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I'm Saskia Ostermeier, and this is my truck, Suzy, and I travel throughout New Zealand, ready to help you on your equestrian journey.
My lessons are designed to challenge you and your horse in a positive way, often leading to significant improvements in balance, throughness, and overall performance.
Suzy is my self-contained home on wheels, allowing me to bring my expertise directly to various locations. While it might feel like "no pain no gain" sometimes, the results are what truly matter!
Straight from the Arena – Rider Feedback
I have known Saskia now for around 2 years after being introduced to her by my trainer.
When I went to that first session, I wasn’t sure what to expect and asked myself was I good enough? would she laugh at me and my little grey pony?
If she thought it she didn’t show it as Saskia made me feel instantly at ease and was very encouraging.
Neither of my horses are typical dressage horses, built downhill, chunky types but with good hearts. Saskia rose to the challenge with her incredible eye for detail and unique way of getting the best out of horse and rider.
I have 2 examples of this which were quite incredible – the first was when I was struggling with my lower leg being long and on the horse, Saskia asked me why was I riding around with my toes curled up on my left foot? I was perplexed and immediately felt my left toes which were curled up in a tight ball!! I had no idea I was even doing it.
Another time was when we discussed my position and my saddle fit. I had just purchased a brand-new saddle – Saskia told me that my saddle was not sitting correctly and we took it off – it had a slight imbalance on one side, and I sent the saddle back to the agent. On investigation they discovered that there was a fault with the saddle that neither the saddle fitter nor I had picked up – but Saskia did.
I find my lessons with Saskia, challenging and rewarding and I trust her to ensure that I train correctly and sympathetically in line with the work I do with my horses at home.
Saskia has a wonderful sense of humour and love for life and adventure; we always have a lot of laughs although I think I laugh too much and then she tells me off!!
I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to have Saskia share her knowledge with me and am looking forward to many more. Jo Rigg
I’ve recently had the pleasure of working with Saskia. Throughout this time she has demonstrated exceptional knowledge, skill, and dedication to the art of dressage.
One of the qualities I truly appreciate about her coaching style is how she individualises each lesson, quickly adjusting her training approach to suit the specific needs of both horse and rider.
No stone is left unturned. This personalised attention ensures that progress is meaningful and tailored, making a real difference in performance and confidence.
She is also very diligent in following up to see how I am progressing, which indicates a genuine interest in development.
Beyond her expertise, she brings a positive and motivating energy to every lesson. Thanks to Saskia’s guidance I have been able to continue progressing in a positive way. I can highly recommend Saskia to those seeking a knowledgeable, supportive and motivated dressage coach. Kathryn Corry
"Saskia's lessons have been an amazing help with pinpointing both my horses and my own crookedness and weaknesses. Returning to riding after a long break, with an older out of work dressage schoolmistress has had its challenges. She has a precise ability to assess the root cause and enable true progress with clear instruction. I highly recommend Saskia to anybody wanting to improve as a rider, and help their horse/s". Melanie Creed
I am delighted that Saskia is teaching again, her expertise has been invaluable to my dressage training. Saskia’s innovative exercises have significantly enhanced my horses’ balance, suppleness, happiness and overall performance. Her approach keeps the horses mentally engaged and continually progressing, ensuring they maintain long, successful careers while feeling great.
Her keen eye for balance is truly exceptional, and she tailors each lesson to challenge the horses without ever overloading them. Contrary to the horses, I sometimes struggles to walk for a bit, Saskia’s eye for detail misses nothing!!
Saskia’s lessons are both fun and demanding, making each session rewarding for both horse and rider. I feel incredibly fortunate to have her guidance, and I know my horses benefit tremendously from her skill and dedication. I highly recommend Saskia for anyone looking to improve their dressage work.
Kallista Field, NZ Olympian
I’ve known Saskia for a long time as I use to have lessons with her when I was riding. It was a loss when she moved to the South Island and stopped coming north to teach. Knowing what an amazing eye for detail and her incredible knowledge I have on several occasions driven to her home town of Geraldine from Auckland in the horse truck so my daughters could get coaching from her.
