Karin Hess-Müller

Karin Hess-Müller is a German Pferdewirtschaftsmeisterin (Master Professional in Equine Management), Grand Prix dressage rider, trainer, clinician, author, and educator. She is best known for her expertise in classical dressage, in-hand work (Handarbeit), and developing horses to advanced movements such as Piaffe, Passage, and the Spanish Walk using horse-friendly, progressive training methods.

Biography

Karin completed her professional education as a Bereiter before earning the prestigious Pferdewirtschaftsmeisterin qualification. During her career she trained in eventing and dressage, later becoming a successful Grand Prix dressage competitor and earning the German Gold Riding Badge (Goldenes Reitabzeichen) through victories at advanced (S) level.

A major influence on her work came from Spanish trainer Manolo Rodriguez, with whom she studied beginning in 2000. His approach inspired her to make in-hand work a central part of her training system.

Coaching & Services

At the Reitsportzentrum Hess-Müller, she offers:

* Dressage instruction from recreational riders to Grand Prix

* Horse training (dressage and jumping)

* In-hand work (Handarbeit)

* Young horse development

* Piaffe, Passage, and Spanish Walk training

* Rider biomechanics

* Individual clinics with overnight accommodation

* Online courses and educational programs

Training Philosophy

Her teaching focuses on:

* Classical dressage principles

* Biomechanically correct horse development

* Positive, stress-free learning

* Building advanced movements from the ground before riding

* Developing communication and trust between horse and rider

She believes in using the horse's natural learning behavior so riders do not need Grand Prix-level skills to develop advanced movements safely and progressively.

Competition Highlights

* Grand Prix dressage competitor

* Winner and placed rider through S* and S* Grand Prix classes

* Recipient of the Goldenes Reitabzeichen (Gold Riding Badge)

* Successful trainer of dressage horses to advanced levels

Publications

Karin is the author of:

* Pferde arbeiten an der Hand (Working Horses In-Hand), a widely respected book explaining her systematic approach to in-hand training from the basics through Piaffe and Passage.

She also teaches through wehorse, where she offers online courses on handwork and dressage.