Natalie Mendelssohn

Classical Dressage Training - Harmony, Expression, Lightness, Partnership

“For me, dressage is not defined by competition but the process of training. It is about developing a partnership where horse and rider work as one in harmony together - with ease, understanding, mutual confidence, and trust - taking genuine enjoyment from the training and creating a lifelong partnership.”

I am an advanced dressage rider and coach with a strong focus on biomechanics, strength, welfare, and long term soundness in both horse and rider. My approach centres on how the rider influences the horse, helping clients develop body awareness, improve their position, and create clearer more harmonious communication.

With a equine business Foundation Degree I have in-depth knowledge across equine anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, rehabilitation, behaviour, and training of the horse. This academic grounding underpins a systematic, welfare-focused approach to training that prioritises long-term soundness and correct development.

A key part of my coaching is helping riders develop true feel — the ability to recognise subtle changes in movement, balance, and connection. By improving rider awareness and control, I enable horse and rider to work in greater harmony, with lightness and ease.

I continue to train with leading professionals, including Daniel Bremner and Grand Prix rider and list 1 judge Sara-Jane Lanning, and regularly undertake continuing professional development in areas such as rider psychology, biomechanics, and equine health. Recent study includes dissection-based learning, kinesiology taping, and attendance at specialist equine training conferences.

Alongside my dressage background, experience in jumping and cross-country allows me to support a wide range of riders, always with a focus on correct, ethical training.

Fully insured and first aid trained, I am committed to ongoing education and maintaining the highest standards of horse welfare and coaching practice

Recent CPD includes:

attending a dissection course on the hock and stifle
certificate of introduction to Kinesiology Taping
attended the 2-day Healthy Horse conference with NKC Equestrian Training

Natalie’s current horses

Ace

Ace is a 16.2hh Holsteiner, competing successfully at Advanced medium level and working well towards PSG. A wonderful horse with much more to come.
Spartan

Spartan is a 17.2hh Percheron x Friesian who has competed to medium level. He had kissing spine surgery in 2017 and has made a full recovery and loves to play with piaffe and other advanced moves at home!
Rolo

Rolo is a 5yr old 16.2hh KWPN. He has been part of the family since 3 yrs old and is extremely exciting. He a joy to train and be around!
Rubix

Rubix is a 17hh Oldenburg gelding who is now retired but enjoys showing off his funny personality!

Meet the Team

Equine Sports Performance - Vicky Reis

Physiotherapy - Vicky has been treating my horses for over 10 years and now also treats me. Her expertise in soft tissue work, wealth of knowledge as well as ongoing support and advice has been vital for myself and my horses.
Farrier - Matt Staples

Farriery - Matt has been an integral part of my team for many years providing my horses with the best possible hoof care. Matt has a fantastic way of explaining the how and why of his work and keeps my barefoot and shod horses feet in great condition.
Saddler - Ellie Martin of Star Saddles

Saddler - Having a correctly fitting saddle is incredibly important. Highly qualified and experienced Ellie understands both the horses and riders needs and is always there to make even the smallest adjustment to achieve fantastic results. My horses have not been the easiest clients but she has never not found a solution.
Equine Dental Services - Adrian Thorne and Sophie Eley

Dentist - Keeping up to date with dental checks has always been important to me. Adrian and Sophie provide regular check ups for all the horses and are always fantastic with them. Kind and understanding yet efficient and professional, I am yet to have had any problems with my horses teeth thanks to their expertise.
Simple System Feeds

All the horses have access to ad-lib forage and are fed a very simple forage based feed twice a day. Simple Systems Feed ensure that they receive enough of the required vitamins and minerals in the form of a balancer that is then topped up with soaked Purabeet and some chop for texture. No added calories unless required for condition. I choose Simple Systems because their feeds are formulated without cereals, pulses such as soya and peas, molasses, additives and preservatives.
Hay and Straw

Hay and straw - Whipley Manor is a family run, local business who grow their own hay and straw. Providing friendly customer service and great quality hay and straw.
Liphook Equine - Ine Refseth

Equine Vet - Ine has become an absolutely integral and key part of the team over the last couple of years since she joined Liphook Equine Hospital. Diagnosing and treating a wide range of ailments over the last couple of years she continues to provide support and guidance on a regular basis.

“My real passion for dressage started in 2009 in southern Spain when I had the fantastic opportunity to train with Sarah-Jane Clarke, classical rider and international instructor, and have lessons on Andalusian stallions. This wonderful experience was then reinforced by coaching from the professional trainer Sam Twyman on his Andalusian stallions and Friesians in Warwickshire.

Since then I have been to training courses, demonstrations and workshops at Talland School of Equitation, the TTT, The Open College of Equine Studies, Plumptom College, Merrist Wood and many more.

I started riding at the age of 4 after I went to a fair where I sat on a tiny pony called Polo. I was hooked. My passion for horses grew with each ride and with a non-horsey family it was a big step getting my first horse at 14. I was extremely lucky to find such a perfect first horse who taught me a huge amount and allowed me to quickly progress to competing in dressage, lower level show-jumping and hunter trials. With each new horse that came along I learnt an awful lot. Some proved a real challenge mentally and physically and I soon realised the importance of having a strong partnership and bond with the horse in order to enjoy them and reach ones goals.

My dressage ambitions developed further in 2013 when I owned a quirky, but very talented, KWPN gelding by Jazz who gave me a taste of what it would be like to move on up the levels.

Whether I am bringing on a youngster, schooling a more advanced horse towards its next advanced competition, my goal is to work with the horse to help them use their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. I enjoy working with all types of horses from all backgrounds from warmbloods to chunky cobs. I strongly believe every horse can do dressage.”