TRAINING PROGRAMS

Jules Nyssen is passionate about training and teaching horses and riders the principles of classical Dressage. Jules learned to ride at an early age and has worked with some of the world’s top coaches, riders and horses. As a result, Jules is adamant that the training of each horse and rider should be carefully tailored and appropriate for their age, temperament, level of fitness, inherent talent and their own goals.  

His training system is simple and easy to understand for both horses and riders. “Riding shouldn’t be complicated,” he insists, “if a training method is too difficult for the rider to understand, the horse certainly won’t understand it either.”   

While Jules is demanding of his horses and students, he gives them the tools they need to succeed. His approach is carefully balanced as he pushes both his horses and students to be their best but is also careful to ask only what each horse or rider is capable of giving. Jules gives clear and consistent instructions while also encouraging his riders to be creative within the system.  His students range in experience from adult amateurs to Olympians. 

One of his former students explains her own perspective on his training, "So many other trainers tell their students what they are doing wrong but cannot tell them how to do it right. He expects a lot of us but provides very clear directions to meeting those expectations. We know that when we go into the show ring, we are ready!"  

Jules’ systematic approach to training has paid off in the ring at a number of prestigious shows across the country, including Palm Beach, Dressage at Devon, Dressage Festival of Champions, and numerous BLM Championships. He was also named the Rider of the Year at FEI Levels for Region 1 and earned his USDF Gold Medal and Master’s Challenge Award at FEI Levels.

He currently competes on his own horse and his client’s horses from 3rd level through Grand Prix at Dressage shows around the Carolinas. Jules competes several times a year at Tryon International Equestrian Center, Carolina Horse Park, Bruce’s Field and Stable View.