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
Click/Tap On The Play Icon To Watch A Short
Informational Video Presentation
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NOW AVAILABLE - Harmonic
Dressage - Part 2 - Techniques of Harmonic Dressage and The Training Pyramid
"Finally, Dr. Hoff provides us with a clear and concise guide to the German Training Pyramid in her book. This book offers definitions, examples and exercises which provide guidelines for flatwork. Useful discusions about movements and their purpose together with common faults and their remedies, make this book and excellent inspiration for future training sessions."
Wendy Wergeles, USEF "R" Eventing Judge and "S" Technical Delegate, Zone 10.
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.
Click Here To View An Informational
Video About Optimizing Your Seat
and The Use of the Aids
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 and Part 2 Kindle and Paperback books are for sale on Amazon.com. Parts 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.
Author
Author of several articles published in Dressage Today as well as her new Harmonic Dressage® books. Shown above mounted on a young SWB homebred mare, L.A. Baltic Finale
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Horse Show Coaching
As a long-time trainer, coach and dressage judge, Gail understands what it takes to win in competition and has coached many students to earn USDF Gold, Silver, Bronze and Dressage Seat medals.
Photo Courtesy of Christian Simonson
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
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what clients say
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