7 ways to help you get the most from a training session with your horse
You’ve worked tirelessly at home on improving technique or refining skills in your favourite discipline but you want more. Here’s some tips on how to get the most from your training session and make them count from top young dressage rider Joanna Thurman-Baker.
Joanna (pictured), is part of the World Class programme and competes a variety of horses to international level, which includes two rides given to her by Carl Hester, who also helps her train. In 2017 Joanna was part of the British team at the young rider European championships riding Highcliffe Apollo, with whom she competed up to grand prix.
So what’s her advice?
1. Go into the session with a clear mind. Forget about work troubles or that you forgot to put the washing out. Now is the time to focus on your horse.
2. Have an action plan of what you are going to work on. You don’t have to stick to the plan, but at least if you have one, you can attempt to follow and progress yourself and the horse.
3. Work with mirrors if possible. These are invaluable as it’s like you are your own trainer. Alternatively, film a few sessions weekly. Then watch and learn.
4. If working with a trainer, be open to trying new things. Sometimes the answer lies outside the box.
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5. Be brave! Push yourself out of your comfort zone and really see how much you can do. Remember you are allowed to make mistakes — that’s what the home training is for.
6. If you’re practising for a dressage test, don’t go mad going through it 100 times. Your horse could get too used to the test and start taking over and anticipating the movements. Spice things up and add in a few of your own movements to keep things fresh.
7. Don’t work your horse for longer than 45 minutes. For most, it won’t benefit them in the long run.
Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these dressage competitions available to enter where you can show off what you’ve learnt…
Fun Christmas dressage show
Date: 7 December
Venue: Speedgate Farm, Longfield
Details: “This unaffiliated dressage competition features classes ranging between intro and novice.”
British Dressage
Date: 7 December
Venue: Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre, near Bridgwater
Details: “This competition has classes from prelim to advanced medium with qualifiers too.”
Unaffiliated dressage
Date: 8 December
Venue: Leamside Equestrian, Houghton Le Spring
Details: “This unaffiliated competition features classes ranging between intro and medium.”
Unaffiliated dressage
Date: 8 December
Venue: Inchcoonans Competition & Livery Yard, Errol
Details: “This unaffiliated competition features classes ranging between intro and advanced medium.”
Unaffiliated evening dressage
Date: 10 December
Venue: Moulton College, Northampton
Details: “Classes range between intro and novice.”
British Dressage
Date: 14 December
Venue: Forest Edge Arena, Swaffham
Details: “This competition has classes range from prelim to advanced medium.”
Visit equo.co.uk for full competition and training listings
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Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.