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"No question. I would recommend this course.”
“I was very suspect of an online course. I mean, I did have access to SuperDuper trainers and clinics in Europe. And so, and where I am here in Canada, there are super trainers here too, but they're just not close to me. So I was really not thinking I would get much out of the online course. But, in fact, I just found it to be very fulfilling and the progress and the improvement in my horse, he was looking a bit old and that's normal at 21. But these days I find that he looks great. The horse chiropractor came the other day and she said to me, ‘oh my God, he's the new 12, not 22!’ And so it's really a return on investment because the horse just made leaps and bounds in progress. But so did I, and that was really, really, really great. No question. I would recommend this course.”
- Kimberly Dawne Allen, Canada
"It’s been quite a life changing experience.”
“I would highly recommend the, What Why How course to absolutely anybody who would like to learn and becomemore proficient in training their own horse, or even training other people's horses or even just for, for fun. Really. You can do anything with it. You build confidence within your yourself as well. In every way you can, you can improve yourself and your horse, no matter what level, where you are, even in your life. I've never ever come across anybody that's ever given me the details and the support that the Ritters have. It’s been quite a life changing experience. And I would highly recommend it. Absolutely. One hundred percent.“
- Sharon Gallagher, USA
Learning Dressage is quite the adventure!
Whether you are working on your own - or fortunate to work with a trainer who works well for you and your horse - there is always so much more to learn than you ever realized.
(This is both great and also a little unnerving.)
But the beauty of it all is that there is a wisdom to the process...
and it helps to understand how it works.
May I take you on a little journey? Come with me...
Getting the horse straight, on the bit, with the back up, hind legs engaged with withers lifted, and to do this all while sitting "gracefully" and keeping the horse relaxed and HAPPY.
The struggle IS real, my friend!
It's not necessarily "easy".
(But if it were “easy,” would you REALLY want it as much as you do?)
The #1 obstacle to any Dressage Riders’ progress?
...Skills.
The number one obstacle to gaining those skills? ...KNOWLEDGE.
Think about how many things you could do in riding
if you just knew what to do, why, and how to do it.
(If only life were so easy, right?)
Whether you think you are a pretty talented rider or...
the world’s most UNtalented rider,
all riders eventually reach the glass ceiling of progress.
No one escapes this obstacle.
The ONLY thing that will help you break through that ceiling is to develop your skills and knowledge.
That focusing on improving those skills and knowledge would be the wisest thing to focus on in your riding education, Yes?
And that, in the long run, it would save you MONEY and TIME (not to mention heartache, tears, and frustration)... Yes?
And that it would even help you improve and develop your relationship with your horse because...
The more you make sense to your horse
and the better you can communicate with your horse,
which means...
The more your horse can understand what you want
(and the happier your horse will be, too).
"I started in the dark, not sure how to improve on basics taught years ago but knowing there was 'more to it'. I can't believe how much I have learned from Thomas and Shana. I now have the building blocks to work with any horse, not just mine. The improvement in my own horse is measurable. I am so motivated to ride and explore every single day. Massive thank you. I no longer go round in circles with no purpose."
- Ann Savage, Lincolnshire, UK
"If you've ever felt "stuck" in your riding or teaching, this course is the answer. The Ritters combine theory with practical application for all stages of riding. A great aspect of the instruction is that one can see how a movement or concept applies up the levels of riding. This perspective has helped "unstick" our riding and we have made great progress in a short amount of time. This is also a great resource for instructors who need different ideas for teaching. I'm so glad I took a chance on this course!"
- Julie Graber, Indiana USA
NO ONE is exempt from it.
That means if you’re signing up to learn to ride Dressage, you’re signing up for all of it….
(the boring, frustrating plateaus and soul-sucking “UPhills” along with all of the breath-of-relief level paths and celebratory “DOWNhills”… ) with 100% certainty.
You need the skills, knowledge, and support to keep you going even when things get hard (because sometimes, they do).
It also helps to be accompanied on this journey by those who have been there, know the ups and downs, know how to talk you off the ledge when you feel like giving up, know how to guide you through the rough spots, and know how to push you when you are getting in your own way.
We have created a proven program that takes you from “banging your head against the wall” frustrated to confidently understanding and riding biomechanics-based patterns and exercises to train your horse.
It's time to saddle up, my friend. Are you ready?
1. To gain the knowledge and skills TOGETHER in a way that feels sustainable and makes steady progress AND is aligned with your WHY (why you ride, etc.)
2. To learn the complete WHAT, WHY, and HOW of Dressage in a way that works for you AND your horse (in other words: is kind, compassionate, preserves soundness, classically focused, and is fun and enjoyable for both you and your horse)?
3. To be supported and guided in your Dressage journey by trainers who have done this (and survived to tell the tale!) and are passionate to share with you the best roadmap through the ups and downs, as well as how to navigate the problems that come up?
Knowledge
You need to understand the WHAT and WHY: this is the underlying red thread theory that guides everything.
Skills
You need to know how to implement the HOW: it isn't enough to know what should be done, but you also need to learn how to do it.
Thoughtful Experimentation
You need to learn to trust in yourself and to accurately evaluate the feedback from the horse.
Guidance and Support
Even if you train on your own, no one learns this alone. You need someone on your side who believes in you.
Ingredients:
Focus
Forward
Tempo & Rhythm
Carrying & Thrusting Power
Alignment & Straightness
Rein Contact
Bending
Side-Stepping (Lateral Movements)
Turning
Balance
Relaxation
Connection
Throughness (Permeability to the aids)
Trust and relationship
Impulsion
Cadence
Reinback
Collection
Lightness
+ Season with additional rewards, love, and affection
Directions:
1. Prepare - Preheat oven to 375°. (Just kidding). But seriously, you can best prepare your horse for training by thoroughly understanding what you are doing and why. Correct intention is important.
