As part of our 2026 Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final post-coverage, this episode, sponsored by Tribute, features a press conference with the top three riders following the freestyle competition—Becky Moody, Christian Simonson and Sandra Sysojeva.

British dressage powerhouse Becky Moody and her homebred 11-year-old gelding Jagerbomb delivered a dynamite and near flawless freestyle 2026 Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Fort Worth. Set to a medley of The Beatles’ hits, the pair’s freestyle performance sent them to top the podium on a final score of 88.33%—a personal-best for both of them.

Dressage movements are beautiful with or without a soundtrack, but there is something magical in the freestyle when a horse and rider have the technical ability not only to ride to music but to dance with it—and Moody and Jagerbomb, more commonly known as “Bomb,” proved to be the ultimate dance partners.

From double pirouettes, one-tempis down the centerline and one and two-tempi serpentines to Beatles’ favorites like “All You Need is Love,” “Here Comes the Sun” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” their freestyle included plenty of technically difficult choreography, sending the explosive crowd into an eruption of applause and cheers.

To the home crowd’s delight, the U.S.’s 23-year-old rising superstar Christian Simonson and 13-year-old KWPN stallion Indian Rock brought the crowd to their feet with an explosive freestyle choreographed to the “Rocky” movies’ soundtrack to take silver in their World Cup™ Final debut—also on a personal best score of 83.81%.

Poland’s Sandra Sysojeva and her 10-year-old mare Maxima Bella rounded out the podium on a score of 80.77%, marking an impressive leap from their seventh-place finish at last year’s World Cup™ Final and underscoring just how quickly the young mare is maturing on the world stage.

In this special episode, you’ll get behind-the-scenes’ feel for the World Cup press room and hear directly from these talented riders, fresh off their 2026 podium finishes.

Take a listen!

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Our sponsor this month is Tribute Equine Nutrition.

You know that feeling when everything comes together—the rhythm, the balance, the connection. At Tribute Equine Nutrition, that same pursuit of excellence drives us to keep improving.

We’re upgrading our entire line with advanced formulations to better support your horse’s health, performance, and longevity.

To celebrate, we’re hiding golden tickets in select bags—each one worth 40 free bags of feed… about a year’s supply for one horse.

Ready to elevate your program? Visit TributeEquineNutrition.com for a free, personalized feeding plan. If you’re new to Tribute, your first bag is on us—and everything we make is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Be sure to mention Dressage Today sent you!

Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected])

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Guest: Becky Moody, Christian Simonson, and Sandra Sysojeva

Our Sponsors this month: KPP and their product Elevate® & Tribute Equine Nutrition

This month, Aviva and Stephany interview Noel Williams of Noel Williams Dressage, based in Maryland. They catch up with what has been going on with each other – Mary Wanless, Maui and an exciting trip coming up (or going down centerline!) for Stephany, and a bittersweet sharing for Aviva. In the Ask the L, they discuss what is needed to have a successful move from Training to First Levels – thanks to Deana for the question!

The daughter of George and Roberta Williams, Noel Williams grew up around classical and high performance dressage. Noel has been riding and competing all of her life with an Olympic Dream at heart. Noel is a USEF “R” Dressage Judge, and is currently in the USEF “r” DSHB Judge’s Program. She has trained and competed numerous horses from young horses to FEI Grand Prix.

Noel is a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist. A member of the 2007 NAJYRC Silver Medal team (Region 2), and the 2005 USEF Junior Dressage Team Championships Gold Medal, Noel was also the 2005 USEF Junior Dressage National Champion on the Hanoverian stallion Pik L.

Noel aspires to continue her career on the international stage and to represent Team USA in competition. Noel's greatest passion is starting and developing young horses, especially stallions, to campaign them through the CDI levels.

In the interview, Aviva and Stephany get the benefit of Noel’s super humor, her history of riding and her boundless enthusiasm for our sport. It was great getting to know her and her belief system, and we wish her all the best!

Take a listen!

