Hey, you -- if you're wanting to improve the quality of your contact with your horse, but you just do NOT know where to start, we have the perfect thing for you...
For an easy, streamlined introduction without overwhelm, talking over your head, or scary intimidating advanced Dressage "stuff"
The process to develop correct contact with your horse does not need to be scary, intimidating, or confusing. You can develop it entirely yourself, with your own horse, without any trainer needing to get on your horse to “fix” something for you or without needing to resort to any “gadgets” to pull the head down or fix the head into place.
IT SUCKS TO BE OVERWHELMED...
It's bad enough that the subject matter can be hard to grasp between contradictory training methodologies, experts who don't walk their talk, and a plethora of empty promises made on every YouTube video and blog article. Add to that the simple fact that you do not know where to begin, and... you just want to run away from it all and pretend you never even HEARD of contact or Dressage.
And you've probably found yourself wishing for a magic Dressage fairy who could swoop down and make all of this easy:
- Advice to be quiet with your hands conflicts with advice to fiddle with the reins to keep the mouth soft. Which is right?
- Advice to fix the horse's head into place conflicts with advice to let the horse put his head where he wants. Which is right?
- Advice that you are harming the horse's back if he is above the bit conflicts with advice that your are harming his neck if he puts his head down. Which is right?
- Maybe... you're afraid that this Dressage stuff is too complicated for you. Or that you and your horse are exception to the rule.
WHEN THE WORLD IS CRUSHING YOUR SOUL MAKING YOU THINK YOU ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH SIMPLY BECAUSE YOUR HORSE IS NOT ON THE BIT (OR IS BEHIND THE BIT, UNINTENTIONALLY)...
You think there is something wrong with you because you are confused, but let me set you straight. There is nothing wrong with you. The advice out there is really, downright CONFUSING.
...and much of it is outright WRONG and harmful for your horse. (eek!)
No wonder you are overwhelmed, confused, and completely unsure of your direction. What do you do next?
AND YET, IT'S IN TIMES OF COMPLETE UNCERTAINTY, YOU ACTUALLY HAVE THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY
Awareness is power. When you realize that they don't have the power. YOU DO. And you can LEARN this, you have the key to unlock your path forward.
Imagine if...
- You understood how it all worked together (all the nuts and bolts of reins, aids, and seat)
- You had set exercises to ride which helped with exactly what you needed to work on right now
- You had a clear plan laid out before you that explained the exact process you needed to follow
- You didn't have to guess or try to figure it all out on your own
WHAT IF all of this was easily learned and completely affordable - so that you could immediately get results in your riding.
WHAT IF I HANDED YOU THE KEYS TO MAKE IT ALL EASY
The process to develop correct contact with your horse does not need to be scary, intimidating, or confusing. You can develop it entirely yourself, with your own horse, without any trainer needing to get on your horse to “fix” something for you or without needing to resort to any “gadgets” to pull the head down or fix the head into place.
There is a simple process of day-to-day work that builds carefully and systematically, like lego pieces that fit into place upon each other, to develop the kind of contact, connection, lightness, and steadiness that you are looking for.
GRAB contact lite now ➡
FOR DRESSAGE NERDS LIKE YOU AND ME, NOT ONLY IS THE TRAINING PROCESS ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING... BUT LEARNING IT CAN BE STRAIGHT-FORWARD AND FUN
It is a wonderful thing to gain the knowledge to do this yourself. It is no longer elusive. It is not longer a mystery. And you no longer need to shake your head in befuddled submission when someone advises you to do something that not only doesn’t makes sense to you, but it doesn’t FEEL right for you or your horse.
INTRODUCING...
The introduction course
The perfect introduction to establish correct, elastic contact and get your horse “on the bit” even if you don’t know where to begin (and you find Dressage intimidating)
Establish the important elements that will help you and your horse NOW - with our simple, straightforward, no-fluff approach.
