Mark Russell Natural Dressage

“This journey with Horse is a journey of the heart; an unfailing commitment to compassion and grace.”~ Anonymous Student.

Mark’s legacy endures in his Book and Videos.

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“You can either make coarse cloth in a hurry or weave silk, laid down layer by layer.”

“You don’t dance by forcing your partner into the movements.”

Testimonials

Mark was beloved by all who met him.

“I will never forget the moment I knew I wanted to learn from Mark”

I will never forget the moment I knew I wanted to learn from Mark. Shasti was an old school horse with lots of baggage and she threw her head up when I reached for her halter. Mark responded with the words "don't scare her" and put his hand on her halter. She melted...

“Teaches with such passion”

It is so wonderful to see a trainer that strives to teach the steps it will take to fix a problem in time and not just with a quick fix as so many trainers do. I never had a trainer who teaches with such passion as Mark Russell.

“Mark’s obvious ability to read the horse”

I noticed immediately watching Mark work with the horses is how mentally engaged the horses were. Mark's obvious ability to read the horse and take the time it takes really sets the horse up for success.

“I just wish I had found Mark 10 years ago”

I have told many people that I just wish I had found Mark 10 years ago. His philosophies and training methods are what I felt were missing from the many clinicians I tried to work with. I admire Mark so much for being the voice in the wilderness. I believe he is dead...

“I have learned more in the past year under Mark’s watchful eye, than I have in the past 35 years”

Mark's humble facade hides his amazing insight into horse behavior and movement. I have learned more in the past year under Mark's watchful eye, than I have in the past 35 years.

“With Mark, riding becomes Art”

With Mark, riding becomes Art and the process becomes as enjoyable as every little success along the way. As a student of natural horsemanship, I ride with Mark because he helps me keep my horse's well-being and emotional state constantly in the forefront of my...

“I was mesmerized by the effortless dance between Mark and the horse”

I distinctly remember the first time I had the privilege of watching Mark train one of his horses. I was mesmerized by the effortless dance between Mark and the horse. There was absolutely no force or resistance, just total harmony and lightness. It was as if Mark...

“I am absolutely in awe”

Once again thank you for providing a wonderful facility and opportunity for your clients to learn and further our horsemanship. Specifically, I am speaking of the Mark Russell clinic which took place this past weekend, 4/5/09 - 4/7/09, in which I was able to take 3...

“It was a feast watching Mark ride Cadbury”

"It was a feast watching Mark ride Cadbury yesterday. I have, so far, seen four riders who studied with Mestre Oliveira at some point (some of them much more long term students of the master than Mark) and of all of them, Mark is the closest to Nuno. The use of his...

“One of the most rewarding and eye opening experiences”

"That was one of the most rewarding and eye opening experiences I have ever had in the equestrian field. I'm so encouraged that I am going to completely change the direction I was going with my horse ! This is also what I have been looking for all along and finally...

“A very successful experience”

"I found the shared discussion of French Classical by Bruno and Mark very instructive, and the lesson/demonstrations right on target. As a newcomer to South Florida, it was also inspirational to find that not everyone is mesmerized by " competitive dressage". I have...

“We never would have reached this point without you”

"I have some great news for you. My saddle fitter was out today because I have had trouble with Rebel’s saddle shooting forward onto his shoulders. She said that his back has gotten so much flatter and stronger that he no longer needs the shims we made to level his...

“…to trust my horse, to trust the power that’s now evident, and allow it to flow.”

Thank you so much, Mark, for teaching me how to help my good brown horse get his 'groove' back. I'm amazed at how much more willing and fluid he has become, even with only a handful of sessions of in hand work. I'm not perfect yet - but better than I was at first. The...