Welcome to a new era of dressage training where empathy and trust are the cornerstones of success.
If you believe in putting your horse’s well-being first, you’re in the right place
In a world that often prioritizes results over relationships, there’s a different way—one that honors both horse and rider.
In the sport of dressage, success often comes at the cost of the horse’s well-being—but it doesn’t have to. You can take a different path: one that prioritizes the well-being of the horse without sacrificing success. Through a blend of classical training, competitive experience, and a profound understanding of the physical causes behind many behavioral issues, Elaine has created a method that nurtures both horse and rider. This approach isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about ensuring that every step is rooted in trust, respect, and genuine partnership.
You're tired of traditional training methods that prioritize results over your horse’s comfort.
For too long, dressage has been dominated by methods that overlook the horse’s needs, leaving both horse and rider frustrated, disconnected, and sometimes even injured.
The pressure to achieve better scores often leads to compromises that erode trust and joy in your relationship with your horse. What’s missing is a training program that nurtures both of you, allowing for true partnership and progress.
You want training that honors both you and your horse, fostering mutual understanding, growth and success.
Transform your relationship with your horse and the way you see the sport of dressage with a compassionate, consent-based training approach.
Through step-by-step guidance and a deep focus on the horse’s needs and well-being, you’ll achieve not just technical success, but a partnership that lasts a lifetime. You want a teammate, not just a performer—and here, you’ll find the path to get there.
A Connection Built on Trust
Improve your relationship to skyrocket your rides.
Ride with unwavering confidence that every request is met with a willing and eager response. With experienced guidance, you’ll develop a relationship rooted in trust, where your horse feels understood and valued, leading to seamless communication and a deeper connection.
Progress at Your Horse’s Pace
Achieve your goals without compromising your horse’s well-being.
Experience the satisfaction of steady, sustainable progress, free from the stress of rushing or forcing your horse. Train in a methodical, step-by-step way, ensuring that both you and your horse grow together, achieving milestones in a way that’s healthy, rewarding, and joyful.
Join a Movement That Puts Horses First
Be part of a community that values ethical training.
You’re not alone in your pursuit of a kinder, more compassionate approach to dressage. Join a community of like-minded riders who share your commitment to ethical training and the well-being of horses. Together, we’re changing the culture of dressage for the better.
The dressage world has lost its way, prioritizing results over relationships. But it doesn’t have to be this way—there is a path that honors both the horse and rider, creating a true partnership.
Elaine Hayes has dedicated her life to understanding the intricate dance between horse and rider. Having trained numerous horses to the FEI levels, earning bronze, silver, and gold USDF medals—all without compromising the well-being of the horses in her care. Among her greatest personal achievements is taking her locally bred horse from pasture pet to Grand Prix. Elaine’s true passion lies in sharing the small but vital nuances of daily training - details often overlooked but essential for achieving balance and harmony with your horse.
Her experience has taught her that many behavioral problems stem from subtle, often overlooked physical issues - either through poor breeding practices or improper training - and she has dedicated her career to addressing these with compassion and expertise. Elaine empowers riders to build confidence, trust their instincts, and reach their goals, creating healthier, happier horse and rider partnerships.
Elaine’s mission is to share her hard-earned knowledge, ensuring that both horse and rider can thrive together.
Discover how ethical, consent-based training can transform your relationship with your horse.
The Foundation of Trust
Building trust is the cornerstone of any successful partnership, especially in dressage. Learn how to recognize and respond to your horse’s subtle cues, create a safe and positive training environment, and set the stage for a relationship that’s built on mutual respect. This foundation isn’t just important—it’s essential for long-term success and harmony in your training journey.
The Slow and Steady Approach to Success
Meaningful progress can't be rushed! Discover why consent is key at each level, how to break down complex movements into manageable steps, and how celebrating each small step can lead to greater accomplishments in the ring. Whether you’re aiming for Grand Prix or simply want to improve your daily rides, this approach ensures that both you and your horse enjoy the journey together.
Understanding Your Horse’s Needs
Your horse is constantly communicating, but are you listening? Learn to spot key aspects of equine behavior that every rider should understand. From recognizing signs of physical discomfort to interpreting emotional responses, you’ll gain the tools to become a more intuitive and compassionate rider. By tuning into your horse’s needs, you’ll not only enhance their performance but also deepen the bond that makes true partnership possible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes Partnership Dressage different from other dressage training programs?
Partnership Dressage is rooted in a consent-based, compassionate approach that prioritizes your horse’s physical and emotional well-being. Unlike traditional methods based on "making the horse do the thing," that demands results, we believe in a slow, measured approach to progress, where each step is savored and celebrated, which strengthens the bond between horse and rider.
How does the consent-based approach work in practice?
Our training respects your horse’s boundaries and focuses on building trust through clear, consistent communication. By listening to the horse, we ensure that your horse feels safe and understood, which leads to more willing and joyful participation in the training process.
What if I’m not confident in my riding abilities?
That’s exactly why we’re here! Our step-by-step system is designed to build your confidence and skill by empowering you to understand your horse so you can be sure that you and your horse are on the same page and progressing at a pace that feels right for you and your horse. We’re committed to helping you achieve your goals, no matter where you’re starting from.
Can this training approach work for any level of dressage?
Absolutely. Whether you’re just beginning your dressage journey or you’re aiming for Grand Prix, our method is adaptable to any level. The key is that the training respects your horse’s feelings, opinions and capabilities and ensures a joyful experience for both of you.
TESTIMONIALS
When I moved to NC from New Jersey in 2006, LKN dressage was the closest to my new home (at an hour away) and I boarded my mare there. I never left. I learned so much from Elaine about how to PROPERLY care for a horse (something my former trainer in NJ didn’t bother to teach me). Thanks to her, I also have learned how to be a confident rider. I can’t say enough good things about Elaine and her facility. If you want to board your horse and get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your equine partner is getting the best possible care, then LKN Dressage is the place you should look into.
Marie Ottogalli
Elaine, and everyone at LKN Dressage, make this just not another stable but a family who all care & supports each other. Not to mention that Elaine treats every horse as her own. Care at LKN is wonderful and after 40 years of boarding horses throughout the U.S., I’m a very picky & educated customer. Feed, turnout, ring, everyday attention to care, fellow boarders, along with Elaine being a top Grand Prix trainer, make this barn the very best!
Joann Dobbins
There are many things to recommend about Lake Norman Dressage Center, but what I appreciate most about Elaine as a trainer is her adaptability. She has the rare gift of seamlessly adjusting her teaching technique to the level needed by the individual riding student, no matter if it is a beginner or advanced rider. From hands-on techniques and visual images to accessible language, Elaine always finds the appropriate way to help her students connect with their horses and improve their abilities in the saddle. Her focus on horsemanship and her deep care for the horses make this facility a welcoming as well as highly professional place.
Kerstin Rudolph
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