Connecticut's Dressage Destination
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Happy Riders,
Happier Horses
We specialize in developing dedicated riders who are passionate about mastering the art of dressage. Whether you’re an aspiring young rider, a serious amateur, or a professional seeking refinement, our elevated training programs are tailored to elevate your skills.
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With a focus on dressage foundations, rider biomechanics & fitness, and personalized coaching, we provide the tools and support necessary to progress through the levels—whether you’re working toward USDF medals, preparing for FEI competition, or striving for harmony with your horse.
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Join a community of committed equestrians who value precision, partnership, and progress. Experience elite instruction, top-tier training, and a supportive environment designed to help you reach your dressage goals.
You know you're capable of more...
Let's get you there
You’ve put in the hours. You show up, you work hard, and you want to get better. But something is missing.
Maybe you've hit a plateau—riding lesson after riding lesson without real progress. You’re told to “ride forward,” “use more leg,” or “get the right feel,” but no one shows you how. You’re left wondering what’s holding you back.
It’s not a lack of effort. It’s not a lack of talent.
You just haven’t had the right system, the right instruction, access to the right horses, or the right training environment to bring out the rider you know you can be.
At Connecticut Dressage Academy, we understand the frustration of feeling stuck, of not knowing the next step, of feeling like your potential is just out of reach. That’s why we do things differently. We don’t believe in guesswork or vague instructions. We teach with clarity, with purpose, and with a system designed to get you results.
Here, progress isn’t left to chance. You’ll learn exactly what to do, why it matters, and how to apply it. You’ll develop a deeper connection with your horse, unlock true harmony in the saddle, and finally ride with the skill and confidence you’ve been working toward.
You’re not just another rider looking for lessons. You’re here because you want more. You’re ready to commit to excellence. And we’re ready to help you get there.
Are you ready to break through and ride the way you’ve always imagined?
Let’s make it happen—your next level starts today.
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We have the solution for you!
Ride with purpose!
Check out our step-by-step equestrian curriculum!
Find out which level you currently are at, what some 'holes'
in your education are, and find out what is in store for your future!
You'll discover your knowledge of riding and horse sense!
You may already be taking lessons but...
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You feel like you are taking the same lesson every week, without further guidance from your instructor
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You struggle with simple things, like get your horse on the rail or steer in a manner that gets your horse exactly where you want them
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You don't know what the next step in your riding is, and you aren't sure if your instructor can get you there
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You simply aren't having fun
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You are concerned about the welfare of the school horses
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You don't feel like you really "fit in" at your barn
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You like your instructor, but you think their knowledge may be limited
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The school horses aren't safe
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You have a solid foundation but feel like there are missing pieces and you want to fill in the gaps
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You have an interest in dressage but a lot of the dressage trainers are intimidating to you
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There's a reason you're here...let us help!
Give us the reins to guide you on your equestrian Journey
My name is Katie Bogaert
I Know What It Feels Like to Want More—But Not Know Where to Find It.
Growing up in Connecticut, horses were my world. I lived for every moment I could spend at the barn, completely obsessed with riding and learning. But despite my passion, I struggled to find a program where I truly fit.
I didn’t own a horse, and I wasn’t driven by the show ring the way other kids were. I just wanted to ride better. I wanted to learn, to improve, to feel that incredible connection with a horse where everything just clicks. But no one seemed to take me seriously. The adults I admired barely noticed me, my instructor wasn’t pushing me to progress, and I felt stuck. Eight years of lessons—and I still hadn’t cantered.
I kept showing up because I loved the horses. But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right.
It wasn’t until I stepped away from traditional lessons and started riding independently that I finally began to grow. I sought out the right mentors—trainers who didn’t just put me on a horse once a week but actually taught me. Through their guidance, my hard work, and an unwavering commitment to improving, I earned my USDF Bronze Medal within two years of starting dressage and my Silver Medal just two years later.
As I continued to navigate the equestrian world, I realized I wasn’t alone. So many riders, just like me, were feeling overlooked, under-challenged, and unsure of how to reach the next level.
