
Photo provided by Joan Williams
Joan Williams has achieved her USDF Bronze, Silver, Gold medals and Gold freestyle bar. She is a USDF “L” graduate with distinction and a current USEF “R” dressage judge. She works closely with our local Santa Cruz Pony Club and is a past IDA coach of the UCSC dressage team.
She is a trainer, active competitor, coach and teaches quadrille and Pas De Deux as well as creates musical freestyles.
Joan produces a weekly Television show for our local Cable TV called Coastal Dressage, focusing on the artistic beauty of dressage.
LINKS:

THE MAKING OF A QUADRILLE TEAM
By JOAN WILLIAMS So you want to start a quadrille team but don't know how to begin. Here are some ideas to help get it off the ground. Talk to riders at your barn and see if there is ... continue reading...

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO IMPROVE THE TOPLINE? ANSWERED BY JOAN WILLIAMS
By JOAN WILLIAMS - Developing your horses topline is an important part of keeping him healthy sound and strong. There are many exercises both on and off your horse you can use to develop your horses ... continue reading...

BUILDING A BETTER TOPLINE
By JOAN WILLIAMS I think the understanding of ’Riding Long and Low’ for new dressage riders is the most misunderstood concept, as they hear and read that the poll must be the highest point, and ... continue reading...

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT BASICS? ANSWERED BY JOAN WILLIAMS
By JOAN WILLIAMS – The most important basics for the rider: Basic Balanced Position (BBP) I believe the most important component of “basics” for the rider is having a secure “Basic ... continue reading...

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF RIDING FORWARD? ANSWERED BY JOAN WILLIAMS
By JOAN WILLIAMS – “Ride your horse forward and straighten it” and “Freely Forward” are just two well known dressage and pony club adages. Riding our mounts forward is a tried and true ... continue reading...

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE? ANSWERED BY JOAN WILLIAMS
By JOAN WILLIAMS – One of my favorite arena exercises is the square. Horses learn by repetition, using exercises and patterns help strengthen and train your horse. We start young horses with a 20 M ... continue reading...