Welcome to the Dressage Today podcast sponsored by Equithrive. Stephanie and Avival talk about how horses keep us grounded no matter what else is happening. Then Aviva answers an “Ask the L” question about a tense, forward-thinking horse. “Is it better to ride the correct tempo which causes tension or ride slightly below the tempo but keep the relaxation and harmony?” Stephanie talks to Emily Donaldson, a successful Grand Prix level trainer. Donaldson grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and started riding horses when she was 5 years old. She garnered a well-rounded equestrian education through fox hunting, hunter/jumpers and horse trials. And when Emily was 13 years-old she decided to focus on Dressage. She received her USDF Bronze Medal and trained her off-the-track Thoroughbred gelding "Thanks A Bunch" from First Level to Prix St. Georges. After earning a Bachelors Degree in Art History from the University of Pittsburgh in 2005, Emily spent the summer as a working student for Courtney King Dye and then in 2006 with Jennifer Baumert. In 2007 Emily returned to her hometown of Pittsburgh to pursue a career in fundraising and marketing. Emily spent eight years working for several influential non-profit organizations while continuing to compete and train. In 2014, Emily married equine veterinarian, Mark Donaldson, and relocated to eastern Pennsylvania. It was at that time that Emily also decided to officially launch Emily Donaldson Dressage LLC. They relocated to Sewickley Farm in June 2018. Trying to choose the right supplements for the right horses often feels like a chore…and you have enough chores as it is. Fortunately, there’s Equithrive, whose mission is to make this whole nutrition equation easier on you, and much more beneficial to your horses. Equithrive’s lineup of pelleted supplements are developed with care, backed by science, and carry a 100% satisfaction guarantee - not to mention being picky-eater approved. Whether you need advanced joint care for your equine athlete, plus hoof, gut, or metabolic support, Equithrive is your one-stop-shop for feed tub fortification. So stop wasting your time and money. Do your horses–and yourself–a favor and visit equithrive.com. Use the promo code DRESSAGETODAY to get 20% off your first order, plus free and fast shipping nationwide. Listen in! Website: https://dressagetoday.com Video Subscription Site: https://ondemand.dressagetoday.com/catalog Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageToday Instagram: @DressageToday Twitter: @DressageToday Pinterest: @DressageToday Email: [email protected] Podcast Editor: Merek Alam, http://brightafternoonproductions.com Sponsor: https://equithrive.com