Dressage Training Test

Challenge Time!

STARTING 14th APRIL 2025

Looking for motivation, structure, and a fun training goal to level up your riding?

Now’s the perfect time to join!

Sign up for Gold or Platinum Membership today and gain instant access to to the membership library and access to join our exclusive 3-Week Dressage Challenge, starting April 14th!

HOW THE CHALLENGE WORKS

✅ Choose your level – Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, we have created test options from Preparatory to Elementary.

✅ Confidence-building options – Not ready for a full test? Work through our walk-only challenge to build a stronger foundation.

✅ Step-by-step guided training – Each week, you’ll receive a specially selected audio lesson to help you improve your test riding.

✅ Personal feedback from Ann Montgomery – Submit a test video at the end of the challenge and get expert insights to fast-track your progress.

✅ Exclusive for Gold & Platinum Members!

THE

SOUND SYSTEM

OF TRAINING

Revolutionize Your Riding, Transform Your Horse

Tired of Ordinary? It’s Time to Break Free.

Most riders settle. They hope for progress, cling to outdated methods, and wonder why their horses seem frustrated - or worse, disconnected.

But not you!

You’re here because you know there’s a better way.

  • A way that doesn’t leave you guessing every time you step into the arena.

  • A way that builds trust, balance, and a real connection with your horse.

  • A way that turns “I wish I could” into “I’m doing it!”

"An absolutely wonderful program."

“I love having Ann’s voice in my ear keeping me on task while connecting my and my horses bodies, movements and minds.Highly recommend this program." - Kajsa W

CLICK BELOW TO Learn about the system!

This isn’t just training - it’s a system that rewrites the rules of horsemanship.

What If You Could Have This Every Ride?

Imagine walking into the arena with:

  • A clear plan tailored to your horse’s unique needs.

  • Expert guidance that’s always with you—anytime, anywhere.

  • Confidence in every step, circle, and movement.

The Sound System of Training Membership makes this your reality.

Where Innovation Meets Transformation

What If Every Ride Felt Like Progress?

Most riders struggle with the same frustrations:

  • Walking into the arena without a clear plan.

  • Feeling disconnected from their horse.

  • Wasting time on methods that don’t work.

But what if every ride felt purposeful, transformative - even extraordinary?

That’s exactly why I created

The Sound System of Training Membership


From a Simple Idea to a Movement That’s Changing Riding Forever

In April 2020, I launched my first audio lessons with one goal: to make high-quality training accessible to every rider, no matter where they were.

I quickly realized that every rider - and every horse - is unique. The challenges you face, the spaces you ride in, and the goals you set are all different. It wasn’t enough to create a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

That’s why I designed lessons that work seamlessly in both 40x20m and 60x20m arenas, so no matter where you ride, you have the tools to succeed. The result? A system that adapts to you and your horse.

But that was just the beginning.

Over time, I saw riders grow in confidence, skill, and connection with their horses. And I knew it was time to take the system to the next level.

Today, The Sound System of Training Membership is more than just a collection of lessons - it’s a complete system for riders who are done with the ordinary and ready for something truly transformative.


Why This Membership Stands Out

This isn’t about cookie-cutter training or generic advice.

It’s about empowering you with the tools, guidance, and support you need to:

Create a connection with your horse that feels effortless.

Move with purpose, confidence, and balance in every session.

Progress at your pace, with lessons designed to meet your goals.

.

IT Is Unlike Anything You’ve Tried Before

Most training programs leave you stuck:

  • Endless guesswork with no direction.

  • “One-size-fits-all” lessons that don’t work for you or your horse.

  • Frustration when progress feels out of reach.

The Sound System of Training Membership flips the script:

  • Clarity: Over 100 structured lessons, to guide you step-by-step.

  • Connection: Build trust and harmony with every exercise.

  • Flexibility: Train on your schedule, at your own pace.

What's inside the Library?

Level 1. Coming Back Into Work

**for ALL members

Rebuild Strength. Regain Confidence. Restart with Purpose.

Whether due to injury, life commitments, or an extended break, returning to work should be a fresh start—not a struggle. Level 1 is designed to ease both you and your horse back into training, restoring fitness, balance, and confidence while preventing strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Perfect for:

✔ Gradual, Thoughtful Reintroduction: Walk-only lessons to re-establish rhythm, control, and feel.

✔ Balance & Coordination Focus: Exercises like serpentines, transitions, and half-circles to refine accuracy and movement.