2. Timing and Effectiveness of the Aids - Give your aids in timing with the footfalls of the horse so they have the best chance of being effective. When the horse doesn’t respond appropriately to an aid, it is often because the timing is incorrect. You will improve your horse’s responsiveness by improving your timing and application of the correct aids, which will enable you to ride with ever more subtle aids and communicate more finely.
3. Correct Arena Geometry - Make best use of the riding space by riding accurately and effectively.
4. Biomechanics - All gymnastic training is based on the horse’s biomechanic movement patterns. When you can diagnose exactly which fundamental movement patterns are causing resistance or problems, you can identify and address the real source of the problem rather than chasing symptoms.
5. Strategy - View the training systematically as a series of steps and understanding the horse must gain. This lays it all out in a simple logical way.
6. Use exercises as building blocks - You can break down any exercise into its building block components which gives you the ability to modify any exercise for the specific needs of your horse.
7. Target specific body parts - You can target specific body parts and areas of the horse’s body with exact gymnastic exercises which guide the horse into the best movement and posture.
8. Harmony & Relationship - Cultivate a healthy collaborative relationship with your horse (so that you can begin each ride with enthusiasm and end each ride with a happy, content horse)
9. Remove resistances - Remove resistances by isolating and dissolving blockages in the horse’s body
10. Troubleshoot - Troubleshoot any problem, analyse any situation (so that you can eventually be your own trainer and figure out solutions to any problem you or another ride may have)
11. Ride with a functional seat - Not only a “pretty” seat based on form, but an effective seat that is in balance.
12. Use the movements as training tools - Use the movements as means to an end that serve to develop the horse gymnastically, rather than as isolated “tricks”. You will use lateral movements, lengthenings, and counter canter to supple and strengthen your horse.
13. Work with your own learning style - Different horses need to be trained differently. The same goes for people. Different riders need to learn differently. Some riders are more visual, some are more academic, and others learn best by feeling and doing. You can learn to work best with your own learning type and then pick and choose what else works for you to assist you in your learning.
"I finally feel like I'm not faking it anymore.”
“I kind of feel like I've just been like, faking it to make it. I mean, I have a USDF bronze medal that I kind of did on my own with, with trainers, but I was always kind of training the horse while I was learning myself. So I didn't really know what I was supposed to be feeling, and I didn't really know what made each movement to be done correctly. And so for me, The What Why How Course was around understanding biomechanically what the horse is supposed to be doing, what I'm supposed to be doing, and then Feldenkrais on top of it has allowed me to feel my body again. That combination of understanding the theory from a real sense, and being able to feel it in my body was pretty powerful for me.“
- Kate Murray, USA
"This is the course that I would recommend beginning with. It's so complete. There's nothing lacking. ”
“I've really grown in my knowledge. I've learned more in this course, in the first couple months than I've had in the last 40 years. I am here pretty much alone because there aren't people around me that have horses that ride regularly. So I was starting to almost lose interest. I really was wondering how long I could keep riding. And now I see myself riding well into my late seventies, without a problem, I've lost weight. I keep fit because now I see how important that is for my riding. And it's really changed my whole life. And having the community support! I have friends all over the world now. And so it's really been a huge augmentation to my life. I already had a great life, but now it's even so much better! I just I'm really thankful for the course that started me off on this.“
- Carla Powell, USA
The What, Why, How
of Training your Horse
The perfect system for all riders who simply want to learn to train their horses... themselves.
A program that takes you from “banging your head against the wall” frustrated...
to confidently training your own horse (yourself) with a holistic, gymnastic, balanced approach
aligned with what you really want for yourself and your horse.
(and our help every step of the way).
Levels 1, 2, and 3 begin February 6, 2026.
The What Why How Program is a Comprehensive All-in-One Complete Training Program for Horse and Rider:
1. Biomechanics-based theoretical instruction grounded in classical principles and tradition. Explaining the interplay between the horse's mind, body, and the dressage training.
2. Gymnastic strategy and exercises designed to develop the horse systematically with building blocks of skill development. Learn how to immediately apply the theoretical lessons into your riding.
3. Instructional and demonstration videos. Understand it and see it before you try to ride it with your horse.
4. Seat and mindset training for the rider. Feldenkrais lessons, seat and aids development, and trainings designed to develop the WAY you think, not just WHAT you think.
4. Full and total guidance, support, and help every step of the way. You don't have to do this alone.
You CAN (and will) learn the Gymnastic Training of the Dressage Horse
Once you understand the what, why, and how of training, you no longer feel lost or unsure. You make decisions with clarity, follow through with purpose, and ride with confidence that makes sense to you - and to your horse.
But doing it yourself, doesn't mean you have to do it completely alone!
You’ll be guided by Dr. Thomas Ritter and Shana Ritter, with the support of the Ritter team - qualified, experienced assistant trainers known for their insight and clarity.
Levels 1-3 of The What, Why, How Course begin on February 6, 2026. Level 4 will begin in 2027.
What, Why, How is not just "any" online course.
It is a comprehensive training program which includes:
Gymnastic Exercises
Every module weaves together biomechanical theory and classical gymnastic exercises, allowing you to move seamlessly from understanding to application. The exercises are designed to reflect the realities of the horse’s body and are taught with clear video and PDF instruction outlining the what, why, and how. The theory unfolds in a logical progression, deepening your comprehension of classical training mechanics, while remaining accessible as a reference you can revisit at any stage.
Instructional and Demo Videos
All exercises and theory components are taught through instructional and demonstration videos by Thomas and our assistant trainer team. These videos walk you through correct execution, highlight common mistakes, and show you how to address problem areas as they arise. We also demonstrate how to adapt each exercise for different training levels. Seeing the exercises ridden—along with clear explanations of what is happening and why—is one of the most effective ways to understand their gymnastic purpose and application.