If you like what we are doing, remember to hit the LIKE button, share with your friends and make sure to subscribe!

Our Sponsors this month is KPP Elevate and Tribute Equine Nutrition!

• Does your performance horse have sore, stiff muscles? Does he lack energy or tire quickly during exercise? Does his competition schedule require travel? Studies show that horses in regular training and those with limited access to pasture often require additional vitamin E. They also show that horses being trailered even short distances can face immunity challenges. Elevate® natural vitamin E can help. A research-proven, powerful antioxidant, Elevate maintains healthy muscle, nerve, and immune functions. It does this by delivering a highly bioavailable source of natural vitamin E that is preferentially absorbed and retained in a horse’s tissues. For more information, visit KPPusa.com or call 859-873-2974.

• Let’s be honest—no two dressage horses are the same. So it's no surprise their nutrition needs will differ. Tribute Equine Nutrition’s equine nutrition specialists can help you create personalized feeding plans based on your horse and your goals—from building topline and strength to supporting soundness and longevity. Their feeds are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, made in their own ionophore-free facilities, and are fixed formulas you can trust—so your horse gets consistent nutrition, every ride, every test. And if you’re new to Tribute, your first bag is free, so you can try it with confidence! Take the stress out of feeding your dressage partner. Visit tributeequinenutrition.com to get started and let them know Dressage Today sent you.

Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected])

Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Guest: Noel Williams of Noel Williams Dressage

Our Sponsors this month: KPP and their product Elevate® & Tribute Equine Nutrition

In this month’s episode, Stephany and Aviva interview their first Hometown Hero, Anne Mouen Stahl. With more than forty years of experience teaching both amateur and professional riders, Anne has come to appreciate the profound importance of establishing a strong, reliable foundation in every rider’s training. She has been fortunate to train horses and riders through every level of dressage, from Training Level to Grand Prix. This breadth of experience has given her a deep understanding of how to guide riders in the correct execution of dressage exercises as they advance—from the early education of the young horse to the refined work required of the elite dressage athlete.

Anne has a wide background of Dressage education, from riding at Morven Park International Equestrian Center after college to working with various trainers at Tempel Lippizans to her favorite mentor Juan Matute, and has a deep love of bringing horses of all types along, whether they were the typical or atypical horse for Dressage. She uses a progressive, gymnastic approach to developing the dressage horse allows riders to gain a clear and lasting understanding of the fundamental principles of training under her careful systematic training.

We enjoyed getting to know Anne, and we thank Nancy Gilby for submitting her as her hero!

Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected])

Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Guest: Anne Mouen Stahl, Rosehill Dressage

Link: Video Subscription Site

Link: Kentucky Performance Products

Our Sponsor this month: KPP and their product Elevate®

Mentioned in this episode:

Tribute Equine Nutrition

https://www.tributeequinenutrition.com/

This month, we are bringing back an older interview from Stephanie Ruff and Aviva, where they interviewed Chelsey Canedy. The reason we are revisiting this interview is that Chelsey has a new book out, and we are looking forward to getting her BACK on the podcast to talk to us about her latest book. We thought it would be great for people to hear her original story so they could be up to date when we interview her later this year. Whether you heard it on the original interview or this is your first time hearing about Chelsey, we hope you enjoy this podcast! As always, if you enjoy the content we put out, please subscribe, hit the like button and share with your friends!

We have received a few more L questions, but please keep them coming! You can submit L questions to Stephany or Aviva at any of their social media handles listed below!

Dressage Today S7 E1 Show Notes:

Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected]) | Plus, look them both up on Facebook!

Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Guest: Chelsey Canedy

Link: TDF Auction

Link: Video Subscription Site

Today's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

Mentioned in this episode:

Tribute Equine Nutrition

https://www.tributeequinenutrition.com/

This month is a little different for a couple of reasons – first, we do not have Ask the L question for the first time in a long time! Please, loyal listeners, send us your burning questions about showing, your tests, a specific movement or anything else that Aviva can answer in that segment!

