Anne Gribbons, ('O' Dressage Judge, International trainer, competitor) writes in her foreword in the Dressage Naturally Book: "Karen is a great educator who has always kept her own counsel and used her knowledge and exceptional intelligence in unorthodox ways ... I particularly admire the way Karen has managed to... emphasize the positive in combining her two systems to perhaps make an even better whole ... Since her information comes from thorough immersion in her subject and active participation in both forms of horsemanship, it will be worth your while to go on this journey and widen your horizons."

Linda Parelli (of Parelli Natural Horsemanship) writes in her foreword in the Dressage Naturally Book: "As I read page after page of Karen's book I marveled at her ability to write so well, with such feeling and insight, and of course this all comes out of how deeply she has thought about a subject that no one really has covered before, how natural horsemanship can translate into the classical principles of dressage ... I love to see horses performing with a smile on their face and for sure that's what Karen's horses do ... and so does Karen. She is a wonderful example for students of natural horsemanship daring to reach for higher levels of elegance and finesse, both in the approaches she uses and especially in the way that she always puts the horse first."

Perhaps the best way to explain Dressage, Naturally is to understand how it has helped trainers, riders, horse owners and the horses, too! So, here we present recent testimonials about Karen Rohlf's concepts and Dressage, Naturally:

"Thank You very much for the five wonderful days in Avenches. It was for me and my funny little pony a breakthrough! I am very happy that you come every year to our group in Switzerland and help us to become better riders for our horses. Brana says thank you too ... and it also helps my other three Islandic ponies, to be healthy and strong ... better riders keeps old horses young!

The week with you is one of the best times every year and I hope, we meet next year once more!"
Many greetings, Barbara Ritz

"I am a subscriber to your letter and have bought your book and DVD. Thank you for compiling it as it has been the most interesting dressage DVD and book I have used so far. After reading a letter in your newsletter asking a question on how does natural horsemanship and dressage go together I would just like to say that it dumbfounds me to know that this is such a common question ...

... during the past 10 years since that encounter [with Parelli Natural Horsemanship] I have spoken to and read of dozens of people who separate dressage from NH as if they were 2 different things and even more astounding they actually think they clash. If you cannot communicate to your horse how can you possibly hope to resemble dressage or successfully complete ...any challenge on or with a horse if you speak English and they speak horse....of course not, not beautifully or consistently. If you look at a scientist practicing his profession and then look at a young boy on the sports field or in kindergarten and can realize that in the beginning scientists are all children doing children's activities and communications, then what is so difficult about realizing that NH is just as important to the development of horse+human endeavors. It is like saying that all scientists just go straight into high school from kinder .....a huge gap in that training, and that is what I discovered on my journey, there was a huge gap that I only filled when I found Parelli NH and started making phenomenal progress after what seemed to me an eternity to find such practical and common sense information.

So summing that all up in one sentence ....Thank you, Karen, for doing a great job in bridging the gap so that the people who need help to understand the correlation between the two can. I hope that your efforts certainly become more widely known."
Yours sincerely, Tanya Atkins

"I viewed the second DVD in the series and just loved, loved, loved it! It was so clear to me that Barney (my RB extrovert) was so ready for these mobility exercises. I had already been working with him on the ground with yielding his shoulders and hind quarters by touch. I also had been experimenting with turns on the forehand and haunches under saddle but with no real direction or purpose.

Your exercises were just what we needed to play and experiment with the building blocks. I tried them today after viewing the DVD and Barney responded beautifully. You could tell he just felt so smart! We started on the ground and he responded positively on the first try (I told you he was so ready). Under saddle, he just got better and better and more confident in the exercises. He felt like a feather. Now I can't wait to view DVD #3 and #4.

Thank you so much for putting out an outstanding training tool for us who want to pursue dressage but remain true to the Parelli principles. I hope to participate in one of your clinics at Temenos Fields, space permitting."
Thanks again for all you do, Tina

"Just a line to thank you for a great clinic last week. I have had dressage lessons in the past from time to time and have frequently struggled to grasp what the instructor has been trying to get across. I often got the impression that the 'school master' horse I was riding was all too familiar with the script and that I had little more than a walk-on part. When one has a young horse that doesn't know the plot, let alone the script, the need for clarity from the rider becomes paramount.