Feldenkrais Lessons
The rider's seat is a SUPER IMPORTANT part of riding and training, and Feldenkrais works like magic for the Rider's Seat! Regardless of your age or experience level, Feldenkrais has the amazing ability to meet you exactly where you are now and help you achieve the next step in your development (and will improve your life outside of riding, too!). Each module of the course includes 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 real treat!!!
Q&A's
Being able to ask questions is an important aspect of the learning process. You have questions and we actually encourage that!!! You can ask your questions at any time in the Facebook Group but there is just nothing like getting your questions answered live. You will get access to all of the upcoming Q&A sessions for the duration of this course (two sessions each month). For a super small upgrade fee, you can always add access to future Q&As as well. Q&A sessions are always recorded, so you can even pre-post a question that we will answer and you can watch the recording afterwards (but, of course, it is more fun to attend live so we can chat back and forth and you can ask follow-up questions, if you like).
Hot Seat Video Coaching
You need precision feedback and we know that. In a Hot Seat Session, we get together on a live Group Zoom session and watch your submitted videos, and we break down what is happening, often frame by frame to point it out clearly so you can SEE and UNDERSTAND what is happening. Then we give you exercises and tips to address what we see. You can ask questions right there, and there is a chat where you can talk to the other participants in real-time. You can even ask questions about other participants' videos. If you cannot attend live, you can watch the recording afterwards (with timestamps so you can find your spot quickly).
The Study Groups
Join a study pod! Accountability accelerates performance.
The American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) found the following in a recent study:
* 65% of their participants completed a goal if they asked someone to hold them accountable to their goals and fully committed to accomplishing their project with their accountability partner.
* 95% of people successfully met their goals when they did the above and attended a specific appointment with their accountability partner/people to discuss their progress and success.
The WWH Podcast
Life is busy enough! You need an easy, quick way to integrate your learning into your daily life and we have the solution for you! You will get access to an exclusive WWH members-only podcast where you can listen to every video in the WWH course (for all levels you purchase) including the Q&A recordings. Turn your car drive, walk, or even washing dishes into your learning time! With a few simple clicks, you can download the Podcast feed to listen anytime, even while offline (long commutes and plane trips just got a whole lot better!).
Facebook Group Community
One of the most thrilling parts of this course is the incredible community. You will join the amazing WWH Alumni Community! Since its original inception in January 2017, the community that is built around this course is the most tight-knit, supportive, and stimulating group we have ever cultivated. As a member of the course, you are granted a lifetime VISA into the community. It spans many continents, several languages, includes riders of all levels and types, and is your new homeland. Welcome home! (Lifetime Access)
The Assessments Process
*Completely optional. At the end of each level, you are invited to submit a self-assessment designed to help you, with our Team's guidance, learn how to evaluate your progress and what you need to focus on next. Each level's assessment helps you assimilate all that you and your horse have learned, and give you the opportunity to share with us that progress and how your understanding of training principles, methodology, and trouble-shooting have developed. Our teaching team will give you feedback, praise where earned, and identify any missing elements that need better attention for your future training. For those who want additional feedback and evaluation, this is perfect. It is highly recommended for those who wish to proceed into the Trainer Certification program which follows this program.
Resources Library
You’ll receive on-demand access to an extensive library of training content covering a wide range of topics. This library allows you to deepen your understanding, revisit key concepts, and continue learning at your own pace - whenever you want. It’s a powerful resource designed to support long-term growth and clarity in your training.
Course Completion Certificate
When you complete the What, Why, How course, this is something to celebrate and deserves recognition. When you finish each level of the course, you will receive a personalized Completion Certificate, signed by Thomas and Shana. You will also be invited to participate in the Assessments process, but it is not mandatory.
Lifetime Access
You never lose access to your course materials. It doesn’t expire or run out after a certain amount of time. That means that you can work as fast or as slow through the materials as you wish. That means that if you get sick, tired, injured - you can pause at anytime and come back to it whenever you and your horse are ready for more. It will always be there for you, and so will we. For a reasonable fee, you can even register for Q&As and Hot Seats in future years so ongoing, lifetime support (as long as you need it) is completely doable.
Because it is good to ask "WHY?"...
✔️ It’s a complete, comprehensive program. No piecing together an incoherent system from random Facebook Posts and internet videos.
✔️ Perfect for riders who don’t have a regular trainer nearby to work with. Or do, but they crave the theoretical underpinning that brings it all together.
✔️Includes not just riding, but also work-in-hand and longeing.
✔️ Step-by-step so you are building upon skills without skipping steps and getting overwhelmed or confused (or overwhelming and confusing your horse).
✔️ The WHAT, the WHY, and the HOW explained for everything.
✔️ We teach you to customize this program for you and your horse. You will learn how to modify the exercises and create your own exercises based on the needs of your horse in each individual moment.
✔️ Good training doesn't happen on a fixed schedule. You can't learn all of this in a few weeks time. It takes time for the horse to develop and for your knowledge and skills to be integrated into your day-to-day training. You have lifetime access and support.
✔️ You can use the materials to suit YOUR horse and YOUR needs. You can go as quickly or slowly as you like.
✔️ Perfect for Dressage riders who are passionate about their riding and LOVE to learn everything they can about training and working with their horse.
✔️ You can get support and feedback on how to solve problems or introduce new concepts and movements to your horse.
✔️ With the Q&As and Hot Seats, you can get the individualized coaching to help you whenever you need it.
✔️ Perfect for riders new to Dressage who need the time, support, and guidance to learn how to do it "right". But also suitable for experienced Dressage riders who want more substance and understanding in their training.
✔️ You deserve the satisfaction of learning how to do this- Yourself. With your horse. With no one telling you that you aren’t good enough or talented enough or young enough or that your horse is not good enough (you know, the ca-ching switcharoo that happens in most training barns).
Each level is a comprehensive course, in and of itself.