YES, I NEED THIS
By the end of Contact LITE, you'll have learnt how to:
- Develop the confidence to train your horse to come on the bit - yourself... (By understanding What, Why, and How)
- Simple, straightforward approach that will not scare you away or make you feel stupid... (no scary Dressage Queens)
- Learn how to train effectively while still honoring YOUR values and principles... (these are your guidelines and we teach you how to train WITH these - NOT in violation of them)
- Learn how to train effectively while still honoring YOUR values and principles... (these are your guidelines and we teach you how to train WITH these - NOT in violation of them)
- Gain the knowledge you need to train your horse so that you never feel the need or temptation to resort to gadgets, scary bits, or quick-fix methods that only lead you down a dead-end road... (Because, if you are like us, none of that appeals to you anyway, right?)
- Streamlined approach that cuts out all the advanced dressage stuff that might feel intimidating... (you can always learn that other stuff later anyway)
- Introductory pricing for those new to online courses with us or operating on a budget… (or you just love a great deal!)
- Learn to train correctly from the beginning so you avoid expensive vet and farrier bills for lameness… (not to mention all that precious riding time WASTED)
- All in the comfort of your own environment... No trailering... (No shelling out the big bucks at a clinic. No peanut gallery judging you on the sidelines. Just you and your horse learning at your own pace.)
And you don't have to stumble around, piecing this together on your own. You get to do this with US !
HERE'S WHAT'S INSIDE:
You're going to
love
these
BIOMECHANICS THEORY
Biomechanically-based theory components which explain how the interplay between the horse's body and the dressage training are spread throughout the entirety of the course. The theory is designed to stimulate your mind and cultivate your understanding. Each theory lesson builds upon the previous module, but they can also be used as a reference library.
GYMNASTIC EXERCISES
Each module has several biomechanically-based gymnastic horse exercises which correspond to the theory instruction, so you are are able to immediately apply the theoretical lessons into your riding, and experience first-hand how they work. Each exercise comes with a PDF with complete instructions outlining what to do, why to do it, and how to do it.
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO TUTORIALS
Each horse riding exercise is accompanied by an instructional video in which we expand upon the material in the exercise PDF, showing you where the problem spots are in the exercise and how to address the various problems that can come up while riding it. We also explain how to modify the exercise if you need to make simpler for a less trained horse, or more challenging for a higher level horse.
IMAGERY LESSONS
Often the best way to educate the body is through the power of visualization. We employ feeling-rich imagery lessons which convey not only the best way to sit, but also the best way to accommodate and shape the movement of the horse. Riders can use imagery on and off the horse, so that progress can be made even while not riding.
FELDENKRAIS LESSONS
We now include Feldenkrais lessons in nearly all of our courses for a distinct reason - they work! Throughout the course, we include Feldenkrais lessons which help you, as the rider, to learn better body awareness, coordination, flexibility, and control. Taught by Feldenkrais Practitioners, Catherine McCrum and Charlotte Zetterberg, you are in for a treat.
I have been riding for decades but never found the “secret of riding on the bit” that seemed effortless for others. The Ritter courses have explained my elusive butterfly in theory and in videos so I finally have been able to have a straight, comfortable, courageous mare with clear communication between us. And all without any need for strong (abusive) aids that previous trainers used on her. Gabby and I are so happy!
BARBARA ELLIS
This course helped me to understand better of what contact and horse being a bit means. Also I discovered horse has a back, which I can influence with my seat and circle of aids. Different contact problems get understanding of What, Why and How. My seat started to develop during this course and some horses started getting rounder, which gave me great feelings. Excited to re-run the course and deepen my understanding of contact and connection :-)
MAIJA YLÄMÄKI
I loved the combination of theory, mental images and horse exercises. The Feldenkrais lessons are awsome to create body awareness and uncover the rider's own stiffness and crookedness that reflects on the horse. I think my riding has improved quite a bit and I'm more confident solving problems as I've more tools in the box now.
VERENA FUCHS
CONTACT LITE
The perfect introduction to establish correct, elastic contact and get your horse “on the bit” even if you don’t know where to begin (and you find Dressage intimidating)
- Self-study, learn at your own pace model
- 3 full-length modules which take you step-by-step
- Riding exercises, theory, and instructional videos - pick and choose what you want to work on
- Do-at-home Feldenkrais lessons for your seat
- Imagery Lessons to develop your awareness, conceptual understanding, and feel
- Curated yoga lessons to support you through the entire process
- Try it and see if you like it: Discount code to upgrade at any time to the full 12-module course with more exercises, more instruction, and Q&As.
