Florida, a state renowned for its stunning sunsets and equestrian dynamism, has been the backdrop for Rachel Ory’s transformative equestrian career. Transitioning from her roots in reining, Rachel discovered a new passion and expertise in dressage, ultimately enriching her training philosophy and benefiting her horses. This journey, deeply intertwined with the vibrant equestrian community in Ocala, highlights the universal principles of horsemanship that transcend specific disciplines.
Rachel Ory has been involved in starting colts with reining trainer Tom Pierson since 2008. Their work initially took them between Traverse City, MI, and Scottsdale, AZ, during the winter months, where they trained a variety of horses. The pivotal moment came in 2015 when an opportunity arose to move to Florida. This move marked a significant shift for Rachel, prompting her to trade her Western saddle for a dressage saddle. “Coming to Florida opened up a whole new world of dressage,” Rachel shared. “I had done some western dressage on my own horse, but living in Ocala has allowed me to immerse myself in the art. I study and ride with top-class trainers and horsemen on a regular basis. After a few years, I was able to add dressage and western dressage to what I can offer as a trainer.”
Western dressage, while distinct, shares fundamental principles with pure dressage. According to Rachel, the primary difference lies in how the tests are designed to accommodate Western horses. “Generally, if you’re riding a Western-bred horse, they’re going to tend to have a little more set to them and really be able to squat on their haunches,” Rachel explained. “So, the western dressage tests are set up to showcase movements like the lope and pirouette a little earlier in the levels than what you would see in dressage.” Subtle variations also exist in the movements themselves. “What would be your walk pirouette turns into more of a pivot for the Western dressage. It’s still with forward intention, but they are allowed to kind of plant that inside hind and pivot like your traditional Western horse would do,” Rachel elaborated. “Western dressage can be a little more relaxed and laid back because you’re not having to hold that contact so much. We ride on light contact with a soft connection. It’s not a loose rein, but it’s a little softer connection between the hand and the horse.”
Upon settling in Florida, Rachel and Tom established their operations at Mardanza Farms in Marion County. This expansive 600-acre property serves as a hub for equestrians from diverse disciplines, fostering a collaborative environment. Mardanza Farms is home to prominent trainers such as Valerie Pride of Blue Clover Eventing and Gabby Dickerson Eventing, as well as Last Frontier Farm, operated by Sharon White, and visiting international clinician Bettina Hoy. This convergence of talent creates a rich learning atmosphere.
Rachel described the community at Mardanza Farms as close-knit and supportive. “We all support each other. Sometimes we ride together and once in a while we’ll all meet for dinner with the owners of the farm who are so encouraging to us all. For those of us who keep coming back year after year, we’ve become like family.” This mutual support extends across disciplines, with trainers often assisting each other. “Tom and I have helped Sharon with some of her young horses and she has ridden some of our reiners just for fun, just to get on and see what it feels like,” Rachel noted. “And it’s always fun to share ideas, since we all are open to new ways of looking at things,” she added, mentioning that Bettina Hoy also had the opportunity to ride one of their reining horses.
As Rachel delved into Western dressage and subsequently pure dressage, she sought guidance from Sharon White and Bettina Hoy to train her nine-year-old Quarter Horse mare, Veronica. Sharon introduced grid work exercises to enhance Veronica’s adjustability. “Working with Sharon White has been a big plus to add some variety into my program. I love learning new ways to use cavalettis and ground poles. I find it benefits my horses to present this test of their adjustability and balance in a way that creates visual interest for them,” Rachel stated.
Bettina Hoy focused on developing Veronica’s ability to seek contact and generate greater impulsion. Her training involved exercises such as riding small circles into shoulder-in in collected trot, followed by lengthening across the diagonal. Bettina encouraged a more active trot, emphasizing hindquarter engagement and creating more energy along the topline to the bit. “It took a lot of effort to get the mare seeking the contact and wanting to go forward into the contact,” Rachel recalled. “There would be moments where I could feel Veronica get locked up or tense through her back and Bettina was just really good at seeing the little details and talking me through how to unlock her without dropping the contact.”
The dedicated training with Sharon and Bettina yielded significant results. The pair successfully pursued and achieved their USDF Silver Medal, competing in the Prix St. George at the World Equestrian Center. Although Veronica may not possess the extravagant movements of some Warmbloods, her willingness and effort were undeniable. “Veronica doesn’t have the big movements like the Warmbloods do, but my goodness, she tries her heart out. She’s such an amazing horse. So willing,” Rachel expressed.
Rachel’s overarching insight from her dressage experiences and her collaborations with eventers is that exceptional horsemanship is not confined to a single discipline. “Good riding is good riding. We can learn something from everyone, especially if they are at the top of their game,” she asserted. “Sharon and Bettina most certainly are. I have a lot of respect for what they do, and I’m so grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to be able to work with them.”
Embracing her background as a colt starter, Rachel also champions the benefits of cross-training for developing well-rounded horses. “The more variety that you can add into your program, the more well-rounded your horse is going to be and the more broke they’re going to be,” she explained. “Everything complements each other.” This philosophy was evident in 2021 when Veronica and Rachel competed in a freestyle reining competition, incorporating dressage movements alongside traditional reining maneuvers like stops and spins. This unique ride, showcasing both disciplines on a single horse, earned them a score of 221 and reserve champion title.
“I’m just trying to find what’s healthy and best for the horses. Presenting them with a variety of exercises and not dwelling too much on any one thing seems best for them, even if they are specialized in one discipline,” Rachel concluded.
Looking ahead, Rachel and Veronica are set to compete in the Western Dressage Association World Championship Show. Rachel views this as a well-deserved return to Western dressage for Veronica after her demanding dressage campaign. “It was asking a lot of her to help me secure the USDF Silver Medal. For her to now come back and do Western dressage– that will feel a little bit like a break for her in some ways,” Rachel reflected. “She worked so hard, and I want to respect her body so that hopefully she’ll remain happy and healthy for years to come.”
The story of Rachel Ory and Veronica serves as a powerful reminder that regardless of the saddle or discipline, the shared goal among equestrians is a profound commitment to the well-being and success of their horses.
This article was sponsored by World Equestrian Brands. Rachel highlighted several favorite products: the breathable and compressive Equilibrium splint boots, the exceptional Vespucci bridles, and the versatile Mattes sheepskin pads, all of which she uses daily on Veronica.
