Welcome To Los Alamos Dressage Center

Dr. Gail Hoff

Dressage Coach, author, Clinician

  • USEF Licensed: S Dressage Judge R Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Judge R Western Dressage Judge

  • USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist - All Medals earned on self-trained horses

  • Author of Harmonic Dressage® books PhD Biologist
1-805-212-6999   Balticsun@aol.Com
Click/Tap Here To Go To Our New Learning Center
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TWO BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE Harmonic Dressage -Part 1 - Optimizing Your Seat and Use of the Aids Harmonic Dressage - Part 2 - Techniques of Harmonic Dressage and The Training Pyramid "Dr. Hoff has used her lifetime knowledge and experience to create practical manuals to serve as a guide for all riders and horses, regardless of disciplne, be it Olympic Dressage, Jumping, 3 Day Eventing, or Western." Lynn McEnespy "R" Dressage judge and "R" Dressage Sport Horse Breeding judge, USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist
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Harmonic Dressage Part 1 Back Cover Quotes
Harmonic Dressage Part 2 Back Cover Quotes
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Clinics, Private Lessons, coaching At Horse Shows, And seminars

Scheduling a clinic series or purchasing private lesson packages are effective ways to learn a clear method of training horses based on the Training Pyramid. Fix-A-Test Clinics are available which help riders learn how to address their weaker points and how to better warm up their horse to show. Interactive Harmonic Dressage Seminars provide a great format for unmounted riders and can be USDF University Accredited, if so desired.
* Photo on top or left: courtesy of Christian Simonson - winning his DSE class at his first USDF Regional Finals on his first horse, Zambo. Photo below or on right: courtesy of Karin Worm and Lisa Basselini of Jersey Palms Farm.

Dressage is a Journey to where horse and rider seem to become of just one mind

Dressage is a science, sport and art all rolled into one. It is a rational way of training horses to develop and improve them both physically and mentally. It is now my priviledge and pleasure to share my lifetime of learning and experience with you so that you, too, can acheive these goals.

Hi, i'm Gail

Horses and Dressage have been a life-long passion for me. Applying that passion to a scientific base has become a life-time journey I am so grateful to be able to share with you. As a research scientist listed in Who's Who and other biographical books together with a solid background with horses, I have been able to understand principles of dressage through the combined eyes of a PhD biologist, horse breeder, trainer, competitor, clinician, coach and dressage judge. All of these experiences have given me a unique perspective and ability to rapidly see, understand and correct training issues that may arise.
I work with all levels of riders and horses, from beginners to Grand Prix. My focus is upon achieving good communication between horse and rider in order to create balance, harmony, and a seemingly effortless partnership between horse and rider. This has allowed me to train several horses to Grand Prix and to develop several riders to earn their USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. Together with my late husband, Maj, Hector Carmona, we founded Los Alamos Dressage Center, the first school of dressage in the USA. After his death, I later relocated Los Alamos Dressage from NJ to Ojai, CA and now I operate out of Cañada Larga Stables in Ventura, CA. I am honored to be recorded in Who's Who, Who's Who of American Women, American Men and Women of Science, Who's Who of Technology Today, American Biographical Institute, International Biographical Center and the National Registry of Who's Who for several medical diagnostic products I invented. I also received two Proclamation citations from the New Jersey State Assembly and former Governor Whitman for civic work done to benefit both the community and equine research at the University of PA School of Veterinary Medicine.

what clients say

  • Your fundamentals have helped me so much and every day I am reminded how fortunate I am to have learned everything you taught me!
    Christian Simonson
    2023 USA Intermediaire 1 National Champion and member of Gold Medal team at Pan Am Games

what clients say

  • Gail has been a great inspiration and mentor to me, both on a personal level and as a rider. Gail is a very well rounded trainer and teacher, combining her skills and experience as a breeder, judge and rider. But it’s her scientific approach to dressage that sets her apart, in my opinion, and that has been extremely helpful and educational for me and my horses all the way to Grand Prix. Thanks Gail
    Katarina Antens-Miller
    USDF Gold Medalist , Sunrise Stud, Colts Neck, NJ

what clients say

  • Because dressage as you see it, makes sense bio-mechanically, your analysis and observations will benefit horses and riders for years to come. Working with you made a profound improvement in my teaching and riding.
    Kamila Dupont
    International FEI level competitor and coach, Moorpark, CA
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant

what clients say

  • Following a traumatic injury that left me unable to ride, train, or teach, Gail graciously agreed to fly in and help my students. I've known Gail for a number of years in various capacities; as a judge, trainer, and instructor. Knowing Gail has not only trained several horses to Grand Prix, but has also made several Grand Prix riders, I had the utmost confidence that my students would be getting the best instruction. I knew Gail would provide the progressive methodology necessary for my students to achieve their riding goals and continue to move up the levels. On a more personal note is what Gail has helped me achieve. Following my accident, I was left with extensive nerve damage and loss of feeling and movement to my right side. Gail has been invaluable to my learning how to ride again with limitations and my new normal. It has been a significant challenge. We've had to recreate new neural pathways and new ways to "feel." Gail continues to be my biggest supporter and cheerleader, believing in me when I didn't. I am blessed to call her friend.
    Stephanie Soule
    USEF R Western Dressage Judge, Rancho Del Soule, Grand Junction, CO
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant

what clients say

  • Gail Hoff has been an integral part of my program here at the farm for well over a decade. It has been a privilege to have her educate members of our Dressage community and help us all along our developmental path.' I feel I never completely understood how to properly develop a horse's athletic potential before meeting Gail and exposing myself to years of her instruction and guidance. Many years later I still use all that she taught me as my Encyclopedia and compass as I try to help horses and riders on their journey towards excellence.
    Ann James
    FEI Level Competitor, Horse Trainer and Owner of Spring Valley Farm, Morgan Hill, CA

what clients say

  • Gail is a top trainer. Her training feedback is detailed, thorough and insightful. She consistently weaves the training pyramid in her explanations and exercises. This has given me the "big picture" perspective on how to approach a training session. She is relentless about riding "back to front" and my horse's improved performance shows me that Gail's coaching brings out the best in both of us. Finally, Gail empowers the rider to troubleshoot; for me, it has been a game changer in learning to trust my own sensations while riding.
    Sarah Borrey
    USDF Gold Medalist, Tyron, NC
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant

what clients say

  • I have been a student of dressage and have known Gail for over 30 years. Gail is a rare gem of a trainer who not only teaches you to ride effectively but also teaches how to train your horse with a clear method based upon the training scale. Gail has taught me how to truly listen to what my horse is trying to tell me and has given me a clear set of tools and exercises to respond so that I can improve our performance together. A distillation of Gail’s teaching for me is to always listen to my butt and for that, I am sure my horse is eternally grateful.
    Lorraine Kainuma
    Dressage Competitor, Gilroy, CA
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant

what clients say

  • Gail's approach is very classical and she is amazingly laser-focused when teaching, picking up on the most minute detail that may be blocking the horse. It is almost like she is riding the horse with you. She sees it as you are feeling it and gives you immediate feedback for correction or praise when a job is well done. “Ask your horse what they need” is one of her favorite lines. Once you’ve asked that question of your horse, she helps you decipher the answer in a very clear and and consistent way. It has been fun watching the progress of all the horses taking regular clinics with her over the past several months, including my own.
    Judi DeVore
    USDF Regional Reserve Champion First Level, Grand Junction, CO
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant

what clients say

  • My background is race horses. I have done them most of my life. More recently started learning about dressage from Gail. It has really been a fun experience along the way with her guidance. She is a great teacher because she explains the mechanics of the horses and helps you with your aids. She is very specific and clear in her methodology and it has been very enjoyable riding with her.
    Efrain Guzman
    Horse Trainer, Woodmyst Farm, Gilroy, CA
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant

what clients say

  • Gail comes with an impressive and extensive skill set that encompasses a history as a successful Competitor, Clinician, Breeder of dressage horses and Dressage Judge. My rescue (Grade horse) Pepe and I continue to advance under Gail’s guidance. She is very correct and methodical in her approach paying careful attention to the training scale. With subtle adjustments we've had several 'break-through' moments. Recently she helped me improve our canter work for better scores, I am absolutely thrilled about this achievement! Oh and I just love the funny horse stories she shares along the way.
    Krista Nobilo
    Equine Massage Therapist & Dressage Competitor, Grand Junction, CO
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant

what clients say

  • Because Gail is an accomplished rider, trainer, breeder, sport horse and dressage judge, she certainly has a lot of buckets from which to draw when teaching. Gail truly trains with the pyramid of training scale in mind all of the time. I have had several light bulb moments. Gail has taught me that I must truly listen to my horse to create a dialog with it and not to just use monolog to tell my horse what I want.
    Adria Spano
    Fouth Level Dressage Competitor, Gilroy, CA
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant

what clients say

  • I started riding with Gail when I really was not into dressage. My first lesson was on a Quarter horse that I did working cow horse on. However, the biomechanics of horses are the same regardless of breeds or disciplines and we figured out how to improve and straighten this horse. After that, I got more interested in dressage and brought a Holsteiner I own up to fourth level with Gail’s help along the way. Gail has tremendous knowledge and is a great teacher. She has also come to my place in Mexico to judge and do clinics and we just love her. I hope to be riding a lot with her in the future.
    Donna Russo
    Multi Discipline Competitor, Woodmyst Farm, Gilroy, CA
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant

what clients say

  • Gail helped me open up an entirely new line of communication with my horse. The thoroughness, suppleness and relaxation in my horse that I was able to achieve through her guidance, helped me see a glimpse of what our future holds! She taught me to see “beyond the tree”, which is not only a lesson in training horses, but a lesson in life itself.
    Tami Thompson
    Firefly Farms, Gilroy, CA
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant

what clients say

  • She is a master and gives really, clear instruction that shows results immediately. It is a privilege to work with her.
    Lynn Vrany
    Manual Therapist, Grand Junction, CO
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant
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    Cedric W.
    Accountant