ...
089. Denali Goes to a German Horse Show
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
She's BAAACK! JJ returns to Germany with a few horses in tow, and takes her up-and-coming superstar, Denali, to his first show in Germany. With Ol...
088. Interview with Jillian Kreinbring about her mentor, Manolo Mendez
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, JJ does a quick check-in with Jillian Kreinbring, equine functional anatomist, who is currently hosting Manolo Mendez at her Se Raeda...
087. Interview with Suzanne Galdun of Positively Dressage
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, JJ sits down with Suzanne Galdun of Positively Dressage. Suzanne is 1 of only 9 Mary Wanless certified biomechanics coaches the US. Alon...
086. On the Aids
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Getting your horse "on the aids" is one of the most important aspects of riding. Not only do we want them "with us" when we're...
085. ENCORE PRESENTATION: Interview with Anna Buffini
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this encore episode from July 2022, JJ interviews one of the USA's FEI Dressage World Cup riders, Anna Buffini. Get to know Anna as she chats ...
084. Interview with Susanne von Dietze - A Lifetime with Horses
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ sits down with Susanne von Dietze for a fascinating glimpse into Susanne’s early life: Her father spent 4 years in a wheelchair ...
083. Interview with Wilken Treu, General Manager of the Hanoverian Verband
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It would be fair to say that the majority of dressage horses at the top of the sport have European bloodlines. This is not an accident and did not hap...
082. Perfection is a Perception
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Every day we have the opportunity to make choices for ourselves and our horses. We need to always honor our horses for who they are and how they are...
081. Stability in Motion
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ integrates what she has learned about influencing the horse more effectively by doing less, which is possible with a more correct ...
080. Rehabbing Horses
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
JJ isn't afraid to say it: "Rehab Sucks!" Anyone who has been through a long agonizing process of diagnosing and rehabbing their beloved horse knows t...
079. Fifteen Thoughts About Balance
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The goal of perfect balance in motion is unattainable... but the study of balance can offer you as a rider so many deep and profound lessons. In this ...
078. Interview with John Amber
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ sits down with young horse trainer John Amber to share the fascinating story of how he has built a reputation among top dressage t...
077. Encore Presentation: Staying True to Yourself and Honoring Your Journey
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this encore podcast episode, JJ shares her thoughts on how to live and ride in alignment with your principles, and how to find and focus on your ow...
076. ENCORE PRESENTATION: JJ interviews dressage superstar Steffen Peters
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Some things are too good to listen to only once! Please enjoy this encore episode from March 12, 2021. JJ sits down with dressage superstar, Ste...
075. Dressage Life in Germany
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wanted to pick up your whole life and move to Germany and train with some of the world's top riders? That's just what dressage rider JJ ...
074. On the Bit Explained
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"On the Bit" is one of those terms that can seem incredibly basic... but the more you learn, the deeper your understanding becomes! JJ likes to joke t...
073. Breast Cancer Recovery: One Week Post-Op
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had a health crisis suddenly disrupt your riding, your career, your whole... life? "A month ago, my two biggest things were going...
072. Motherhood & Horses with Laura Burkett
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If having children is part of your path, you can definitely have your kids and horses, too! JJ interviews Laura Burkett, a successful Grand Prix...
071. Warm up to Win
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"You win or lose in the warm-up." JJ uses her Grand Prix warm-up on Derby at Nationals under adverse weather conditions as an example of how her...
070. I Cried for Weeks: The Story of Ehrenpreis
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"You're up there by two graces. The grace of God, and the grace of that horse. And if either one of them wants you off, you're OFF." Nick...
069. Is it Time to Sell your Horse?
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you know whether you should push through challenges with your horse to become a better rider or sell him and move on? In this episode, JJ discu...
0.68 Exaggerate to Reach your Riding Goals
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A treat for the philosophical dressage riders out there... JJ gets deep, sharing lessons from sports psychologist Dr. Jenny Susser and classical dress...