Together, they form the Ultimate Training Program for you AND your horse.
(click the + for info contents and pre-requisites for each level)
Gymnasticizing the Horse: The Foundation that supports the entire training
Athletic Suppleness: Unlocking the horse’s potential and developing the gaits
Permeable Impulsion: Awakening the horse’s true talents and inner beauty
Balance, Lightness, & Collection: Preserving Longevity through Athletic Fulfillment
"This online-riding course is the best you can choose right now! My hopes to find out how to transfer classical dressage movements practised from the ground into the ridden work with my young horse have been fulfilled completely. Thomas and Shana Ritter have been able to define exactly what happens biomechanically when we start to ride and want to gymnastize our horses from the saddle in a sound and profound manner. They have come up with numerous creative exercises for classical movements from easy to difficult to guide our horses fluently from relatively new under saddle towards more balance and then further through advanced exercises which in the end will lead to collection and with that the beauty of riding our horses lightly because they have learned how to carry a rider with strength and suppleness using the power of the hindlegs."
- Nan Brünig, Germany
"Take this course!!! It has changed not only my relationship with my horse but has honestly restored my faith in people too. I have never felt more supported and less judged in my dressage career of 25 years. Not only are Shana and Thomas amazing but the people in the course have been wonderful also. Can't say enough about this experience, just plain fabulous."
- Maureen Shinsky, Michigan USA
The Complete What Why How Course is a 4-level Program designed to be four years long, but schedules are only good as long as they serve your and your horse's needs. You can take longer for each level, if you prefer. Or zip through them if that works for you.
You can commit to the entire program, or just one level at a time. The choice is yours - and we are here to support you however you want to do it.
Sustainable Schedule
This is a marathon. Not a sprint. Correct training and learning should never be "under pressure."
Good training cannot be rushed and neither should you. The course is spread out with modules released one at a time. Throughout the duration, there are "Catch up / Integration" weeks so you have time to catch up or consolidate the work you have done before moving on. You do not lose access to your course materials at any point. You have lifetime access so you can go even slower if that suits you better, and you can repeat the content at any time.
Q&As, Hot Seats, and more
An average of 4 live sessions per month, with a live Q&A every other week and a live Hot Seat Coaching Session (feedback on your videos) every other week. We alternate between time slots in order for students all over the world to find some sessions that are convenient to attend live. You can always pre-post questions, even if you cannot attend and then watch the recording afterwards.
You can ask questions on anything. It doesn't have to be on that week's course content. Whatever you are working on, whatever issues you are having... bring it. In between sessions, you can post your questions anytime in the Facebook Group and we (and our team) will help you. You can even post links to videos for additional feedback in there.
...if you want, you can repeat it
You can re-take any level as many times as you like, because you get Lifetime Access.
If you enroll in the Complete Program, you get all upgrades, all future Q&As, and one round of Hot Seats for each level.
If you enroll in any individual WWH level (Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3) today, your registration includes low-cost, easy-access to all future upgrades, updates, and participation in future rounds of that level, so you can retake it again (with support, not just on your own) as many times as you need.
New Bonuses for 2026!
You will get these three NEW bonuses whether you enroll for the Complete Program or just any individual level.
BONUS 1: Video Coaching Raffle
Each level enrolled in gives you one raffle entry to win 1 one-on-one video coaching session with Thomas. (Complete program gives you four entries)
BONUS 2: The Consistency Map (Keep Up & Catch Up Plan)
If you’re behind, do this...
If you only have 20 minutes, do this…
If you missed a week, do this…
A checklist for “minimum effective progress”
BONUS 3: Camera Confidence Mini Course
Make the most of your Hot Seat sessions with the…
- Mindset: Camera Confidence Mini Training
- How to film without shame spiraling
- What angles to use
- How to submit videos without perfection
- What feedback actually means (and what it doesn’t mean)
- Video Submission Checklist
You can register for one level at a time (details on that further down), but...
Registering for the Complete 4-Level What Why How Program today is BY FAR the best deal.
Check out what is inside the Complete Program...
The Ultimate Dressage Program for Riders
who want to Train their Horses... themselves
A program that takes you from “banging your head against the wall” frustrated...
to confidently training your own horse (yourself) with a holistic, gymnastic, balanced approach
aligned with what you really want for yourself and your horse.
(and our help every step of the way).
Levels 1, 2, and 3 begin February 6, 2026.
When you register for the Complete WWH Program today:
✔️ You can take each level when you are ready. Take as much time as you need on each level.
✔️ You get LIFETIME access to all upgrades & all updates
✔️ You get LIFETIME access to all Q&As.
✔️ You also get 1 full round of Hot Seats for each level of the Program included (and discounted access to more Hot Seats if you want them).