* Other currencies (USD, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, and ZAR) available.
Payment plans available - get started for as little as €25/month.
Get your hands on the exact process thousands of our students have used to improve and polish the quality of their contact.
Perfect for riders who are new to Dressage, contact-related issues, or online courses. Or riders who simply want a clear, understandable plan to get started on their own.
YOU. CAN. DO. THIS.
We have taught thousands of riders in online courses, video coaching sessions, in-person training, and clinics all over the world. Our students range from US and Canada to all over Europe and extending over into Australia, New Zealand, and more.
Many of the students we have worked with either had horses who did not respond to the “conventional” training methods or they themselves found mainstream Dressage lessons elitist or cookie-cutter. They were looking for something that addressed their ACTUAL issues and the ACTUAL horse they were riding. Not just a standard set of techniques to apply to the standard horse.
They were looking for an approach that embodied the classical ideals they had fallen in love with. An approach which honors the horse’s spirit and individuality and at the same time aims to preserve the horse’s well-being and soundness. They were looking for an approach that didn’t treat the horse as an object to be trained, but as a partner to embark on the training process WITH.
We developed a system that works for all horses and riders because it is adaptable for every horse and rider. And we teach you exactly HOW to adapt it to your situation and YOUR horse.
FOR JUST $197, YOU CAN GET STARTED LEARNING THIS SYSTEM RIGHT AWAY.
Seriously friend, you have everything it takes to learn this and train your horse yourself!
And just who will be teaching you CONTACT LITE?
We will! We are Thomas and Shana Ritter
a.k.a. "The Ritters"
We now live in Portugal, having moved here from Germany in February 2020. Thomas is an International Dressage Clinician, teaching all over Europe, the United States, and Canada. Shana is an FEI competitor, USDF Silver Medalist, and developer of the Artistic Dressage Online Course Program.
We have spent our lives researching and diving in deeper. We have studied the biomechanics. We have extensively studied the classical equestrian literature. We have ridden with many of the great classical masters of our time. We have distilled our years and years of learning down into a system which is straight-forward and gives you actionable, concrete tools to make real change in your riding.
Thomas wrote about his system in his first book, “Dressage Principles Based on Biomechanics” published through Cadmos Press in 2011, and he further expanded upon the practical application of those principles applied to the training at the Long Rein with his second book, “Long Reining: From the Beginning through the Levade” in 2014.
"SO REWARDING!"
"This was my first Ritter Course, have done many since, but this one helped me so much to understand and apply the theory behind this very complex issue of contact and connection. The Ritters have put a lot of thought into this course-their attention to detail and their ability to teach this concept in a format that allows the rider to understand and take immediately to their riding sessions is just so rewarding"
SUE ANN SCHMITZ
Let's Talk Modules
The breakdown
MODULE 1
WHY Contact
Why do I need rein contact?
Connection and Rein Contact as a Whole Body Experience
Honest Connection vs. Fake Outline
Road Map to a good Rein Contact
2 Riding Exercises + Rider Demo Videos
1 Imagery Lesson: Pelbow
Feldenkrais Fundamentals
Feldenkrais Lesson: The Diagonal Connections
Feldenkrais Lesson: The Origami Lesson
1 Curated Yoga Lesson: Listen
MODULE 2
Important Aspects of Contact
Aspects of Contact & Connection
Balance and Contact
Pushing vs. carrying
Straightness and Contact
Suppleness & Relaxation
The Horse's Conformation and Contact
2 Riding Exercises + Rider Demo Video
1 Imagery Lesson: Sailboat
Feldenkrais Lesson: Back like a Sail
1 Curated Yoga Lesson: Yoga for Connection
MODULE 3
WHAT is "Correct Contact"?
What does “on the bit” mean?
What is the right "amount" of contact?
How much is TOO MUCH contact?
What is the right rein length?
2 Riding Exercises + Rider Demo Videos
1 Imagery Lesson: Connecting the Hind Legs to the Reins (aka The Green Arrows)
Feldenkrais Lesson: Cat-Cow
Feldenkrais Lesson: The Pelvic Clock
Curated Yoga Lesson: Yoga for the Feet
Curated Yoga Lesson: Healthy Liver
Contact LITE gets you on the right track in record time. This is your ticket out of overwhelm and into easy-breezy.
