I have been riding classical dressage for many years but never seemed to be able to progress past Training Level. It seemed like a never ending struggle to get my mare forward, off my leg and achieve the connection needed to progress. When I met Danica, it was like a breath of fresh air! She immediately identified areas that needed to be addressed in our first lesson and provided me with clear, concise instructions on how to perform the various tasks and movements. She is able to clearly explain and demonstrate concepts from the ground as well as from the saddle. Because of this we have moved forward in our training more quickly than I could have imagined! Isabella and I are both enjoying our work once again and becoming the team that I always knew we could be.
Danica is an incredibly talented instructor and communicator. Her years of experience with Debbie McDonald, in Europe and at the FEI levels have given her the tools to be a premier instructor, trainer and rider. She combines positive feedback with humor and makes each lesson a fun, positive experience for me. I have learned more in the past 3 months from Danica than I have in the last 3 years! I highly recommend Danica as an instructor/trainer for all levels of dressage training. If you want to learn from the best, look no farther!
Danica Yates: Testimonials
Working with Danica has benefited my horse and my own riding tremendously. Her systematic approach and knowledge base have clarified many points for me. Before I started riding with Danica, I felt like I had hit a plateau with my riding, but now just after four months, I can see huge, positive changes in my horse’s throughness and gaits and I am excited to be moving up the training tree again. She has also helped refine my position in order to make me a more effective rider and partner with my horse. I highly recommend her as an instructor and trainer.
Danica is an amazing teacher who is able to convey riding concepts in a way that is easily understood. With patience for the rider and kindness for the horse, Danica greatly increased my knowledge of collection, suppleness, and lateral work. Another local trainer who I also worked with at the time, commented on the excellent and rapid improvements she saw in my horse’s balance and gaits due to the work I have begun with Danica.
Danica’s knowledge and background are exceptional, and I would highly recommend her as a trainer or instructor for anyone wishing to advance their riding or improve their horse.
My wife, Gabriele, and I have been riding for many years and have had many horses. We have also had many instructors in various horse related disciplines.
Danica is very patient and always tries to explain things so that I can "get it." Where as many instructors think that if they only have to say it and it is your responsibility to understand, she takes the time and effort to explain it so that you can succeed. After all these years, I think I am finally starting to understand what inside leg to outside rein really means and I am finally starting to get light with my reins. We really need to use all of our aids independently and it has been an epiphany to have Danica helping me .
My wife says that I have made really good progress and that I don't just race around like a Bozo anymore. She said many of our friends can't believe how much I have improved.
When I came to Danica I was at a major rode block in my riding, I wasn't progressing or digressing. In a few short lessons Danica was able to give me the keys to unlock the doors that had been holding me back. I have not progressed so fast in a few lessons in a such a long time and I have a renewed desire to keep pushing forward. I have been thoroughly impressed with Danica’s teaching because she is so positive and encouraging. She leaves you with the tools to be successful, enabling you to keep progressing even outside of your lessons.
I have known and worked with Danica for over 10 years and she is one of the most talented, approachable, articulate trainers I have ever met. As an accomplished Dressage rider, Danica’s years of training with Debbie McDonald have made her a brilliant competitor and a gifted trainer. Her approach to teaching is bold but sensitive and her kind heart and sense of humor makes lessons enjoyable and educational. I would recommend her services to riders of all ages. With her extensive background in horses and riding, she can successfully teach riders at all levels across various disciplines.
Danica Yates has a wonderful gift of teaching and training. Classically trained, but open to new, modern, ideas. She has enhanced my riding in 110%! Gentle to horse and human, she is a joy to work with, always giving praise and encouraging words. Danica has put my riding at a new level for me. If you are looking for a trainer with radiant personality, and a wonderful rider look no further!
Danica’s positive reinforcement, teaching ability and clear communication to both horse and rider create a productive and happy learning experience: one that we look forward to each and every time.
My daughter has never seen the necessity of Dressage in her riding. It was always "Something that Mom does". Before Sarah and RJ started training with Danica, they were doing "okay" in their jumping and flatwork. But it wasn't progressing very steadily. What she has learned with Danica is that Dressage helps with all aspects of her riding. She no longer settles for a hollowed out ride. She expects her horse to round up and give her that softness she knows he has in him. All of this is allowing her and her horse to become a better team with their increased communication and trust. Their jumping (and flatwork) have improved a lot!
Danica has a great, patient training technique. She had helped RJ and I to gain back and build on our ability to function as a team. She is helping us to become all that we can be.