✔ Strengthening Through Precision: Work on correct circles, turns, and center lines to regain straightness and engagement.

✔ Progression Through Levels: Start with simple movements, then gradually incorporate trot and more dynamic exercises as fitness returns.

Level 2. Prep- Preliminary

**for ALL members

Refining the Basics. Laying the Foundation for Success.

At this stage, we focus on developing the fundamental skills that set the foundation for everything that follows. Whether you're preparing for early competition, refining your feel, or simply ensuring a solid groundwork for future training, this level gives you the tools to build confidence, balance, and connection with your horse.

Perfect for:

✔ Developing Control & Precision – Mastering circles, loops, and transitions to improve balance and suppleness.

✔ Improving Rider Awareness – Learn how to feel and influence your horse’s movement with correct seat, core activation, and positioning.

✔ Building Strength & Coordination – Exercises designed to help your horse move with rhythm, straightness, and fluidity.

✔ Preparing for Early Competition – Perfect for young horses, preliminary-level riders, or those refining their basics before moving up the levels.

Level 3. Preliminary - Novice

**for ALL members

Refining Balance, Strength, and Rider Awareness

At this stage, we move beyond foundational skills and focus on improving balance, strength, and posture. Level 3 introduces more intricate patterns and refined movement control, preparing both horse and rider for higher-level work.

Perfect for:

✔ Young and novice horses developing more balance.

✔ Riders refining their feel and improving their seat.

✔ Those preparing for novice-level competition.

✔ Riders looking for a structured plan to guide their training.

Lessons in this level incorporate walk, trot, and canter, but adjustments are always available for those not yet ready to include canter work.

Level 4. Novice - Elementary

**for ALL members

Refining Balance, Control & Introducing Lateral Work

At this stage, training moves toward greater precision, balance, and strength, preparing the horse for collection and lateral movements. With the introduction of leg yields and counter canter, this level builds the necessary skills for more advanced dressage work.

This level is ideal for:

✔ Horses beginning lateral work & collection

✔ Riders refining their aids & seat control

✔ Those moving toward elementary-level competition

✔ Horses improving straightness, rhythm & balance

Lessons in this section introduce more technical movements while ensuring a systematic and structured progression through walk, trot, and canter work.

Level 5. Elementary - Medium

**for ALL members

Mastering Lateral Work, Engagement & Collection

At this level, we move beyond foundational straightness and balance into true engagement and carrying power. The hind legs must now take more weight, and the horse must develop the strength, suppleness, and control required for advanced movements.

This level is ideal for:

✔ Horses progressing towards Medium-level competition.

✔ Riders refining lateral movements & collection.

✔ Those looking to improve engagement, self-carriage, and straightness.

✔ Horses learning to shift weight onto the hindquarters.

With a focus on walk, trot, and canter, these lessons develop rhythm, control, and fluidity in lateral and collected movements.

Level 6. Lets go trail riding.

**for ALL members

Bringing Awareness, Confidence & Balance to the Trail

Trail riding presents a completely different challenge from arena work. Here, you and your horse must adapt to the environment—wildlife, bicycles, motorbikes, dogs, cars, and unexpected obstacles. This level focuses on helping you ride with awareness, control, and confidence while developing your horse’s responsiveness outside of the arena.

This level is ideal for:

✔ Riders looking to enhance their skills outside the arena.

✔ Those wanting to build confidence in unpredictable environments.

✔ Riders who want to refine their seat, balance, and control on the trail.

✔ Anyone looking to turn every trail ride into an opportunity for progress.

Level 7. Meditations with horses

**for ALL members

Cultivating Presence, Connection & Inner Calm

How often do you arrive at the barn, saddle in hand, but feel mentally scattered, physically tense, or emotionally drained? Riding is more than just technique—it’s about being present, aware, and connected with your horse.

This level focuses on guided meditations to help you release tension, regulate your breath, and shift your awareness—whether in the saddle, on the ground, or simply spending time with your horse.

Perfect for:

✔ Riders who struggle with stress or mental distractions.

✔ Those looking to deepen their connection with their horse.

✔ Riders who want to enhance their awareness, seat, and feel.

✔ Anyone who wants to practice mindfulness with their horse.

Bonus: Focused Rider Position video Trainings and Resources

**for Gold and Platinum members

Refining Your Position, Control, and Connection

Many riders become hyper-focused on what they don’t like—flapping legs, unsteady hands, tight hips. Instead of feeling frustrated, let’s turn these challenges into breakthrough moments. This section offers targeted lessons to fine-tune your position, improve control, and create harmony with your horse.