We have been very fortunate to have had Saskia come and stay with us and help Charlotte more consistently this season and the improvement speaks for itself. Charlotte has had a super season.
Leanne Cashin
I have had lessons over many years with Saskia. There are many people who call themselves trainers or coaches.
Saskia is a trainer of riders more than any others I have had lessons with. She makes riders use interesting exercises to improve movements rather than just saying how to do a movement.
She wants riders to know how thru interesting personalised exercises to train horses correctly.
Betty Brown, A-level NZ judge & mentor and FEI 3* Dressage judge, ridden GP & trained several horses to level 6 and 7.
I met Saskia while running Astek Stud. We had many young horses in training and her professional approach was enlightening for us.
Saskia brough International knowledge with an extraordinary eye for detail to pinpoint exactly what horse and rider combinations needed to progress.
Saskia was an important addition to my business as we had a wide range of horses and riders needing an experienced trainer. Alongside her good nature and great sense of humor we developed a satisfying reciprocal bond. I would recommend her guidance for all levels of riding.
Sue Fowler, Astek Stud Ltd
Great news:
Saskia Ostermeier is returning to training NZ dressage horses and riders!
Saskia's Training style is unique - no other trainer in NZ has as many exercises up their sleeves, be it for improving the horse or the rider.
Her approach to training is playful yet her attention to detail uncanny.
She will spot even the slightest deviation from the ideal and provide help for improvement.
Intuition and depth of experience form the solid base of her teachings.
Saskia's knowledge acquired from influential Dutch trainers in her youth and her uncanny ability to tune into the horse's body make her a very valuable addition to our top dressage experts in the country.
Jutta Rosenblatt, Vollrath Stud
I have had the pleasure of working with Saskia Ostermeier since 2018, and the impact she has had on my dressage riding has been incredible. Saskia is not only an extremely talented coach, but she also has a rare gift for communication, explaining things clearly and effectively, and tailoring her approach to get the best out of every horse and rider combination.
Saskia has an exceptional eye for detail and a natural sense of what each horse needs to progress, whether you're working on the basics or fine-tuning higher-level movements.
She works well with both beginners and advanced riders, and brings the same patience, enthusiasm, and professionalism to every lesson. Saskia's coaching is grounded in kindness and respect for both horse and rider, always putting the welfare of the horse first.
Kyle Calder , winner at the CCI3*-L at Puhinui in 2023
Saskia is an exceptional, dedicated dressage trainer with whom I was lucky enough to have a lesson before she took a break from teaching. My lesson was fun and I enjoyed the exercises I learnt which helped my horse go in a softer more supple way. Saskia cares about her pupils, gives confidence and is able to offer advice in all facets of equine care and nutrition.
I have seen Saskia teach riders from novice to GP, renewing their enthusiasm and commitment to make these combinations into truly correct and happy athletes.
We are very fortunate to a have a European trained coach here on our doorstep that can give us the building blocks to progress forward with a sound and happy horse.
Julie Smith, Dressage judge & rider
I first started having lessons from Saskia in the early 2000’s at her property in Waiuku. As a novice dressage rider on a young novice horse we found her instructions easy to understand and really helpful in progressing us into a great team together.
She has an excellent eye when instructing and gives immediate advice on what to do or even can spot what is about to happen and correct it.
Missed her dearly when she moved to the South Island and stopped traveling and we moved north.
When I heard she was travelling north giving lessons I jumped at the chance and made contact and have booked lessons again. Can’t wait!!!
Would certainly recommend taking lessons from Saskia
Vicky Tribe
"It’s easy to blow my own trumpet… so I’ll let my riders do it for me."
Want to Organise a Course in Your Area?
Because I’m fully mobile and self-contained, I’m always open to visiting new locations around New Zealand. If your area isn’t currently on the calendar, feel free to get in touch!
Since I travel with my home, I can easily stop at more places along the way—this means I can offer courses for smaller groups too. All you need is a minimum of 4 riders for 2 consecutive days (4 lessons each day) to make a stop worthwhile.
Interested in bringing dressage coaching to your area? Let’s chat!
As long as there’s space for Suzy to park up, we can make it happen!
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