Welcome To The New
Los Alamos Dressage Center Website!
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
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NOW AVAILABLE!
Non-verbal communication between horse and rider is the most basic foundation of dressage. This book (Part 1 of a series of 3 books) describes in detail when and how a riders can use their body as well as auxiliary aids (whip and spur) to create two -way communication channels with a horse as they ride and train it. When horse and rider appear to be of just one mind or accord, both will be able to perform to their best abilities. That is the goal of dressage.
Clinics and Private Lessons
Clinics, Interactive Seminars and Private Lessons Available Based Upon Harmonic Dressage®
Learn Clear Methodology for Riding and Training
Scheduling a clinic series or purchasing private lessons with Gail is one of the most effective ways to learn a clear method for addressing both rider and training issues so that you can progress up the levels in keeping with the requirements of the training scale.
Fix-a-Test Clinics are especially useful for those riders wishing to learn how to optimize their show arena skills. Combining a fix-a-test clinic with a traditional clinic over 2 days gives riders the opportunity to also learn how to use their warm-up time effectively so that they are able to focus upon riding a more accurate test with better quality movements.
Two-day seminars are interactive and combine lecture with demonstrations and practical exercises that can be performed on the ground. Participants need not bring horses but a volunteer with a horse may be used for demonstration purposes on the first day. On the second day, participants will bring horses and will learn exercises they can to with their horses on the ground as well as under saddle.
Photo Courtesy of Jersey Palms Farm
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Harmonic Dressage Books
This series of 3 manuals is based upon the German Training Scale/Pyramid. Harmonic Dressage® provides a clear systematic methodology for training both riders and horses.
Part 1 - Optimizing Your Seat and Use of the Aids - details how to non verbally open two-way communication channels with your horse. This lays the foundation for creating a good dialog with your horse so that a clear system can be used to train it harmoneously up the levels.
Purchase Part 1, Optimizing Your Seat and Use of the Aids , below.
Part 2 - Techniques of Harmonic Dressage - provides an understanding of the whats, whys and hows of each of the notes on the training scale and how to use them in order to learn to effectively train your horse in a rational manner.
Part 3 - Methodology of Harmonic Dressage - provides a clear , systematic methodology for dressage training based upon truly understanding and learning basic fundements and how to use them to advance your horse's training.
Part 1 Kindle and Paperback books are for sale on Amazon.com. Parts 2 and 3 will follow soon.
Please note - when you purchase a book(s) your purchase will go into your shopping cart at the top right of the screen. You then need to click on the cart to pay for it.
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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.
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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
- 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 GailKatarina Antens- MillerUSDF Gold Medalist , Sunrise Stud, Colts Neck, NJ
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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 SimonsonTop Ranking FEI Young Rider, Wellington, FL
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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 SouleUSEF R Western Dressage Judge, Rancho Del Soule, Grand Junction, CO
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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 JamesFEI 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 BorreyUSDF Silver Medalist, Morgan Hill, CA
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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 KainumaDressage Competitor, Gilroy, CA
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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 DeVoreUSDF Regional Reserve Champion First Level, Grand Junction, CO
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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 GuzmanHorse Trainer, Woodmyst Farm, Gilroy, CA
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, consectetur dolor quis nostrud exercition ullamco com dolor consequat.Cedric W.Accountant
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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 NobiloEquine Massage Therapist & Dressage Competitor, Grand Junction, CO
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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 SpanoFouth Level Dressage Competitor, Gilroy, CA
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, consectetur dolor quis nostrud exercition ullamco com dolor consequat.Cedric W.Accountant
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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 RussoMulti Discipline Competitor, Woodmyst Farm, Gilroy, CA
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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 ThompsonFirefly Farms, Gilroy, CA
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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 VranyManual Therapest, Grand Junction, CO
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