And you ALSO get these additional BONUSES with the Complete Program:
Bonus #1 : Virtual Élève Bundle
A collection of videos with commentary about an assortment of videos from the Spanish Riding School, Nuno Oliveira, and Modern Competition Riders. (Valued €200)
Bonus #2 : Mindset for Riders Package
A collection of Mindset Trainings on many topics that will help you in your riding journey. (Valued €300)
Bonus #3 : Arena GPS 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2 eBooks
All three main editions of the Arena GPS eBook series, compilation of basic exercises with graphics and brief explanations. You can download this onto your phone so that you can take this with you into the arena. (Valued €90)
Bonus #4 : DPBM Series
Series of masterclasses: an experiential approach to relating to the biomechanical principles of Dressage. (Valued €150)
Bonus #5 : Classical Lessons from the Old Masters Series
Follow in the footsteps of the old masters and explore explore the history, lasting legacies, and key teachings you can apply to your own riding. (Valued €150)
Bonus #6 : Rider Development Series
Masterclass recordings with Catherine McCrum, Shana Ritter, and Thomas Ritter on a series of topics about the continual development of the rider. (Valued €150)
Bonus #7 : Ritterize Lifetime Membership
Lifetime access to the entire archive plus access to all upcoming featured exercises, trainings, masterclasses, and hot seat sessions. Lifetime access to all the content. (Valued €697)
Complete What Why How Program
Value €5988
Lifetime Q&As
Value €2000
Hot Seats for each Level
Value €1388
The WWH Resources Library
Value €300
WWH Assessments Process for each level
Value €900
WWH Completion Certificates for each level
Value €800
Plus you get all of the Complete Program Bonuses:
Bonus #1: 4 Entries in Video Coaching Raffle
Bonus #2: Consistency Map (Keep Up & Catch Up Plan)
Bonus #3: Camera Confidence Mini Course
Bonus #4: Virtual Élève Training Bundle
Bonus #5: Mindset for Riders Pack
Bonus #6: Arena GPS 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2
Bonus #7: Dressage Principles Based on Biomechanics Series
Bonus #8: Classical Lessons from the Old Masters
Bonus #9: Rider Development Series
Bonus #10: Lifetime Ritterize Membership
Bonuses Valued at €2556
What Why How Complete Program Total Value = €13,932
What Why How Complete Program = €4197
Register for The What Why How Complete Program Now →
"I'm really pleased I made the decision to invest in the What Why How course.”
“The course has given me so much more confidence. It's improved my relationship with my horse a lot. The course came at the right time for me. I was struggling quite a bit. I wasn't really sure what direction to go in with my horse. And this just gave me so much more confidence to have a plan in my riding. And it gave me some structure to my rides, which gave us some purpose and it's really, really helped us develop over the course of 18 months. I've made some friends through the group as well. People that I'm in contact with outside of the course. And these are people from all around the world that I probably wouldn't have chance to meet. And now I've got the network of like-minded people from lots of different countries, which has been abenefit I didn't expect to achievement online course."
- Katharine Trevelyan , UK
"The quality of instruction is far higher than I've ever had from a live trainer.”
“I would recommend the, what, why, how course to every single rider, you can't go wrong taking this course. You will learn whatever discipline you are following. You will learn so much and you will never ever regret the investment. The investment you make on this course is GOLD for your learning and for your experience. And you will learn more and you will see improvements in your horse than you have ever found with a live trainer. I was, uh, very, uh, surprised how effective the hot seats were. And I can highly recommend the hot seats to any prospective course members. The quality of training and the sharp eye of Thomas to analyze the ride. And it's not at all critical. It's just training your eye and training yourself to see and know what you can do to improve things for you and your horse.“
- Bella Collins, Germany
When you enroll in WWH, think about it this way...
The Complete 4-Level
What, Why, How Training Program
The Ultimate 4-Level What Why How Dressage Training Program
‣ Levels 1-4 (lifetime access, repeat the levels as many times as you like) - typically students spend 1 year on each level, but you can do it at the pace that works for you and your horse.
‣ Introduction to WWH Mini-Course
‣ What Why How Exclusive Facebook Group (lifetime access)
‣ Lifetime Q&As (lifetime and ongoing access to all the WWH Q&As for each level)
‣ 1 round of Live Hot Seat Coaching Sessions for each of Level
‣ What Why How Accountability Study Pods for each level (optional participation)
‣ What Why How Completion Certificate for each Level
‣ Eligibility to participate in the Ritter Trainer Certification Process at the completion of all 4 Levels
‣ Bonus #1: Video Coaching Raffle - 1 raffle entry for each level (Value €225)
‣ Bonus #2: The Consistency Map - Keep Up & Catch Up Plan (Value Priceless)
‣ Bonus #3: Camera Confidence Mini-Course (Value €19)
‣ Bonus #4 for Complete Program Only: Virtual Élève Bundle (value €200)
‣ Bonus #5 for Complete Program Only: Mindset for Riders Package (value €200)
‣ Bonus #6 for Complete Program Only: Arena GPS 1.0, 1.1, & 1.2 (Value €90)
‣ Bonus #7 for Complete Program Only: Dressage Principles Masterclass Series (Value €150)
‣ Bonus #8 for Complete Program Only: Classical Lessons for the Modern Rider Series (Value €150)
‣ Bonus #9 for Complete Program Only: Rider Development Series (Value €150)
‣ Bonus #10 for Complete Program Only: Ritterize Lifetime (Value €697)
Complete Program - €4197**
** available in other currencies. Payment Plans Available.
(Get started for as low as €379/month! - That's much less than Full Training in any training barn)
REGISTER IN WWH COMPLETE
What, Why, How -
Individual Levels
Levels 1, 2, and 3 begin Feb. 6, 2026.
Registration for each Level Separately.
‣ Purchase one level at a time
‣ Level 1, 2, or 3 of the 2026 What Why How Training Program for the February 6 Start Date (lifetime access)
‣ Introduction to WWH Mini-Course
‣ What Why How Exclusive Facebook Group (lifetime access)
‣ Packet of 2026 WWH Q&As (Bi-weekly sessions)
‣ 2026 WWH Hot Seats (Bi-weekly sessions)
‣ What Why How Accountability Study Pods (optional participation)
‣ What Why How Completion Certificate (relative to level)
‣ Bonus #1: Video Coaching Raffle - 1 raffle entry for each level (Value €225)
‣ Bonus #2: The Consistency Map - Keep Up & Catch Up Plan (Value Priceless)
‣ Bonus #3: Camera Confidence Mini-Course (Value €19)
Individual Level Registration - €1497**
** available in other currencies. Payment Plans Available.
(Get started for as low as €159/month! - that's less than 2 lessons a month with most trainers )
Read Details and Choose your Level by clicking the button
REGISTER FOR A SINGLE LEVEL OF WWH* NOTE: If you enrolled only in Level 1 and wish to now upgrade to purchase the complete program, we can give you a discount code so you can benefit from this great deal! Just email us at [email protected] and we will set it up for you!
