DWR Dressage

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406 Elrod Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42104

Service area: Located in Bowling Green, KY, at 406 Elrod Rd. Convenient for clients in Tennessee or Kentucky, situated at the intersection of I65 and I165.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

Competition / Agility
Family Dog

Specialty Focus Areas

Basic Obedience

Training Formats Offered

Private Lessons
In-Home
Private Facility
Board and Train

Program Formats

Sessions Package
Intensive Program

Age of Dogs Trained

Puppy (<1 year)
Adolescent (1-2 years)
Adult (2-8 years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods:

✓ Balanced Training

DWR Dressage offers a full range of riding and equestrian services, including horse training and private riding lessons. Training programs are individualized, focusing on groundwork, lunging, balance, connection, and obedience, as well as under-saddle work. Lessons are available for all levels, from beginners to FEI, and cater to various disciplines such as Dressage, Hunter, Jumpers, Eventing, and general flatwork improvement.

Dona employs an empathetic approach, focusing on the partnership between horse and rider, ensuring both feel positive about their work. Full training includes full board and 5-6 rides/lessons per week.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Pricing for private lessons and full training (which includes full board and 5-6 rides/lessons per week) is available upon contact. Full care board is offered with a requirement of 3 lessons per month, not included in the boarding fee. Offsite lessons over 20 minutes incur a travel fee.

Policies

Messages are typically returned within 48 hours. Full care board requires a minimum of 3 lessons per month, which are not included in the boarding fee. Offsite lessons exceeding 20 minutes travel time will incur an additional travel fee.

Testimonials

“Dona’s training is an integral part of the success I’ve had with my horses. Most importantly, she shows great empathy for horse and rider and works patiently yet persistently to help students achieve their goals. She possesses an extensive knowledge of the theory behind the training, and as such she is able to teach not just the “how” but also the “why” of dressage. Due to her classical approach, Dona is able to utilize dressage to naturally strengthen and enhance any horse regardless of breed or discipline. Under her guidance, I competed my Quarter Horse through First level, garnering recognition from the MD State Quarter Horse Association for achievement in dressage. Dona then helped me bring my Oldenburg from green to currently schooling Third level; along the way regularly qualifying for and competing successfully at USDF Regional and other year-end finals. I can’t credit Dona enough for improving my riding and helping my horses become happy, successful athletes.”
– Anne Matthews

“I started taking lessons from Dona Ruth over 17 yrs ago. I did not know much about dressage but wanted to learn. She help me purchase both of my horses as well as help with all of the training of rider as well as horses. As an instructor she is concise and consistent in her methods. She believes in basics as the foundation for all disciplines. With her guidance we trained my first horse up to doing some third level movements with me showing him second level. At the age of 20 Crescent was retired. With the blessing of my husband I purchased Shindig. With all of the knowledge that I had learned from Dona I was able to move him thru training level and into first level within my first year and a half of showing. We qualified for the CBLM championship this past fall and came in 4th out of 32 entries as well as qualified for the GAIGS for next year. As she has moved on to Kentucky I wish her the best and encourage anyone with the willingness to learn to take lessons from Dona. She has a wealth of knowledge that she pulls from regarding health, nutrition,feet,teeth and lameness issues and can usually get to the bottom of horse/rider inconsistencies after just a short time. Marylands loss is Kentucky’s gain.”
– Debbie Higgins

“Dona is an amazing instructor, trainer, and person! I have been with several trainers and can say that she has been the most helpful by far. Every lesson that i have with her I am able to leave with a clear understanding of what I did and most importantly why I did it. She never hesitates to answer any questions during the lesson and is always willing to explain things further if needed, never getting frustrated. I also felt like Dona never pushed my horse past her limits just to get to a goal faster and instead worked with both us strengthening our weaknesses and building a solid foundation. She has helped me get 2/3 of the way to my Bronze and I am confident that with her I will be able to reach my goal for Bronze very soon!”
– Tori Willis

About the Trainer

DWR Dressage is a horse training business led by Dona Ruth, an experienced Dressage instructor and trainer. The business provides a full range of riding and equestrian services, including horse boarding, training, and riding lessons. Dona works with clients across various disciplines such as Dressage, Eventing, Hunters, and Fox Hunting, as well as those who simply wish to improve their flatwork and general horse training.

Dona Ruth is described as a complete horsewoman with over 35 years of experience in Dressage, along with training and managing experience in Western, Hunters, and TB training. DWR Dressage aims to foster an atmosphere of learning, fun, and growth within a supportive, relaxed, and structured environment.

A key advantage is Dona’s empathetic teaching approach, where she understands both the horse and rider, helping students progress while advocating for the horse’s confidence. The goal is for both horse and rider to feel positive about their work after lessons. The facility offers year-round training with indoor riding facilities, ensuring consistent progress.

Accomplishments

Dona Ruth is a USDF Bronze and Silver medalist, halfway to Gold. She has over 35 years of experience riding, training, instructing, and competing in Dressage, having ridden, trained, and competed through FEI levels. She has studied and trained with notable figures such as Karl Mikolka, Gunnar Ostergaard, and George Williams, and ridden in clinics with Gabrielle Grillo and Michael Klimke, among others.

Dona also judges local Dressage Schooling Shows and Combined Tests, and has taught Dressage to Pony Club chapters and judged Pony Club Dressage Rallies. She is a complete horsewoman with experience in Western, Hunters, and TB training.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can call or send an email. It is also possible to schedule a tour of the boarding and riding facilities. Contact directly for more information on lessons and pricing.

35 Years Experience

Certifications

Credentialed

Associations

Accredited

Languages

English

wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible parking

Other Services Offered

Pet boarding service
Pet trainer

Location