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. After spending seven years working in the small animal veterinary industry, I realized my true passion remained with the horse.
I began my boarding and training business in 2021, and have been blessed with clients that have allowed me to care for and ride their horses. In addition to running my farm, I am a board member for the Central Tennessee Dressage Association and compete regularly at their shows.
Many trainers have influenced my riding style and education. I owe much of my riding knowledge and training to the following instructors: Jessica Roberson-Wright, Kelly Tompkins-Rinehart, Lara Heart, 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 have been fortunate with the opportunity to work with many horses. My clients, both current and previous, have entrusted me with their horses’ care and training. I’ve worked with many Friesians, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, and ponies. By working with a wide range of horses in different levels of training, I am able to continue my growth and education as a rider and trainer.
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.
