December 11, 2024 
Lessons from an FEI dressage rider for $5? What’s the catch?
That was my reaction—and the reaction of lots of other riders—when they saw Meghan Laffin’s post. Why would an FEI dressage rider and assistant trainer to Olympian Kasey Perry-Glass offer her training for…the price of a cup of coffee?
In late August, Laffin posted a simple offer on social media: $5 lessons, virtual or in-person, for riders of all ages, disciplines, and experience levels.
“I hit post and just hoped for the best… I was really nervous,” she recalled.
Not because of the lessons themselves. Laffin worried how this gesture might be received by an industry steeped in tradition. Her intent wasn’t to undercut other professionals, but rather to create a judgment-free opportunity for riders who might otherwise feel isolated, financially constrained, or unsure of where to turn for guidance.
Listen to this episode of Horse Person. Be sure to hit ‘Follow’ so you get all episodes downloaded to your phone automatically.
Laffin wanted to offer just a little glimmer of connection and positivity in an industry that felt, at times, fraught with disconnection, elitism, and sometimes, judgement.
Over the next four months, she worked with more than 100 riders, each with unique challenges and goals—from disciplines like endurance, eventing and dressage. What she gained in return was a deeper understanding of the common threads uniting riders across disciplines and the powerful role we can each play in creating a more accessible sport.
This episode is supported by Nikovian—equestrian riding apparel for home or for shows that feels and performs like luxury, but without the luxury price tag. Use code horseperson15 at checkout for 15% off your purchase.
In this week’s episode, Meghan opens up about:
- What inspired the $5 lesson initiative and how it aligned with her values of unity and inclusivity.
- The transformative stories of her students, from beginners to seasoned riders seeking a fresh perspective.
- What she learned about the broader equestrian community, including how mentorship can break down barriers and foster confidence.
- How her experience as a Division 1 volleyball player and her career as a news producer led her down an unconventional path to becoming a pro in the equestrian industry.
This episode isn’t just about an unconventional offer—it’s a testament to the impact of compassion, connection, and a willingness to reimagine what’s possible in equestrian sports.
Horse Person is a podcast hosted by award-winning podcaster and equestrian media professional, Caroline Culbertson. Hit Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or Follow on Spotify, to get biweekly episodes downloaded onto your phone before you wake up and drive to the barn.
This episode is proudly supported by WeRideTogether, a nonprofit organization created to cast light upon the endemic issue of sexual abuse in youth and amateur sports. Their mission is to make the youth and amateur sport environment safer for all athletes. To access the blog post mentioned in this episode, click here.