We introduce our new segment, Hometown Heroes – we are interested in hearing form our listeners about people in their world that have been a positive influence In their dressage journey. Even if they are not typical dressage people, send us your favorite hometown hero. We will select some of our favorites across 2026 and interview them!

Aviva tells us all about her 5 day whirlwind tour of Israel, from the riders and horses to the amazing landscapes and the food – oh my goodness, the food! You can practically taste it through the recording!

Stephany recaps her time at USDF Convention, including some potential rule changes that might affect you (we will know more after January!). We talk about the purpose and importance of Convention, reasons to go, and why it may be changing in the future.

All in all, it is great to catch up with the ladies, and we encourage you to have a listen!

As always, LIKE, share and subscribe to our podcast! We love hearing from our listeners, so here is how to get in touch...

Dressage Today S6 E13 Show Notes:

Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected]) | Plus, look them both up on Facebook!

Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Link: TDF Auction

Link: Video Subscription Site

Today's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

It’s November, the month to be thankful. Aviva and Stephany open the podcast with the things that they are thankful for in their worlds.

In the Ask the L segment, Aviva talks about the 2x coefficient on the tests, where it shows up, why it shows up and what it should tell you!

In this month’s episode, Aviva and Stephany speak with Jenny and Sara from The Dressage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization, whose mission is to cultivate and provide financial support for the advancement of dressage in the United States. Jenny and Sara tell us how they each started with TDF, and the background of TDF as an organization. We learn about all sorts of fascinating programs available to riders of all ages and levels, and how passionate TDF is about helping the sport of Dressage continue to bloom and flourish. Jenny and Sara tell us how to go about looking at the various grants, applying for them and how the grants have made many people’s horse dreams come true! We also get information on how to give back to TDF, with the various ways to donate. It was a terrific interview with Jenny and Sara, and their enthusiasm for helping Dressage riders of all levels was contagious! Take a listen, you might find yourself applying for a grant!

As a side note – we did not get to share the big news about TDF’s upcoming online Auction, which starts November 23rd and runs through December 7th. There are over 170 items for auction, from custom riding boots, clothing, lessons with various people, clinics, horse goods, books and more! To give you an extra little boost to check it out, both Aviva and Stephany donated services to support TDF – go check it out and put a bid on something today!

To check out the TDF Auction: http://www.32auctions.com/TDFAuction2025

Dressage Today S6 E12 Show Notes:

Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected])

Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Link: TDF Auction

Link: Video Subscription Site

Today's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

In this month’s episode, Aviva and Stephany catch up with each other, talking about their latest wins, losses and learns.  Stephany shares her experience at Regional Championships and Aviva shares some very exciting news about going to Israel!  In addition to these big moments, Stephany talks about her 2 latest articles that came out, one on DressageToday.com and one in print In Practical Horseman.  As the year is speeding by, they both thought it would be a good thing to simply stop and appreciate the time together, sharing with our listeners!  

We didn’t forget your Ask the L Question, though! Stephany asked Aviva her thoughts on how to best use the time around the outside of the arena, both before and after the bell has rung. Aviva gave us great tips on what is ok, what should be avoided, and what to do if the horse has a “moment” as you are about to enter the arena!  

All in all, it is a great smaller episode, and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording it!

Dressage Today S6 E11 Show Notes:

Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected])

Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Link: Video Subscription Site

Today's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

In this episode, Aviva and Stephany catch up about what they have been doing, including some interesting conversation about Stephany’s Fourth Level Freestyle with Dante. Aviva tackles a difficult Ask the L question from Cass about horses being behind the bridle in the show arena, and gives us some different things to think about in relation to that! In our interview, both of the ladies got to chat with Kathy, and it was more of the magic that makes her Kathy Connelly! We get a little more insight into some of the many hats Kathy wears around the Dressage world. Kathy also gives her take on what makes great students and horsemen, and helps us to remember why we started doing this in the first place! It is another magical time with Kathy, and we can’t wait for you to take a listen!