This section is perfect for:

✔ Riders struggling with hand position, leg stability, or tension.

✔ Anyone who wants a softer, more refined seat and aids.

✔ Those working on improving canter transitions and maintenance.

✔ Riders looking to develop better straightness in themselves and their horse.

Bonus: Webinars, Guest Speakers & Exclusive Community with Q&A's

**for Gold and Platinum members

Gain access to webinars, expert interviews, and live Q&A sessions covering rider biomechanics, horse training, equine health, and mindset strategies.

✔ Webinars & Training Presentations – Covering straightness, rider position, breathing, canter mechanics, and more.

✔ Guest Speaker Series – Featuring equine dentists, saddle fitters, bodyworkers, trainers, and mindset experts.

✔ Facebook Lives & Zoom Replays – Ongoing Q&A sessions and recorded discussions for deeper learning.

📌 New content added regularly to keep you at the forefront of equestrian education! 🚀

Bonus: Members Discounts & Benefits

**for Gold and Platinum members

You gain access to exclusive savings and special perks designed to support your ongoing progress and deepen your training journey.

📌 Member-Only Discounts:

✅ 20% OFF all Online Training Courses – Continue your learning with advanced courses, deep-dive workshops, and specialized training at a discounted rate. Whether you’re working on in-hand training, biomechanics, or refining your aids, your membership makes further education more accessible.

✅ 10% OFF all Face-to-Face Clinics – Take advantage of in-person training with a discount on clinics. Learn directly, receive personalized feedback, and refine your skills in a supportive and structured environment.

Bonus: Personalized Training Plan

**for Gold and Platinum members

Tailored Lessons for You & Your Horse

✔ Custom Training Plan – Take the easy step by step quiz and receive a lesson perfectly matched to where you and your horse are right now.

✔ Progress at Your Own Pace – As you master each lesson, simply retake the quiz to unlock your next challenge.

✔ Adaptive & Evolving – Your training adapts as you and your horse grow, ensuring continuous improvement.

🎯 No guesswork—just the right lesson at the right time! 🚀

Bonus 1:1 Online Coaching

**for Platinum members

The ultimate way to receive dedicated support and fine-tune your riding.

Receive a monthly private online coaching session designed to give you personalized guidance, direct feedback, and a structure tailored to your riding goals.

🔹 1:1 coaching session with tailored feedback, corrections, and guidance specific to your horse and your riding.

🔹 Homework & Progress Tracking – Each session includes a custom training plan with exercises and homework, so you know exactly what to work on before your next lesson. This ensures consistent progress and structured development.

🔹 Deeper Learning & Accountability – Having regular 1:1 coaching keeps you on track, ensures you’re applying the lessons correctly, and gives you direct access to expert support for any questions or struggles.

What members are saying...

"Ann’s program has been a game-changer for me and my horse. The personalized lessons and supportive community have been invaluable!"

- Kajsa W

"The consistency and focus this program provides have transformed our training. My horse and I are making incredible progress!"

– Georgina K

"I love having Ann’s guidance through each lesson. It’s like having a personal coach with me every step of the way!"

– Amanda D

OMG, both Finn and I are just loving these audio lessons. Today we rode the 3rd lesson, after watching me set out the cones Finn was so keen to know what we were doing today he was so happy to march into to arena with ears attentive and focused.

I am amazed at how great my young boy is going, even though a very nice and quiet youngster anyway he has really become so relaxed and attentive and loving his work. I truly believe this is because I have Ann in my ears and I am so focused, really thinking about my riding and totally zoning out about everything else around

me and this is reflecting through into him......your calm voice has an amazing affect Ann 😊 It is very evident that Finn is loving it.

Now aside from all the great positives that we are experiencing I have definitely come to the realisation that I am just not feeling my left seat bone as clearly as I do my right (my stronger firmer side).

After completing the lesson I took Finn for a chilled 20 minute walk in the bush during which a played around with my seat trying to feel my left seat bone and I believe I have been too heavy in the stirrup as when I lighten in the stirrup I feel my left seat bone.......could it be as simple as that Ann?

- Renee W

I have loved everything in the A Sounds System of Training- Starting Steps Program. I don’t live close to Ann for lessons in person regularly so it was great to fill the gaps between our lessons with this very easy to follow, informative series of step by step lessons with your horse. I loved the fact that I had Ann ‘in my head’ while working my horse. I could pop my earphones on and hear her encouraging calm voice guiding me through a very mindful lesson. The way the lessons are set up really do give you direction and a wealth of knowledge with video footage as well as the theoretical. I have learnt so much! And the best bit is you really can do it at your own pace in alignment with where your horse is at.