In my experience you are peerless in your ability to explain the concepts of dressage and to apply them appropriately to the horse and rider in front of you. I found the three days in Wiltshire to be engaging, educational and enthusing. You are an insightful and inspirational teacher of a demanding subject. I applaud and thank you and look forward to seeing you again next year."
My best wishes, Paul

"I was fortunate enough to be present as an auditor at Karen's clinic at the JR Foundation last month. It was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion in so many ways. The hospitality and the venue were both excellent, as was the company, both human and equine. Karen's teaching was so inspiring and interesting. I have bought her book and DVDs and look forward to studying them.

What is also very remarkable is that a back condition affecting me since last winter finally began to subside markedly during this clinic. I think it says a great deal for the depth of Karen's bio-mechanic understanding if a mere spectator can feel so relaxed and benefited from her presence and example. Thank you for this."
With best wishes, Diana Hand

"...Right now I am just about literally EATING Karen's book and DVD. When I first started into it I actually cried tears of joy. I have never ever experienced anything like it, it all made so much sense and I started having results on the first try in areas I have been working on for 3 years with my horse. I am so very excited, I can't even describe it. This is the new Dressage BIBLE, I think it is a must have for any natural student, whether they have an interest in Dressage doesn't even matter. Getting your horse to move with relaxation and energy is a goal that every form of riding should encompass anyways!"
Naturally, Sabine

"Well, I've had a few days to let everything from last weekend sink in. Up until the clinic last weekend I still thought that I needed the bit sometimes. Wrong! Now I see that I was resorting to my old ways of controlling my horse through the mouth. Thank you for showing me that I don't need the bit to ride my horses in order to obtain collection. Piaffe is a very collected movement right? OK so it isn't grand prix piaffe but it's what I asked for and he understood. You taught me to make sure my horse understands what I'm asking and gives the energy that I'm asking for. ...You have shown me how to help my horses let loose through their bodies and that has enabled me to ride a more supple horse. I learned a lot while I had those intensive lessons in Florida but the clinic last weekend was a great opportunity for me to see others play around with I had learned. The visuals really helped but also just hearing your voice repeating the importance of helping your horse let loose, asking your horse for something and understanding when he gave you 100% and if he didn't knowing what to do about it, feeling the gait the horse was in and knowing when the energy slipped away and doing something about it etc. Now I think I get it!"
Diane Brooks

"I just wanted you to know how much I love my Book/dvd. It is fantastic! It is obvious that Karen is an artist in everything she does. She loves the horse for where its at and not what she can make it. I am in total awe and feel like this is what I have waited my whole life to learn. Thank you so much!"
Jody Blaisdell

"The clinic I attended with Karen was by far the most constructive teaching experience I have ever had, along with being the most fun. I just received Karen's book and DVD and it is the perfect compliment to her clinics. I tend to drift back and forth between dressage and natural horsemanship so having something at home by Karen Rohlf is an excellent way to plug into the idea that I really can have both! The theory section is easily applicable so it resonates well in both the analytical part of my brain as well as the part that enables feel. The typical training pyramid sounds really good, but ignores the learning process so if you are a novice rider and your horse is spooking at the corner, it doesn't offer much help. Karen addresses the academic side in a way that can be applied to any level rider and any situation. The exercises are layed out in a way that I can read and study and really get a solid feel for when, why, and how to do each maneuver, but if I want to quick scan through for some ideas before heading to the barn I can do so easily.

Karen wastes no time teaching the same old things that can be found in 500 other texts. This is new information- excellent information. Whether it is the simple or more advanced segments it is truly ideas that you are not going to find anywhere else, yet the principles follow so closely to the principles that have been taught for decades by dressage masters and natural horseman around the world. I won't spend money if I don't think I am getting much bang for the buck, but I ordered Karen's book the moment it came on the market, and I am certainly not disappointed!"
Danee Rudy

"Let's get the confessions out of the way first! I'm a backyard horse owner, have no desire to compete, passionate about horses and intrigued by dressage ~ your fairly typical eclectic 'run of the mill' horse freak, but with a little problem. I am a Parelli enthusiast and I want to learn dressage. Until I ran across Karen Rohlf's DRESSAGE Naturally book/DVD set I honestly didn't know how to begin combining the freeness of 'natural' and the beauty of dressage. Disheartened with the gulf that seemed to exist between the two, I was immediately drawn to this particular book by Karen's statement: "There is a gap between where natural horsemanship teachings end and where dressage teachings begin. I am attempting to fill that gap."

Karen Rohlf is a Grand Prix level dressage trainer, competitor and teacher, plus an Associate Parelli Professional ~ successful and highly respected in both. Better yet, she has an envious, electric and fun relationship with her horses. Karen's book is written with clear, insightful language with practical exercises you can actually follow(!) Throughout the pages she also thoughtfully stays true to the 'three doorways to the horse: the mental, emotional and physical'. The best thing about this book is that it's NOT about natural vs. dressage. Karen lovingly and respectfully brings out the best in both to bridge the two, remarking that the one thing we all have in common is our passion for the horse. "It is time for the two groups to meet, to walk around the horse together and to share the knowledge."