Let's get you started!
Not only will you get instant, lifetime access to all the course materials, but you'll also get any future updates we throw in! Then, whenever you are ready for more, you can upgrade to the remaining 7 modules of the Complete Contact & Connection Course for a discounted rate. This is your VERY BEST way to get started on the road to clear, correct contact and connection with your horse.
“I no longer have a snorting spooking dragon beneath me but rather a horse that is both confident and more assured than he has ever been. I have never had an experience so profound and have never seen a course so well laid out and detailed in a language that was easy to understand. Having started riding somewhat later in life than most others (and with an older horse that had never experienced "dressage principles" and was at times a snorting, spooking dragon), this course helped me to understand my horse and myself so that we were able to form a solid foundation to our partnership. Whether it was mentally, spiritually or physically, the course's path encompassed it all. From the dressage teachings by Thomas Ritter and Shana Ritter to the wonderful and eye-opening Feldenkrais exercises by Catherine McCrum and Charlotte Rhonwen Zetterberg...wow! It is an experience of a lifetime that you do not want to miss out on regardless of what discipline you are in.”
BABS HAMILTON
“The Ritter courses have helped me so much over the years and I can’t wait to continue improving my knowledge with my horse. I am so excited to revisit this course with my new horse!”
SONYA STEEBY
I have done most Ritter courses and love the teaching style. Thomas and Shana are amazing at getting into the reason of everything, the Why. They have helped me to decode what I feel at the end of the rein. Now any contact issues are simply information about the horse's body and as soon as I fix the cause the contact is back to being fab.
MORGAN LAURA OSBORNE
"There is nothing to lose but much to gain. You won’t be sorry if you enroll. The Ritters’ courses are so detailed and they allow you to ask the questions you were afraid to ask. I have definitely seen progress in both me and my horse. I love that they put attention on the horses faults in addition to the rider. Most of the time I always felt like I was to blame and the horse was an angel saint. Not anymore. They give you tools to figure out what is wrong and how to fix it and give you lots of options. It’s really a no brainer to at least try the course because if you don’t feel it is right for you, they give you your money back and without any hesitancy or shame. The Ritters are genuine and are really interested in you succeeding."
LINDA
CREEKSIDE FARM
I'm ready to join for €197
I'M INStill Got Questions?
Will this course work for me and my horse?
What level is this course appropriate for?
What type of tack do I need? What other equipment will I need?
What if I ride bitless?
CONTACT LITE
The perfect introduction to establish correct, elastic contact and get your horse “on the bit” even if you don’t know where to begin (and you find Dressage intimidating)
- Self-study, learn at your own pace model
- 3 full-length modules which take you step-by-step
- Riding exercises, theory, and instructional videos - pick and choose what you want to work on
- Do-at-home Feldenkrais lessons for your seat
- Imagery Lessons to develop your awareness, conceptual understanding, and feel
- Curated yoga lessons to support you through the entire process
- Try it and see if you like it: Discount code to upgrade at any time to the full 12-module course with more exercises, more instruction, and Q&As.
* Other currencies (USD, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, and ZAR) available. Other payment plans available.
WHAT ABOUT A GUARANTEE?
WE KNOW YOU WILL LOVE THIS COURSE, BUT WE GET IT THAT YOU DON'T KNOW THIS YET. WE WILL GIVE YOU A FULL 30 DAYS TO FALL IN LOVE. 100% SATISFIED.
If you’re not 100% satisfied with this program, the strategies and teachings, after 30 days, we will offer you an entire refund.
MY LAST PIECE OF ADVICE
It's fun to collect tack. I get it (We love fine tack, too!!!).
But in the end, none of that expensive tack means a single thing if you don't also develop the technique and knowledge to use it. You don't need all those expensive gadgets with the cool names to develop your horse correctly. No matter how much the tack manufacturers will convince you that the newest bit is the answer to your problems - it usually is not. You don't need lots of fancy bits with special doodads in order to get your horse on the bit. What you need is actually very simple and luckily, it is learnable and repeatable. It is not a mystery, it is not a secret - it comes down to simple, straightforward learning. And we can help you get there.