067. Recap of lessons with Susanne von Dietze-Pollak
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"What does an ice cream scoop, elf ears, and double-dutch jump rope have to do with dressage? In this episode, JJ shares some aha moments from her les...
066. Interview with Anna Buffini | Balancing Life & Success
01 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ sits down with up-and-coming dressage superstar, Anna Buffini Get to know Anna as she chats with JJ about her recent success...
065. The 3 Phases of Training
17 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The three phases of training include: 1. The restorative phase 2. The therapeutic phase 3. Amplification of the gaits The horse moves through each pha...
064. Flying With Horses
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ shares the ins and outs of her recent adventure in transporting 5 horses to Germany to train with Michael Klimke for the summer. H...
063. Interview with Susanne von Dietze-Pollak | The Rider's Process
13 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ sits down with equestrian biomechanics expert Susanne von Dietze to discuss The Rider's Process The horse world has a laser focus ...
061. Joyful Motion
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Progress isn't possible if you never open up that can of worms! The way forward is to examine the challenges, get help when needed, and imagine what's...
060. Riding Without Stirrups
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Riding without Stirrups is a wonderful practice to enhance your skill as a rider, but it's not just as simple as dropping your irons. JJ helps you und...
059. Creating a Process In Your Riding
25 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ shares her insight on how we can get the most from our rides by processing decision making, trusting your gut, and having never-en...
058. Finding Success In The Basics
11 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ shares the secret that the best riders and trainers in the world do everyday with every horse: The basics! No matter what the leve...
057. The Horse Is Our Mirror
25 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ reminds us that it is up to us to be open to hearing what the horse has to say about our riding, and how the horse can only be as ...
056. When To Call The Vet
28 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listening to your horse is key to good care, but it can also be a challenge to figure out what they're telling us and what the next best step is. In t...
055. The Mental & Physical Importance Of Cross-Training
21 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cross-training is for every horse! There are so many benefits to be found both physically and mentally. This episode is a preview of the Monthly Zoom ...
054. Woah 2021! A Year In Review
14 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What A Year 2021 Has Been! Join JJ in this emotional episode as she recaps all the events that contributed to this wild ride, from cancer to getting b...
053. Setting Goals for Yourself and Your Horse
07 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Setting goals is important to progress training with your horse. In this epidsode JJ shares how she approaches setting and modifiying goals, using thr...
052. Lessons With Olympians
24 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ shares insights and key takeaways from her lessons with Ali Brock, Steffen Peters, & Christine Traurig. --------- This episode...
051. When Your Trainer Doesn't Believe In Your Horse
17 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A great trainer is a problem solver. If your horse is suitable to your level, safe for you, and is in your heart, that is what matters. JJ talks about...
050. Transporting Safely & Settling Into A New Place
10 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Winter Migration to Wellington is always a big production, but then again hauling horses anywhere is. In this episode, JJ shares how she and every...
049. Dealing With Frustration
03 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone struggles, because let's face it -horses are complicated. Owning, caring for, and especially riding them can throw a lot of unexpected frustr...
048. | Staying True To Yourself & Honoring Your Journey
26 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Comparison is the thief of joy & in our sport, it can be really hard NOT to compare ourselves to others. JJ shares her thoughts on how to live and...
047. Mental Toughness & Developing A Positive Inner Voice
19 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The struggle is REAL! Everyone struggles with feeling like they're good enough from time to time. In this episode, JJ talks about how she handles thos...
046. The Essential Warm Up
12 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The decision to take time for a proper warm up or not can make or break your ride. So what goes into the warm up and how does that benefit you and you...
045. The Down Seat
05 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ shares how Olympic Rider Gyula Dallos would teach riders to have a deep, adhesive, & energized seat. She shares her experience...
044. Everything Comes Back To Basics
29 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The principles of classical dressage develop harmonious, sound, and happy riding partners. This episode is all about how to apply the principles to th...
