Connecticut's Dressage Destination
Ride with Intention. Progress with Purpose.
We specialize in developing dedicated riders who are passionate about mastering the art of dressage. Whether you’re an aspiring young rider, a serious amateur, or a seasoned rider seeking refinement, our elevated training programs are tailored to elevate your skills.
With a focus on dressage foundations, rider biomechanics & fitness, and personalized coaching, we provide the tools and support necessary to progress through the levels; whether you’re working toward USDF medals, preparing for competition, or striving for harmony with your horse.
Join a community of committed equestrians who value precision, partnership, and progress. Experience elite instruction, top-tier training, and a supportive environment designed to help you reach your dressage goals.
Dressage is hard.
Don't make it harder
Dressage is a difficult sport, hobby, and art and learning it should be enjoyable and challenging. It doesn’t need to be made harder by a difficult trainer, an unsuitable horse, or an environment where you don’t feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and learning.
We believe riders do their best when they feel supported by their trainer and barn community, and when they have a horse that allows them to learn, grow, and build confidence along the way.
Everyone’s goals in dressage look a little different. You may simply want to develop a better relationship and more harmony with your horse, or you may have ambitious competitive goals. Either way, every rider in our program is valued equally and has the same access to education, opportunities, and support.
At the end of the day, we want our barn to be a place where people can work hard, learn, make mistakes, celebrate progress, and genuinely enjoy their horses.
"Strong Foundations. Limitless Potential."
Our program has been carefully cultivated to offer you everything you need for success; from weekly groundwork classes, horse education classes, lease opportunities, private dressage lessons, and more - we have a program that will suit your goals and dreams!
Our Comprehensive Curriculum:
From foundational skills to advanced dressage techniques, our structured curriculum is designed to support riders at every level. Discover your path to mastery with our personalized training programs.
You may already be taking lessons but...
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You feel like you are taking the same lesson every week, without further guidance from your instructor
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You struggle with simple things, like get your horse on the rail or steer in a manner that gets your horse exactly where you want them
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You don't know what the next step in your riding is, and you aren't sure if your instructor can get you there
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You simply aren't having fun
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You are concerned about the welfare of the school horses
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You don't feel like you really "fit in" at your barn
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You like your instructor, but you think their knowledge may be limited
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The school horses aren't safe
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You have a solid foundation but feel like there are missing pieces and you want to fill in the gaps
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You have an interest in dressage but a lot of the dressage trainers are intimidating to you
There's a reason you're here...let us help!
Owner & Head Trainer
Katie Rodriguez
For nearly two decades, Katie Rodriguez has dedicated herself to developing both horses and riders through thoughtful, progressive training rooted in classical dressage. She launched Connecticut Dressage Academy as a way to combine her passion for education with her commitment to creating a positive, horse-first environment for equestrians of all levels.
Katie’s career has been shaped by hands-on experience with a wide variety of horses from green prospects and schoolmasters to FEI-level competitors. As a successful FEI dressage rider and professional trainer, she brings a deep understanding of the sport and an unwavering belief that every horse and rider, with the right support, can reach their full potential.
Katie’s students range from adult amateurs building confidence in the saddle to ambitious youth riders aiming for regional and national competition. Through her guidance her students have earned USDF medals, trained and develop their own horses, and solved training issues they have struggled with for years. What they share is a foundation built on correct basics, compassionate training, and a deep respect for the horse.
Dedicated to her own continuing education, Katie has trained extensively with top international coaches, earned her USDF Bronze and Silver Medals, is aspiring for her Gold medal (almost there!), and is continually working to grow both her personal program and her team. Connecticut Dressage Academy now serves as both a training facility and a developmental hub for young talent, upper-level school horses, and a team of passionate professionals all united under one mission: to educate riders with integrity and put the horse at the center of everything.
When you put in the time to do it right, the results speak for themselves. Through that approach, Katie is building not just great riders, but great horsemen and women for the next generation.
What makes us different
No Pressure Enviornment!
Don't want to show? Cool!
Want to show? Great!
No matter your goal, we are here to help you on your personal equestrian journey. We will always encourage you to push past your self limitations, but we will never treat you differently because of your own personal goals!
Horse Welfare!
Our school horses are (literally) the backbone to our program. In turn, we make sure to treat our horses with the highest regard for their health and happiness. Our school horses receive routine massages, chiropractic, sports innovation treatments, and all standard dental, farrier, and veterinary care.
Our horses work no more than twice per day and have two full days off every week. In addition, our horses get 5 weeks off every year!
We believe all students should witness and understand compassionate care for their beloved school horses, and we are happy to set the bar high for that example.
Fun, Positive Instructors that know their "stuff"!
Riding instruction should be fun, challenging, positive, and encouraging. We understand everything isn't quite "rainbows and butterflies" all the time, but it is our job, as instructors, to keep the trajectory of your equestrian journey positive. We are responsible for providing fun, safe, encouraging, and challenging riding lessons to our students, and we take that commitment seriously!
Our head instructor is a USDF Silver Medalist and has studied under some of the most respected trainers in the country. Katie is currently competing at FEI Prix-St George and Intermediate 1 level with her horse Cedric, and sponsored horse Furst Fritz, with aspirations for the Grand Prix arena. Katie's continued commitment to her education and riding success only benefits her students as she carries her learning with her to her students and associate instructors.
Any Connecticut Dressage Academy instructor goes through rigorous training, including shadowing, lesson reflections with Katie, and routine observation. No matter who your instructor is, we promise you will be in fantastic hands!
Education that goes beyond the saddle!
Too many riders don't know why their horse acted a certain way, how much hay they should be getting, know about equine history, anatomy, knowledge of different equestrian sports, or what types of careers there are in the industry. We have a class that meets every Saturday at 11:00am for all our students that covers all those topics, and much more! The best part? It is FREE to all students!
The best way to become a better rider is to really know your teammate inside and out. We have watched our students success sky-rocket since we have implemented this class and we are proud to be the only academy in the area to offer this class every week for FREE. We do this because we are passionate about your knowledge as an equestrian and we want to give you the best tools to be your best!
Never feel lost again!
If you aren't sure where to go next with your riding, or you really aren't sure what should be expected of you, or what level you really are, then our program has been designed for you!
All students have access to our equestrian curriculum, which is a step-by-step guide to riding! We also have an app where all riders can keep track of their accomplishments and set goals for themselves. Our instructors monitor each rider card, so we will always know what steps to take next with you!
Let's
Work Together
Step 1: Reach out to us by email or schedule an introductory lesson on our website.
Step 2: We will reach out to discuss your experience, goals, and current struggles you may have. We will also send you helpful information such as a welcome packet!
Step 3: We will make an evaluation during your session and discuss a custom program for you.
Step 4: Become a member of the academy and become the rider you've always dreamed of!
Step 5: Enjoy all the perks of being a member like our equestrian curriculum, free horse education classes, weekly lessons, access to clinics, on-site shows, and members only events like our famously fun holiday parties!
Patrick King
"Katie has the success of the rider and the horse in mind and at heart. Happy to recommend Connecticut Dressage Academy!"
Marjorie B
"Connecticut Dressage Academy is where you want to be if you want to learn everything about the horse, from the ground level of horsemanship to upper level dressage.
Connecticut Dressage Academy is a hands on learn the basics (walk before you run) facility if you want to learn from the ground up.
Connecticut Dressage Academy is also where the experienced rider can hone their skills preparing to move on to the next level.
Multiple clinics, shows as well as off site experiences are available consistently throughout the year"
Beth L