We promise that you CAN do this.
But the best part is...you don’t even have to believe us!
If you’re not 100% satisfied with the What, Why, How course program, the training exercises and strategies, or our extensive support after 30 days, we will offer you a full refund, rider’s honor!
That means you can enroll today, and you don’t even have to decide if you’re in for good! Take the full 30 days to explore the materials, bonuses, and the life-changing experience of the What Why How family and Ritter Riders culture, and make your decision then. That enables you to make the decision then based on the experience you have first-hand in the course materials, rather than making the decision based on what you don’t yet know.
(30 Day Period begins with the Start Date of the Course)
Levels 1, 2, and 3 Begin in...
00
DAYS
00
HOURS
00
MINS
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SECS
Register for One Level at a Time
1. Choose your Level.
2. Click the Button.
3. It takes you straight to Checkout.
Level 4 is not available for separate registration until 2027.
What Why How Level 1
Gymnasticizing the Horse: The Foundation that Supports the Entire Training
Begins February 6, 2026.
What Why How Level 2
Athletic Suppleness: Unlocking the Horse’s Potential and Developing the Gaits
Begins February 6, 2026.
What Why How Level 3
Permeable Impulsion: Awakening the Horse’s True Talents and Inner Beauty
Begins February 6, 2026.
"You don't feel daunted, you don't feel judged. You don't feel over faced. You don't feel challenged beyond what you are capable of doing.”
“You'll have a paradigm shift in your understanding particularly if, like me, you only had a functioning, fundamental understanding of dressage and only dressage as sport, not classical dressage as a training strategy for building a better horse, a stronger, fitter, healthier horse, and doing the same for you as a rider. Everything you learn makes you a better rider - makes you a more reflective rider, makes you think about things, makes you stop and take note, helps you build a connection, gives you the tools to talk to your horse and gives you the tools and the mental headspace to listen to what the horse has to say back.“
- Naomi Betts, Australia
"I think the lifetime access is one of the biggest arguments as to why to take the course.”
“What struck me as different from the beginning with Ritter Dressage was the direct conversations in real time that Thomas has with the students. And so, when one has a question to ask whether one asks it on the Facebook page or in one of the Q&As, you actually get an answer back in person. You genuinely can have a back and forth conversation. And, I don't think many other online courses offer that.“
- Jacky Davies, UK
"The course has provided a huge amount of technical detail, in an easily accessible format. The exercises are explained in careful detail with variations depending on your and hour horse's level of experience. I have a far better understanding of what we are trying to achieve, and tools to use to achieve that understanding."
- Jean de Klerk, South Africa
"You get all the background, why to ride a specific exercise at a specific point of education and what should be achieved with this exercise. There are also explanations on how to improve the exercises. Every suggestion comes with an background explanation, so that you learn to think and not just follow instructions. This online course was the best thing, I ever did for my riding!"
- Sandra Schindlbacher, Austria
"I find that this course has given me a thorough understanding of how I can work with my horse in a healthy way. It has also given me a confidence as a rider which a haven’t felt before. My horse has gone from having a stiff side, headstrong and often unwilling to work to being in balance and a horse that wants to work. This course is simply great."
- Alexandra Westermark, Lidingö Sweden
Dr. Thomas Ritter
Thomas is an international Dressage clinician and author of two books (“Dressage Principles based on Biomechanics” and “DLong Reining: From the Beginning through the Levade”) and countless articles in many publications. Originally from Germany, Thomas studied under Karl Mikolka, Egon von Neindorff, Arthur Kottas, Charles de Kunffy, Hubert Rohrer, aumann-Pellny, and Thomas Faltejsek. Husband to Shana Ritter, they now live together with their Lusitanos on a regenerative farm in Portugal.
Shana Ritter
Shana is from USA and is the wife and partner to Thomas. Now based in Portugal on a farm of mostly Lusitanos, together they run a program of online courses and programs which educate riders how to train their horses themselves, in accordance with classical principles and biomechanics. Shana is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist, and has studied with Karl Mikolka, Herwig Radnetter, Egon von Neidorff, Arthur Kottas, Charles de Kunffy, and Dorothee Baumann-Pellny.
Catherine McCrum
Catherine McCrum is an accredited Feldenkrais practitioner and has been teaching sport, fitness and movement since 1986 as first a ski instructor/coach and then as a Personal Trainer. She is also a Gestalt psychotherapist with a particular interest in working with developing awareness of how her clients embody their emotional and psychological patterns. Catherine assists in most of the Artistic Dressage Program courses by providing riders with Feldenkrais-based lessons to improve their body awareness, coordination, balance, and suppleness.
Charlotte Zetterberg
Based in Sweden, Charlotte is a Riding Instructor, Authorised Feldenkrais Practioner, Certified Mindfulness Instructor, and author of the Swedish book "Feldenkrais for Riders". She is also a hypnotherapist, a reflex integration therapist, and a mindfulness instructor.
Marcella Becker
Marcella Becker, a dressage instructor based in Germany, benefited from several years of study under Thomas and Shana, gaining deep insight into their approach to educating horses and riders. With a keen eye for rider seat and horse movement honed over time, she offers valuable input on improving seat, horse movement, and rider-horse interaction.
Kristen Guest
Kristen Guest is an amateur rider residing in a remote area of Canada. Since she followed Thomas home from a clinic in 2009, she has been his student, developing her horse from backing to showing FEI tests under his supervision. Currently focusing on schooling the movements for Grand Prix, Kristen plans to debut her self-trained Lipizzaner at Grand Prix in 2024.
Yvonne Lübcke
Yvonne has been a part of the Artistic Dressage online courses since 2018, and now teaches within the program as an assistant teacher. She is a Holistic Equine Therapist, working with many different modalities including Acupuncture (with and without needles), Homeopathy, Bach Flower remedies, Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Animal Communication, and Emmett Therapy. She also specialises in Work-in-Hand and Liberty work with her horses, following the principles of biomechanics.