I can see the difference in my horse’s body with the building of muscle and I can feel the difference in the way he holds himself under the saddle. I deeply appreciate the support of Ann through the Facebook group with any questions, discussion points you might have and value how Ann really listens to your horse with where they are at. I have already recommended this to others and will continue to do so as it is fantastic! Thank you, Ann.

– Karen J

Ann, I rode your audio lesson on two of my horses today and came away really pleased both times. In summary, it rode really well, I got a lot of useful info from it and whilst my horses' stride length brought me to the markers at different times on some occasions, it was actually a positive. If I was behind, it encouraged me to smarten up a sluggish walk. If I was in front, it made me work on slowing my seat (a real weak point of mine).

The inside seat bone slightly forward through the corners was just the reminder I needed, as were the reminders to check my breathing and if one seat bone was raised. Also really grateful for you talking through the transitions up and down - please keep doing so! Having the specific aids spelled out, then how the horse should feel/react when you apply them really helps. There was just the right amount of patterns to ride for it to feel therapeutic for my horses (one just coming back into work and the other only broken in a few months ago) and perfect for me as a 'ride well, not more' session. The audio quality was good and you've got a voice that is easy to listen to. I'm feeling inspired by riding again and feel like my horse is thanking me for improving.

– Liz B

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5/5 star reviews

So many times my clients say:

“I wish I had your voice in my head every ride”. Others have said, “I just don’t know what to do each day when I ride”.

Now you can have exactly that, my voice in your ear and a plan of what you will do in a training session.

Why This Membership Works:

  • Takes the confusion out of training with structured lessons & progress tracking

  • Provides expert support & coaching so you’re never stuck in your riding

  • Flexible & easy to use – train anywhere, anytime, at your own pace

The solution for riders looking for expert guidance, structured training, and ongoing support without the overwhelm of traditional coaching!

Today Just

from $30/month

PRICING

Choose Your Plan

Silver PLAN

$30/m

  • Full access to the Audio Lesson Library (100+ lessons)

  • New audio lessons added periodically

  • Lessons available in 40x20m and 60x20m arena formats

  • Categorized levels from prep to advanced for easy progression

No contracts - cancel anytime

Gold PLAN

$40/m

  • Everything in Silver, PLUS:

  • Personalized Training Plan – Take a quiz & receive a tailored plan based on your progress

  • Access to Coaching Tips, Videos & Reference Library

  • Live Q&A's with Ann Montgomery

  • Guest Expert Webinars & Recordings – Learn from leading equestrian professionals

  • Exclusive Discounts – 20% off online training courses & 10% off in-person clinics

  • Private Gold Members’ Facebook Group for deeper discussions and direct coaching

  • New Content Alerts – Direct links to new lessons & updates

No contracts - cancel anytime

Platinum PLAN

$147/m

  • Everything in Gold, PLUS:

  • Monthly 1:1 Online Coaching Session with Ann Montgomery

  • Custom Progress Plan & Homework tailored to your training needs

  • Priority Access to New Lessons & Features

  • Deeper Training Feedback & Direct Messaging for coaching questions

No contracts - cancel anytime

ABOUT me

Ann Montgomery

Over the years, my journey with horses has led me to explore countless training methods and work alongside incredible trainers. From each encounter, I’ve taken what truly aligns with my beliefs and refined my own approach—one that prioritizes the well-being and understanding of the horse.

Not all my mentors have been traditional horse trainers; my studies have taken me in many directions, deepening my understanding beyond conventional horsemanship.

I’ve had the privilege of working with Sharon May Davis, whose anatomical expertise allowed me to see beneath the surface—literally. She helped me understand what we truly sit on as riders and how our seat, hands, tack, equipment, and even poor posture or training can profoundly influence the horse’s body.

My work with Mary Wanless on rider biomechanics was life-changing. It opened the door to exploring NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), breathwork, and the limitless capacity of the brain to rewire and refine movement.

Now, under the guidance of Belinda Bolsenbroek, I continue to develop my ability to perceive the intricate details of biomechanics in both horse and rider—an ongoing journey of discovery and refinement.

Some lessons from my past trainers have remained with me, shaping my approach, while others I have left behind as my understanding deepened. But through it all, my greatest teachers have been my horses and students—without them, my journey would be incomplete.

