One of my favorite editorial collaborations has been Drawn to Dressage, a series created for The Chronicle of the Horse in partnership with dressage trainer Eliza Sydnor.
Each installment paired Eliza’s thoughtful training articles with my original illustrations, translating dressage concepts into engaging visuals that made technical topics easier to understand and more enjoyable to read. From rider position and horse biomechanics to common training challenges, our goal was to make education both approachable and memorable.
As both an illustrator and lifelong dressage rider, I especially enjoyed bringing these lessons to life. My own experience earning a USDF Bronze Medal allowed me to combine firsthand knowledge of the sport with visual storytelling, creating artwork that resonated with riders at every stage of their dressage journey.
The Drawn to Dressage series is a wonderful example of how illustration can do more than decorate a page—it can clarify ideas, reinforce learning, and invite readers to engage more deeply with educational content.
Collaborating with Eliza and The Chronicle of the Horse was a rewarding opportunity to combine my passions for horses, education, and illustration in service of the equestrian community.
As seen in The Chronicle of the Horse. Written by Eliza Sydnor Romm. Illustration by Susan DiFelice.
Can Work-Life Balance—And A Savings Account—Exist In The Horse Industry?
Eliza Sydnor Romm announced her decision to transition from leasing a farm and training horses to becoming a freelance instructor. Despite running a successful equestrian program, high operational costs and difficulty hiring reliable staff helped her make this decision. She aims to share her experiences and insights into dressage training through a new blog series with artist Susan DiFelice.
Of ‘Knitting Hands’ And Good Hands
Eliza Sydnor Romm, a dressage trainer, shares insights on effective hand usage in riding, debunking the myth that “good hands” should remain still. Collaborating with artist Susan DiFelice, they reveal illustrated dressage training tips in their “Drawn To Dressage” blog series, blending their expertise and love for horsemanship.
The Fallacy Of The Push-Button Horse
Eliza Sydnor Romm discusses the misconception that trained horses are easy to ride, likening their complexity to piloting a jet. She emphasizes the importance of mastering foundational skills like balance and responsiveness to handle advanced movements. Romm collaborates with artist Susan DiFelice to share illustrated dressage training tips through their blog series.
Picture The Parking Ramp To Ride Uphill Circles
Eliza Sydnor Romm, a dressage trainer, shares tips for improving riding on small circles while addressing common challenges riders face, such as horses falling onto the forehand. She emphasizes the importance of visualizing a spiral ramp and maintaining proper focus during the maneuver. This content is part of a collaborative series with artist Susan DiFelice.