As always, we are grateful to our sponsors. Remember, if you like what you hear, hit the Like button AND the Subscribe button, so you don’t miss an episode!

Dressage Today S6 E10 Show Notes:

Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected])

Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Guest: Kathy Connelly | Email Kathy ([email protected])

Link: Video Subscription Site

Today's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

Intro and Ask the L – Aviva and Stephany catch up and talk about the heat and how they are each dealing with it. In the Ask the L segment, Aviva answers a question from Sarah about what to do if your horse does a flying change in a 2nd level test instead of the proscribed movement.

Interview with Dr. Wendy Rice – Aviva and Stephany get to know Dr. Wendy, how she got to be a psychologist and how she decided to blend her career with her love of horses and riding. They cover a wide variety of reasons why and how imposter syndrome can come into someone’s life, where it originated from and who it can affect. Dr. Wendy gives some great tips for how to help yourself with this sometimes crippling thought process, and how to be your own best friend when it comes to success, both in and out the barn and the arena!

Dressage Today S6 E9 Show Notes:

Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected]) of SerendipityDressage

Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Video Subscription Site | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Guest: Dr. Wendy Rice

Today's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

In this month’s episode, Aviva reflects on the weight of social media on our riding, how easy it is to criticize in the name of “critiquing” and how we can never know the full story just from a picture of a video. She and Stephany share their thoughts on how we can all be kinder, and as riders we can always work to be better, but that most people are out their doing their best every ride. Stephany shares her latest win with Dante and getting qualified for Regionals.

In the Ask the L segment, Aviva talks about posting versus sitting in Training and First Levels. She discusses the various reasons behind what judges are looking for and how you can best help your horse with either choice.

We have a word from our sponsor, EquestrianPlus, and then Stephany meets back up with Beth for round two of the bit discussion.

This month, we dive deeper into some of the things Beth talked about last month, including metals, bit sizes and weight. They go on with the discussion to talk about double bridles - what the purpose is, when to try it, and how different curb bits work in the mouth. It was another fascinating dive into the world of bit fitting, and we are so happy that Beth could join us for a second chat!

Again, If you have questions for Beth, please forward them to her directly, or send them to us so we can share them with everyone on a future episode! As always, if you like what we are doing, please like and share our podcast!

Dressage Today S6 E8 Show Notes:

Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected]) of SerendipityDressage

Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Video Subscription Site | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Guest: Beth Haist of TheHorseofCourse.com, Email Beth ([email protected])

Today's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+

Aviva and Stephany catch up about Stephany’s recent horse show experience and how Dante is now an official 4th level horse! They also talk about one of Stephany’s cows coming home, and the new babies…

In the Ask the L segment, Aviva talks about switching the whip during a class, the do’s and don’ts of that. We also talk about when you are allowed to carry a whip in a class and when you cannot!

We speak with Beth and learn about how she got involved with horses, how she ended up in the tack selling business and how she got so smart about bits! Beth gives us valuable information on the different “levels” of bits – what to use when starting horses, why and when you could switch bits, and what the different rings affect in the horse. We talk about the different metals and why you would use one over another. Beth gives us great information about why the Baucher is not the bit it used to be and why the French Link is no longer a legal bit to show in. She talks about fitting bits, the ins and outs of horses’ mouths and why different bits “help”. It was a fascinating conversation, and one that we will be continuing later this summer!

If you have questions for Beth, please forward them to her directly, or send them to us so we can share them with everyone on a future episode! As always, if you like what we are doing, please like and share our podcast!

Dressage Today S6 E7 Show Notes:

Connect with the Hosts: Email Aviva Nebesky ([email protected]) | Email Stephany Fish Crossman ([email protected]) of SerendipityDressage

Connect with the Show: Website (DressageToday.com) | Video Subscription Site | Socials (@DressageToday) Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Guest: Beth Haist of TheHorseofCourse.com, Email Beth ([email protected])

Today's Episode Brought to You By: Equestrian+