Caroline Duff-Riddell
Caroline Duff-Riddell, a resident of South Africa, has experienced various equestrian disciplines including jumping, racing, and eventing before transitioning to Dressage due to unsoundness. She began with Artistic Dressage in the very first online course and has become an invaluable source of wisdom and guidance for the course members. She shares her life with two cherished mares, DarlingDay and Lily.
Dr. Fiona Mead
Dr. Fiona Mead, BVSc., CVA (IVAS), PGDipABM, is a Massey University graduate (1996) and certified veterinary acupuncturist (2012) with a postgraduate diploma in Animal Biomechanics (2016). Passionate about equine health, she blends scientific knowledge with esoteric insights, focusing on biomechanics, hoof care, and complementary therapies like quantum biology, homeopathy, and herbal medicine. A student of renowned experts, including Dr. Kerry Ridgway and Manolo Mendez, Fiona has conducted equine dissections and attended advanced training in equine bodywork and saddle fitting. Based in Kumeu, Auckland, she runs a busy integrative veterinary practice, emphasizing heart-based communication and holistic care.
How much time is required?
Will the WWH Program work for me?
How fast can I expect to see results?
What level is this Program appropriate for?
What type of tack or equipment do I need?
Is everything available immediately?
When are the modules released?
When are the live Q&A and Hot Seat coaching sessions and how do I attend?
What is a "Hot Seat" Video Coaching Session?
What if I can’t watch the Q&As or Hot seat sessions live?
What if I can’t keep up, my horse or I get sick or injured, or I need a different pace?
What if I am not riding right now? What if I don’t ride anymore but wish to learn this to improve my teaching?
I am already in the Ritterize Membership. How is this different?
What kind of support can I get if I get stuck?
What if I do not like Facebook or want to join the Facebook Group?
I take weekly lessons with a riding instructor. Will this still work for me?
I don’t have access to a competent trainer or riding instructor. Will this still work for me?
Can I use this for my Icelandic/TWH/Quarter/etc. Horse?
I have taken other online programs for dressage, horsemanship, straightness, etc. Do I need this?
Can I share this with a spouse/parent/child?
Do I need a special program to access the materials?
What if it is not what I expect? Is there a guarantee?
Do you have people who’ve used this with success?
What is my obligation in this course?
What if I am unsure if this is the right fit for me? What if I have more questions about the course? What if I have trouble enrolling or with the payment process?
How do I enroll? What forms of payment do you accept? Can I pay with bank transfer?
"I couldn't have asked for more. It was brilliant.”
"If you are gonna start any of the courses, start with the What Why How because it covers everything. It's not just one thing. It covers everything, everything you need to know, it's the best course. It was worth every bit of money. You can pay for an hour's lesson for 20, 30, 40 euros per week and not come out with anything. And I came out with so much more. I can't remember where I worked out at a week, but I come out with so much, it was unbelievable. I recommend this course to everybody. All levels. Even high level people could learn a lot, a lot. That speaks volume. I can't believe how much I learned.”
- Bev Slack, Ireland
"I've learned how to help my horse.”
“The biggest progress is I have, have learned to train my horses. I've taken other courses, but this is very different to a lot of other courses, because you start in the very beginning and working through everything where dressage starts. So you can start with an uneducated horse and you work through everything dressage. It's possible to do this for every horse, every kind of horse. I feel confident with what I am doing.“
- Katrin Malmqvist, Sweden
"I hear what you say but I don't understand what you mean"--this has been the thought in my head for years now during different classes by different instructors. Until I found the online course on the "what, why and how" by Shana and Thomas Ritter. Who would have thought that you can improve your riding ONLINE? Yes, you can. Based on a strong fundament of theory, flanked by teaching videos, an interactive Facebook group and weekly live Q&As this course is real gem. Now I understand what happens while riding and I am equipped with the tools to improve it.
- Anja Schröder, Germany
"This online-riding course is the best you can choose right now! My hopes to find out how to transfer classical dressage movements practised from the ground into the ridden work with my young horse have been fulfilled completely. Thomas and Shana Ritter have been able to define exactly what happens biomechanically when we start to ride and want to gymnastize our horses from the saddle in a sound and profound manner. They have come up with numerous creative exercises for classical movements from easy to difficult to guide our horses fluently from relatively new under saddle towards more balance and then further through advanced exercises which in the end will lead to collection and with that the beauty of riding our horses lightly because they have learned how to carry a rider with strength and suppleness using the power of the hindlegs."
- Nan Brünig, Germany
Knowledge is power!
But learning to ride isn’t only about the knowledge. You also need the skills to match that knowledge or you will stay stuck at the “Uphill phase” and you will always be faced with feeling woefully inadequate.
Fill your toolbox.
Each skill is a tool you can use to solve problems that happen in the training. But, it is good to spend time developing as many tools as possible because if you only have one tool, every problem looks like it can be fixed by that tool. Yet, hammering away at a screw is not necessarily going to get the job done well or gracefully, is it? The more tools you have in the toolbox, the more options you have. The more options you have, the more discerning you can be with what you do. And the more discerning you are able to be, the kinder and more humane you are able to be with your horse.
Practice makes perfect.
But it doesn’t always make perfect perfect. Practicing the wrong things makes you really good at the wrong things. You need to learn the right things and then practice those skills.
Polish the rock.
The key to taking a rough, ragged rock and turning it into a glistening diamond, is to just continually polish it until it shines. Same with taking raw talent or rough skills and turning them into finished skills - just keep polishing them.
Chop wood, carry water.
The Zen proverb about enlightenment applies to all skills development. Real development comes from real, day-to-day correct work.
Eat the elephant.
