Ellen Eckstein is a Grand Prix/FEI level dressage rider and instructor from Templeton, CA,  Since 1977 Ellen has combined classical dressage with philosophies and techiques learned from Tom Dorrance (author True Unity).  She was selected in 1977 to work with Colonel Lunquist towards international competitiions and has quite an accomplished dressage record including: USDF Gold and Silver Medals; USDF/ABIG Region Seven Reserve Champion Intermediate II; and CDS Reserve Champion Horse of the Year Prix St. George,  Ellen has 25 years of extensive training with European and American classical dressage instructors and she has personally trained two of her own horses to the Grand Prix level.  Throughout each 45-minute session, Ellen emphasizes communication, timing and feel.  Her clinics are a very open and welcome atmosphere, where questions from the rider and audience are not only welcome, but also encouraged.  Ellen believes in positive reinforcement and emphasizes a supportive communicating relationship between horse and rider.  All riders are welcomed.

Ellen Eckstein recalled bringing to Tom a big Canadian warmblood that had
unloaded her, and how Tom worked the young horse off Goose, a Thoroughbred
officially banned from racing due to his uncontrollable behavior.  When he finished
working the unruly youngster off  the notorious Thoroughbred,  Tom commented
on the situation by reciting, "Slicker-Break a Bronco." He not only mastered the
art of horsemanship; he mastered the art of understatement.  While some had
known Tom for decades, others were connected indirectly, yet still profoundly.
Jeannine Berger, who rides with instructor Eckstein, noted,  "It's amazing that my
riding has been so influenced by a man I never met."

" A mule is just like a horse, but more so."
   Tom Dorrance