I am grateful for every experience that has brought me to where I am today.

Ann Montgomery x

STILL NOT SURE?

We get it - investing in your riding journey is a big decision.

Choosing the right training program can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to make it easy for you.

If you’re still on the fence, here are a few things to consider:

🔹 Are you looking for a structured plan to follow?

You don’t have to guess what to work on next—just take the quick quiz, and I’ll recommend the perfect lesson for you and your horse based on your current progress.

🔹 Do you want to improve your riding but don’t have access to regular lessons?

With audio-guided lessons, it’s like having a coach in your ear, giving you step-by-step instructions as you ride. No more riding in circles wondering what to do next!

🔹 Do you struggle with straightness, balance, or tension in your horse?

The Mindful Rider method helps you develop feel, improve biomechanics, and work with your horse’s natural movement—no shortcuts, no force, just correct training that works.

🔹 Not sure if you’ll use the lessons enough?

You have access to an entire library of training, from groundwork to advanced movements, and new lessons are added regularly. Whether you ride every day or just a few times a week, there’s something here for you.

🔹 Worried about arena size?

Every lesson comes in both 40x20m and 60x20m formats and you can adapt to the area you have available to you, so you can train no matter the space available.

🔹 What if you have questions?

Gold and Platinum members get access to the private Facebook community, where you can ask questions, get feedback, and stay motivated.

🔹 Looking for more hands-on support?

Platinum members get a monthly 1:1 online coaching session with homework and a progress plan tailored to their needs.

Try It—Risk-Free!

The best way to know if this is for you is to try it out. You can cancel anytime if it’s not the right fit, but I have a feeling you and your horse will love the journey. If you don’t feel the program is right for you, just let us know within 7 days of signing up, and we’ll refund your membership—no questions asked!

STILL GOT QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the membership?

Your membership gives you full access to a growing library of audio-guided riding lessons, structured training levels, coaching tips, webinars, and guest speaker recordings. Depending on your membership tier, you may also receive personalized training plans, exclusive discounts, and one-on-one coaching sessions.

How do the audio download lessons work?

Each lesson is available as an audio file that you can stream or download to your device. The lessons guide you step-by-step through structured riding exercises, keeping you focused and present while riding.

Here's how it works:

  • Choose a lesson that suits your training needs.

  • Download the audio file to your phone or tablet for easy access.

  • Follow along while riding, just like having a coach in your ear.

  • Use the provided arena diagrams to setup and visualize your patterns.

What levels of training are available?

The program is designed with structured levels to suit every rider and horse, from rehabilitation and groundwork to advanced movements like shoulder-in, half-pass, and counter canter. You can progress at your own pace, moving through the levels as your confidence and skills develop.

Can I use the lessons for groundwork or in-hand work?

Yes! Many lessons focus on awareness, balance, and biomechanics, which can be practiced in-hand before transitioning to ridden work.

What if I don’t have a 60x20m arena?

Each lesson is available in both 40x20m and 60x20m formats, so you can choose the size that best fits your training space. If you dont have a arena you can simply ride in your paddock or a flat area and follow my instructions.

How do I know which lesson to start with?

New members can take a quick quiz to determine the best lesson for their horse and current level. As you progress, you can retake the quiz to get personalized recommendations for your next lesson.

How often are new lessons added?

New lessons are uploaded regularly, ensuring you always have fresh exercises to try and new challenges to take on.

Can I re-download past lessons?

Yes, as long as you remain an active member, you will have ongoing access to all the lessons within your membership tier.

What’s the difference between Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans?

Each tier offers different benefits:

Silver: Access to the full audio lesson library and training levels.

Gold: Includes everything in Silver, plus a personalized training plan, coaching videos, and discounts on online courses and clinics.

Platinum: Includes everything in Gold, plus monthly 1:1 coaching, personalized homework, and a progress plan to refine your training further.

What if I have questions about a lesson?

Gold and Platinum members can ask questions in The Mindful Rider Tribe Facebook Group, where Ann provides support and additional insights.

Do I need to be online to use the lessons?

No! Once you download a lesson, you can listen offline, making it perfect for use in areas with poor internet reception.

Can I cancel my membership at any time?

Yes, you can cancel at any time, and your access will continue until the end of your current billing cycle. Just email [email protected] for a no questions asked cancelation or subscription upgrade or downgrade.

Got more Questions?

Email us at [email protected]

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