By Nicole DePalma

The word “Dressage” is translated from the French word meaning “Training”. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Dressage as, “The execution by a trained horse of precision movements in response to barely perceptible signals from its rider.”. Dressage has been a part of the Olympics since 1912, and may be either a team or individual competition. Ultimately, the art and sport of Dressage is a true connection between human and equine athletes, very much a dance of equal partnership.

Perhaps you’ve watched Dressage on T.V. or a YouTube channel, etc., or have seen an actual Dressage show or rehearsal at a local fair or equine convention. I’m hoping that after you read this article, you may wish to research Dressage a bit more, or come to appreciate its beauty and the work and dedication that goes into making Dressage movement appear to be so flowing and effortless.

Here in Hastings, we have a real gem of a Dressage institution, Equitation Station. “ES”, or “the farm”, or “the barn” as its regulars call it, is owned by Ms. Kathy Mueller, who also breeds fine Dressage horses, trains horses for herself and others, and gives Dressage instruction to riders at all levels of their learning progression. Kathy and her daughter, Katie Werner ride at some of the highest levels of Dressage competition, yet in spite of all the accomplishments these women have achieved, you would never meet two more down to earth and fun people. Until covid-19 disrupted “life as we knew it”, Kathy had many widely recognized horse trainers, instructors, saddle fitters, and workshop providers come to her farm to share their expertise with all the horse enthusiasts that congregate at ES. Once life returns to “normal”, these professionals will return once again. ES is also connected with professional veterinarians, veterinarian technicians, equine dentists, chiropractors, and farriers that make sure all horses on the property are well-cared for and looked after, along with two very beloved barn cats, Harriet and Pixie!

It would be difficult to speak to everything that goes into what it takes to become the outstanding rider that Kathy is. Kathy has been involved with horses since a very young age. Her parents mortgaged their horse farm when Kathy was very young to purchase a pure blood Arabian stallion and mare. In a horrible accident, almost as soon as these horses were purchased, the stallion was killed, and the mare, severely wounded, but with quick care, she survived. Despite this auspicious beginning, Kathy’s parents, and then Kathy’s mother after her parents divorced, went on to build a successful operation where Kathy quickly gained a reputation as an excellent rider, trainer, and instructor.

In adulthood, Kathy was looking for a new way to ride, a new discipline, and her attention went to Dressage. Kathy will laughingly relate that she figured after five or so sessions, she would “know how to do Dressage”, and that would be that. 40 years later, Kathy again will laughingly tell you that every day is a learning day in and out of the saddle, a journey that can be frustrating, tiring, challenging, yet always rewarding.

A day in Kathy’s life involves waking early to “wake up” the farm, taking horses from barns, and outdoor areas to feed and hay them, and provide medications if needed, and Kathy has several Crew Members that also perform this duty along with many others that make a horse farm run smoothly. Then Kathy continues by training several horses yet in the morning hours, riding each horse for a half-hour, taking them through the paces that they’ve learned so far, patiently coaxing the best work out of each one. Kathy’s attention will turn to instructing her students, paying attention to the skill and learning set they have and how that information can combine with the horse the student is working with. Dressage has many levels of riding, and Kathy works with riders and horses from “Intro A” through “Prix St. Georges”. The trick of a great instructor like Kathy is to watch the horse and rider’s actions and reactions to each other, and to communicate with them in such a way that there’s success in their performance durning their lessons.

Now, there’s Kathy’s breeding program. There won’t be a new foal at the farm this year, but for many previous years, and surely for years to come, Kathy will find the right match of stallion and mare to produce well-built, intelligent, willing, and talented horses suited to achieving in Dressage movement and natural ability. Kathy’s horses have risen to “Premium” and “Horse of the Year” distinctions, and Kathy has earned the coveted “Three Stars” of breeding excellence.

In the midst of all of these activities, Kathy, Katie, and many of Kathy’s students will pack up trailers full of horses and gear, heading off to Dressage shows and exhibitions near and far, racking up awards and ribbons for jobs well done. At the 2020 Arabian Sport Horse Nationals in Idaho, Kathy’s team racked up so many medals and ribbons that the joke was a new trailer would be needed to haul everything back to Minnesota!

Kathy’s Equitation Station is a point of pride in the Dressage world, but also a point of pride for our Community. It is quite something to say that “Minnesota Nice” has helped to influence a farm not only dedicated to all aspects of the art of Dressage, but to influence in such a way that everyone at “the farm” works and plays as a “family” where all are respected and cheered on. Two of Kathy’s protégées, Ms. Jessie Mitchell, and Ms. Wynne Hetherington carry on Kathy’s influence in their own successful equine careers. If you should drive past ES at the intersection of County Road 47 and Goodwin Avenue, you’ll see happy horses out in their paddocks, and happy humans savoring the joy of “horse love” and fresh Minnesota air.

Kathy Mueller showing Susan Bierman’s horse Rashika