About Laura Odum Dressage
Hello! I’m Laura, a lifelong equestrian with a well-rounded background in jumping and dressage, paired with a Bachelor’s of Science in Equine Business Management and years of barn management and veterinary experience.
My interest in horse training started decades ago. Growing up in Virginia, I started in the hunters. When I moved to Georgia, I expanded my skills into the jumpers, and eventually started to event and learn more about dressage.
At the beginning of my collegiate career, I was keen on learning dressage and combined training. While at Averett University, I competed on the IDA team, spending 2011 as the team Co-Captain. Riding on a team provided opportunities for me to learn and compete on many horses. I also brought home many wins and a National Championship in 2009.
After college, I became Barn Manager of a private facility. All aspects of horse care were under my direction. From daily grooming and training to veterinary and farrier care, I managed and organized it all. My next career step was small animal veterinary medicine, branching out to learn more about animals and medicine.
Many trainers have influenced my riding style and education. I currently train with upper level eventer and trainer, Lara Heart. I also owe much of my riding knowledge and training to previous instructors including: Kelly Tompkins-Rinehart, Jessica Roberson Wright, Harriet McCord, Ginger Henderson, Zeb Fry and Mary Frankel.
My Riding Philosophy
Riding is more than just exercising your horse. I ride intentionally, with a plan to support the horse’s body and mind.
My understanding and experience with young and green horses taught me the value of strong fundamentals and patience under saddle. Showing horses and eventing taught me the horsemanship skills to bring a horse up the levels while caring for his body and mind. My current classical dressage studies highlight the need for mindful development of a horse’s body to progress in a manner suited for their conformation and biomechanics.
I ride for the love of horses, and to help my clients make horse ownership and training accessible and manageable. I strive to help the busy horse owner find balance between work, family, and horses
My Horses
My first horse was a three-year-old painted pony named Scotty. I grew up with Scotty, teaching him the hunters and jumpers. Scotty and I also evented together. He is still a part of my family, and many young riders have learned to ride with Scotty’s guidance
Kaleidoscope Mystic, owned by Laura Daily of Laurel Farms Sporthorses, was my successful Novice event horse from 2012 – 2014, taking me to recognized events and showcasing my love of all aspects of horsemanship – dressage, jumping, and cross country! Today, I am fortunate enough to be eventing again with Laurel Farms Sporthorse’s Killegar Mr. Cool.
Most recently, my thoroughbred Riddle made a career change from eventing to dressage due to hoof challenges. While many thought Riddle’s career was winding down, I supported his healing holistically. With the help of Riddle’s vets, a well-balanced diet, supportive farrier care, and a new training regime, Riddle is back to health, dancing in the dressage ring with me.