As the saying goes: “How do you eat an elephant?”… one bite at a time. Same with learning something as comprehensive as Dressage. One bit(e) at a time. Progressively. Systematically. Don’t get overwhelmed or “overhorsed” with the enormity of it. Take a systematic approach to your learning so you focus on the next step (or bite) ahead of you.
Take it in stride.
Through your journey, you will learn to adapt to challenges and even turn them into learning opportunities. You will learn not to feed into the negative thoughts when you have those “I had a bad ride, my life is ending, I should just quit riding” moments and you will also learn to temper your ego when you have those great “omg I am the QUEEN of Dressage” rides.
Fill your cup with a beginner's mind.
Gaining skills enriches your personal reservoir of knowledge. It happens one drop at a time. Steady progress. But making sure to always keep an open, curious perspective ensures that your ego doesn’t intrude upon your leaning momentum.
Spinning puzzle pieces into a tapestry.
(Yes, I mixed two metaphors here on purpose). Each skill is like a puzzle piece that completes the whole. As you combine these puzzle pieces, you can weave them together into a rich, comprehensive tapestry of understanding.
Learning is like planting a seed.
It takes time, perseverance, and nurturing to see real growth. Growing those skills is also like a tree growing roots. It takes time to establish a solid foundation.
You know what they also say…. “When is the best time to plant a tree?” Yesterday. “When is the next best time?” Today.
So let’s start. Plant that seed and get started with WWH today.
The Complete 4-Level
What, Why, How Training Program
The Ultimate 4-Level What Why How Dressage Training Program
‣ Levels 1-4 (lifetime access, repeat the levels as many times as you like) - typically students spend 1 year on each level, but you can do it at the pace that works for you and your horse.
‣ Introduction to WWH Mini-Course
‣ What Why How Exclusive Facebook Group (lifetime access)
‣ Lifetime Q&As (lifetime and ongoing access to all the WWH Q&As for each level)
‣ 1 round of Live Hot Seat Coaching Sessions for each of Level
‣ What Why How Accountability Study Pods for each level (optional participation)
‣ What Why How Completion Certificate for each Level
‣ Eligibility to participate in the Ritter Trainer Certification Process at the completion of all 4 Levels
‣ Bonus #1: Video Coaching Raffle - 1 raffle entry for each level (Value €225)
‣ Bonus #2: The Consistency Map - Keep Up & Catch Up Plan (Value Priceless)
‣ Bonus #3: Camera Confidence Mini-Course (Value €19)
‣ Bonus #4 for Complete Program Only: Virtual Élève Bundle (value €200)
‣ Bonus #5 for Complete Program Only: Mindset for Riders Package (value €200)
‣ Bonus #6 for Complete Program Only: Arena GPS 1.0, 1.1, & 1.2 (Value €90)
‣ Bonus #7 for Complete Program Only: Dressage Principles Masterclass Series (Value €150)
‣ Bonus #8 for Complete Program Only: Classical Lessons for the Modern Rider Series (Value €150)
‣ Bonus #9 for Complete Program Only: Rider Development Series (Value €150)
‣ Bonus #10 for Complete Program Only: Ritterize Lifetime (Value €697)
Complete Program - €4197**
** available in other currencies. Payment Plans Available.
(Get started for as low as €379/month! - That's much less than Full Training in any training barn)
REGISTER IN WWH COMPLETE
What, Why, How -
Individual Levels
Levels 1, 2, and 3 begin Feb. 6, 2026.
Registration for each Level Separately.
‣ Purchase one level at a time
‣ Level 1, 2, or 3 of the 2026 What Why How Training Program for the February 6 Start Date (lifetime access)
‣ Introduction to WWH Mini-Course
‣ What Why How Exclusive Facebook Group (lifetime access)
‣ Packet of 2026 WWH Q&As (Bi-weekly sessions)
‣ 2026 WWH Hot Seats (Bi-weekly sessions)
‣ What Why How Accountability Study Pods (optional participation)
‣ What Why How Completion Certificate (relative to level)
‣ Bonus #1: Video Coaching Raffle - 1 raffle entry for each level (Value €225)
‣ Bonus #2: The Consistency Map - Keep Up & Catch Up Plan (Value Priceless)
‣ Bonus #3: Camera Confidence Mini-Course (Value €19)
Individual Level Registration - €1497**
** available in other currencies. Payment Plans Available.
(Get started for as low as €159/month! - that's less than 2 lessons a month with most trainers )
Read Details an Choose your Level by clicking the button
REGISTER FOR A SINGLE LEVEL OF WWH* NOTE: If you enrolled only in Level 1 and wish to now upgrade to purchase the complete program, we can give you a discount code so you can benefit from this great deal! Just email us at [email protected] and we will set it up for you!
We promise that you CAN do this.
But the best part is...you don’t even have to believe us!
If you’re not 100% satisfied with the What, Why, How course program, the training exercises and strategies, or our extensive support after 30 days, we will offer you a full refund, rider’s honor!
That means you can enroll today, and you don’t even have to decide if you’re in for good! Take the full 30 days to explore the materials, bonuses, and the life-changing experience of the What Why How family and Ritter Riders culture, and make your decision then. That enables you to make the decision then based on the experience you have first-hand in the course materials, rather than making the decision based on what you don’t yet know.
(30 Day Period begins with the Start Date of the Course)
The 2026 Course Begins in...
00
DAYS
00
HOURS
00
MINS
00
SECS
You made it all the way down here to the bottom. What more do you need to know?
Still thinking it through? That’s smart. Just don’t let uncertainty keep you stuck.
You don’t need perfect timing. Clarity comes from taking the next thoughtful step.
Need to talk it through?
We get it. Book a 15-minute consult with Thomas and Shana to discuss your needs and whether the What, Why, How Program is the right choice for you and your horse right now. (or to determine which level is right for you)
Let's meet. You can explain your horse, your situation, your background and we can discuss what would serve you and your horse best.