That’s why I created Connecticut Dressage Academy—to rewrite the riding school experience. To provide a place where passionate, dedicated riders are given the tools, structure, and coaching they need to truly improve.
Here, you’re not just another student in a lesson. You’re a rider with potential. A rider who deserves to be seen, challenged, and supported. If you've been searching for a program that believes in you and is committed to your growth, you’ve found it.
Are you ready to finally ride the way you’ve always dreamed?
Let’s make it happen—together.
What makes us different
No Pressure Enviornment!
Don't want to show? Cool!
Want to show? Great!
No matter your goal, we are here to help you on your personal equestrian journey. We will always encourage you to push past your self limitations, but we will never treat you differently because of your own personal goals!
Horse Welfare!
Our school horses are (literally) the backbone to our program. In turn, we make sure to treat our horses with the highest regard for their health and happiness. Our school horses receive routine massages, chiropractic, sports innovation treatments, and all standard dental, farrier, and veterinary care.
Our horses work no more than twice per day and have two full days off every week. In addition, our horses get 5 weeks off every year!
We believe all students should witness and understand compassionate care for their beloved school horses, and we are happy to set the bar high for that example.
Fun, Positive Instructors that know their "stuff"!
Riding instruction should be fun, challenging, positive, and encouraging. We understand everything isn't quite "rainbows and butterflies" all the time, but it is our job, as instructors, to keep the trajectory of your equestrian journey positive. We are responsible for providing fun, safe, encouraging, and challenging riding lessons to our students, and we take that commitment seriously!
Our head instructor is a USDF Silver Medalist and has studied under some of the most respected trainers in the country. Katie is currently competing at FEI Prix-St George and Intermediate 1 level with her horse Cedric, and sponsored horse Furst Fritz, with aspirations for the Grand Prix arena. Katie's continued commitment to her education and riding success only benefits her students as she carries her learning with her to her students and associate instructors.
Any Connecticut Dressage Academy instructor goes through rigorous training, including shadowing, lesson reflections with Katie, and routine observation. No matter who your instructor is, we promise you will be in fantastic hands!
Education that goes beyond the saddle!
Too many riders don't know why their horse acted a certain way, how much hay they should be getting, know about equine history, anatomy, knowledge of different equestrian sports, or what types of careers there are in the industry. We have a class that meets every Saturday at 11:00am for all our students that covers all those topics, and much more! The best part? It is FREE to all students!
The best way to become a better rider is to really know your teammate inside and out. We have watched our students success sky-rocket since we have implemented this class and we are proud to be the only academy in the area to offer this class every week for FREE. We do this because we are passionate about your knowledge as an equestrian and we want to give you the best tools to be your best!
Never feel lost again!
If you aren't sure where to go next with your riding, or you really aren't sure what should be expected of you, or what level you really are, then our program has been designed for you!
All students have access to our equestrian curriculum, which is a step-by-step guide to riding! We also have an app where all riders can keep track of their accomplishments and set goals for themselves. Our instructors monitor each rider card, so we will always know what steps to take next with you!
Let's
Work Together
Step 1: Reach out to us by email or schedule an introductory lesson on our website.
Step 2: We will reach out to discuss your experience, goals, and current struggles you may have. We will also send you helpful information such as a welcome packet!
Step 3: We will make an evaluation during your session and discuss a custom program for you.
Step 4: Become a member of the academy and become the rider you've always dreamed of!
Step 5: Enjoy all the perks of being a member like our equestrian curriculum, free horse education classes, weekly lessons, access to clinics, on-site shows, and members only events like our famously fun holiday parties!
Patrick King
"Katie has the success of the rider and the horse in mind and at heart. Happy to recommend Connecticut Dressage Academy!"
Marjorie B
"Connecticut Dressage Academy is where you want to be if you want to learn everything about the horse, from the ground level of horsemanship to upper level dressage.
Connecticut Dressage Academy is a hands on learn the basics (walk before you run) facility if you want to learn from the ground up.
Connecticut Dressage Academy is also where the experienced rider can hone their skills preparing to move on to the next level.
Multiple clinics, shows as well as off site experiences are available consistently throughout the year"
Beth L