I invite everyone who reads this to think about their personal horse goals. Consider how natural horsemanship can enhance the relationship you now have with your horse. 'Bridge the gap' "
Debbie Eaynor...Bozeman Dressage and Combined Training Club

And more about Karen Rohlf and Dressage Naturally:

Walter Zettl: Karen Rohlf is a dressage rider who has followed the methods of Parelli Natural Horsemanship in order to add more heart to her dressage training. Using methods that are natural and that place partnership, harmony and understanding as the top priority can also yield athletic dressage results. There are no short cuts, dressage is a matter of trust and if we take the time to learn more about the natural psychology of the horse and build the relationship, we will create horses that are willing, confident partners and
 truly 'happy athletes'.
www.walterzettl.net

Glenn Stewart, Natural Horsemanship, BC, Canada: Dressage has always interested me. When I met Karen Rohlf and watched her with her horses, I knew that what she was doing would align with my natural horsemanship principles. It matched the picture of what I thought dressage should look like.
www.thehorseranch.com

Cathy Morelli, USET World Cup Competitor, Grand Prix trainer: The thing that I admire the most with Karen Rohlf was that she presents a partnership that has learned to communicate. By making sure that the horse understands what she wants he is willing to oblige. Karen makes a tremendous effort to understand her horse and to teach him in a way that is meaningful to him. The basic aids are there to build on. And Karen has changed a horse that was very difficult to train into one that was very compliant. What a joy!!!! It's too bad that people don't work as diligently and thoughtfully in their relationships with each other as she does with her horse!
www.cathymorelli.com

Carmen Zulauf, 3 Star Licensed Parelli Instructor, Avenches, Switzerland: I knew a horse person like Karen Rohlf would one day come along. Thanks to Karen, there is living proof of combining Parelli and Dressage at a high level. Karen has built the bridge for me in understanding and performing Dressage while being able to keep all the values and principles I deeply care about, for myself and my horse.
www.carmenzulauf.instructor.parelli.com

Luis Lucio: Discover Pat Parelli's message with Karen Rohlf ... Normally dressage people are used to looking for, and trying to discover new answers to old troubles. The reason for that is clear and easy, we always have problems to solve with our partners the horses. It is not only a question of bits or technique, it involves vets, feed, arena surfaces, trainers, riding equipment, farriers, the schedule of training ... thousands of matters. The challenge is to try and find the right area to change in order to get better results. Sometimes the problem is to know how to ride in the right way, sometimes we know how to do it but we can not, mainly of times we think we are doing well and we keep trying and trying but ... the result doesn't come. In the long process of dressage training we always try to explain the challenges we find with answers like "the horse is ... not yet strong enough, difficult in his mind, bad in his natural balance, tense, uncoordinated for the flying changes, not easy in piaffe, irregular in passage", etc. My experience with lots of horses, talented or not so much, is that the real area to improve is always the same one, the one that is at the center of our problems: The relationship with our horse. We in the dressage world, feel like we are experts in control and in changing and building up the movement of our horses, and really, sometimes we are. But there are still some more important areas to work that can give us the key to solve the problems we find in this "body thinking".

The first time I met Linda & Pat Parelli, they were very enthusiastic about talking with a dressage trainer about horses,and they offered to me different choices for our conversation: Body training, mental attitudes and emotional behaviors ... I was in trouble!! I felt just expert only in the first one … Since that moment I have learnt a lot, not really about bending, impulsion, contact, and balance but about to how to have the horse with me. This simple thing can be the key of our success. Work with Linda & Pat has been really valuable; they introduced me to Karen Rohlf. She was looking like me, doing the same as me but talking differently. Her approach to the normal dressage problems was quick and clear, she made it easy for me and my students to understand the powerful message about "May the horse be with you". I recommend that everybody involved with horses discover Pat Parelli and his 'Natural' message. In getting closer to his meaning we will get more success in our relationships with horses and will contribute to making our horses more friendly and happy. Dressage trainers like Karen Rohlf can be very useful to bring to our dressage world more attention to the mental and emotional problems of our horses and through that improve the quality of our exercises and the life of our horses. In the year of the FEI "Happy Athlete" concept, the message of Pat Parelli is really welcome. Try to discover it.
www.luislucio.com/english/