Brenda Crist

Licensed Foundation Level

Brenda became curious about dressage in her early twenties, and was fortunate that a friend shared her teachings rooted in the French School. Ever since, she has collected books by these masters and trained or attended clinics with French school teachers available in the U.S.

After auditing a clinic with Philippe Karl in Canada in 2009, Brenda was determined to—and did—start a teacher’s course of the Ecole de Légèreté in the US. After years of study, first with Bertrand Ravoux, then Melanie Bulman, Brenda earned her Foundation Level certification in 2023.

 The training system of the Ecole de Légèreté is a comprehensive, logical, progressive, ethical and horse-centered approach to training horses. Brenda’s passion is sharing this method with curious riders who love learning and want to put their horse’s welfare above all else. Légèreté is so incredibly progressive and methodical that any student who seriously studies and practices it will have the keys to train any horse (including horses not typically deemed appropriate for dressage) to the upper levels. 

Brenda brings her education and work background in counseling, mental health, mindfulness, and education to teaching riding students near her home in Urbana, Maryland. Brenda is also available to travel to teach clinics. You can reach her at kissdressage@gmail.com or (717) 360-2688.