043. Show Talk | First Level
22 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ talks about heading to Regionals, touching on first level before her Monthly Zoom Lecture deep dive, & getting into the show r...
042. Self Care | Sometimes You Have To Bathtub Sob
15 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Self-care is essential to life and sometimes it is ok to not be ok. In this episode, JJ provides an update on how things went at Dressage at Devon alo...
041. The Importance of Cross Training
08 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A mentally and physically well-rounded horse is a happy horse. In this episode, JJ covers the importance of cross-training for the dressage horse and ...
040. Tightness vs. Resistance | Plus! Celebrating Dressage at Devon
01 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tightness and resistance are not the same thing. One word of advice, never kick a tightness. So how do you know the difference? JJ dives deep into how...
039. Grieving a Young Horse & Continuing to Move Forward
24 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The loss of every horse is hard, but losing the promise of a young horse with a bright future is particularly poignant. In this episode, JJ shares her...
038. Classy, Classical, & Competitive | Showing with integrity.
17 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Not everyone chooses to compete, but for those who do, keeping it classy and classical is all about showing up to the ring with integrity. JJ talks ab...
037. The Forgotten Art Of The School Trot
10 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The school trot is the secret to creating a truly phenomenal trot. So what is it? How do you do it? When do you use it? Learn more about this forgotte...
036. The Means to The End | Paving a path toward your goals
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ talks about how to choose and stay focused focus on your goals, or your end ideals, while keeping in mind where you are currently ...
035. Finding The One | What To Keep In Mind When Horse Shopping
27 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ goes through her process on assesing a protential rider and horse pair. She goes through what she looks at and things she consider...
034. Sportsmanship & Horsemanship | Honoring the journey, the horses, & the friendships made at the Young Riders Championships
20 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a shout-out to the young riders for the accomplishment of making it to the North American Young Riders Championship. JJ talks about ha...
033. The Strength Of The Pioneer Woman & Being Like a Monk
13 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How life with horses has helped JJ process and accept her diagnosis, her treatment plan, and her mindset shift to travel this journey. This episode is...
032. Tackling Big Fish | Facing breast cancer with optimism and grace
06 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ talks about how she is newly diagnosed with breast cancer. She discusses how she plans to mentally go about tackling this "big fis...
031. Visualizations & Concepts For Improving Contact with Kelley Wachter
30 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ sits down with long time friend and Tack Room Chat coach, Kelly Wachter, for a fun and insightful discussion on ways to refine con...
030. Interview with Naama Segev Hasson
23 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ sits down with Naama Segev Hasson, Israeli Dressage Rider, personal friend & mutual student of both Olympic rider Gyula Dallos...
029. Understanding Rein Length | The importance of training with long reins to promote confidence, trust & longevity
16 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ discusses why short reins are necessary in dressage, but that does not negate the unequivocal importance of riding with long reins...
028. Picking Your Horse Up From The Trainer | Determining when it's time, what to consider, and what happens at home.
09 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ talks about how to know when it is time to bring your horse home from the trainers and how to navigate the transition back home. &...
027. Managing Overwhelm | So little setbacks don't derail your progress
02 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ talks about how to not get overwhelmed when little mess ups occur and how to stay inspired. --------- Resources JJ me...
026. Clinic Takeaways | The Importance of not Getting Stuck
25 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ shares some of her personal takeaways on the importance of not getting stuck which she has learned from clinics that she has recen...
025. How Horses Learn Best | Training With Age and Education Level In Mind
18 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ talks about the different ways horses learn, how their age and education level can influence the way they learn, as well as tips t...
024. Interview with Vefele Petruik | The Courage To Seek More, Show Up, Find Peace & Grow
11 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JJ sits down with Vefele Petruik, working student at Team Tate Dressage to hear about Vefele’s decision to go from being a Team Tat...