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Train your native pony to ‘steal the show’ in the dressage ring with these 4 exercises, expert tips and polework patterns
Incredibly trainable, our native breeds have plenty going for them on the dressage stage. In this article exclusively for H&H subscribers, experts give their tips for training native ponies so that the “judges cannot ignore them”, creating a picture of ease, lift and ground cover. We discover their secrets – plus exercises to put the theories into practice
Forget the stereotype that only tall, flashy warmbloods belong between the white boards. From Connemaras to Welsh Section Bs, native breeds are proving they can do more than hold their own – they stand out. And if you’ve already done a bit of showing with them, that ringcraft can help when training native ponies for dressage.
“Often, it’s the not‑so‑flashy horse that ends up stealing the show,” says international rider and list 1 British Dressage judge Sara-Jane Lanning.
Sara-Jane has helped train several natives, including Hannah Bown on her 14.2hh New Forest, Buckland Bonnie Lad (Rodney).
“Sure, we might not get nines for your mediums – Rodney’s only got short little legs – but if you train them correctly, the judges can’t ignore it,” Hannah says.
Why native ponies can excel
Native ponies are smart, quick-thinking, and willing. Once they’re on side, they give you everything.
BDCC Level 3 coach and list 2 judge Alice Oppenheimer describes them as: “clever and full of character – once they want to work, you’re already 90% of the way there. They might not find everything easy, but they’re incredibly trainable.”
Sam Roberts, whom Alice trains on her 13.2 hh Welsh Section B stallion – and former showing star – Moelview Prince Consort, proves the point.
“I’d never even done dressage before,” Sam says. “We just sort of fell into it.”
At their first affiliated prelim, judged by Jennie Loriston-Clarke, they scored a staggering 86.74%. Since then, they’ve competed up to prix st georges (PSG) at championship-level.
“On a smaller one like him, I feel like I get more time in the tighter movements than on a warmblood,” Sam adds. “Although in the walk, it feels like it takes forever to cross the arena.”
Some natives can show a natural aptitude for collection. But short strides and compact frames mean riders must create the illusion of ground cover without rushing.
“Don’t try to make your pony Valegro,” warns international judge Isobel Wessels. “It’s so often against the horse’s welfare. Instead, ride the solution: identify what’s missing, and build it step by step. That’s what training really means.”
Training native ponies for dressage: work with the build
Like cobs, native ponies often need help with uphill balance and consistency of frame, especially when tension or speed creeps in.
Sara-Jane explains: “They’re not built uphill, and they can get heavy on the shoulder. We’ve got to help them find balance – and that starts with slowing down.”
Alice adds: “They’re active behind and short in front, so we work on adjustability – not speed. You don’t push them faster; you help them find the right tempo.”
The mission is to create a picture of ease and lift – even if the frame isn’t warmblood-like.
“It’s about training what we want them to become,” says Sara-Jane.
Four progressive exercises to try
1. Zig-zag suppleness
Ride a shallow leg-yield off the track for half the long side, straighten for a few strides, then leg-yield back again. Swap the direction on the next long side. For natives with busy brains, this frequent change of bend keeps them thinking while teaching true suppleness without rushing.
2. Quick-fire transitions on the long side
On the long side, ask for quick-fire gear changes within the pace: three strides bigger, three strides smaller, then back to working. Sara-Jane says this teaches ponies to wait without losing energy. “Everything should feel light and easy – not like a fight.”
3. Tempo changes on a circle
Alice recommends riding medium trot on a 20 m circle, but alternating between a few strides of bigger steps and then immediately back to a soft, shorter trot. The contrast sharpens balance and encourages reach without the pony running through the hand.
4. Corner collect-and-go
Use corners as mini half-halts. Ride in with a touch of collection, then allow the pony forward on the short side. This pattern develop more push from the hindlegs and helps compact ponies learn to sit rather than rushing off.
Polework that pays off when training native ponies for dressage
For ponies that need more lift, swing, or reach – especially in the extensions – polework is a game-changer. Isobel suggests fan-shaped poles through a corner.
“If you ride closer to the middle, the steps have to be shorter and higher. That’s brilliant for lift. If you ride further out, the pony stretches more, covering ground. Start easy, then play with the line. The poles do the work for you,” she says.
This is especially useful for developing extensions in natives, who often have quick hindlegs but take shorter strides. By gradually riding the line further from the centre, the poles encourage them to open the frame and take longer steps – without the rider chasing them forward. Over time, this builds the strength and coordination needed for clear, expressive lengthenings in trot and canter.
UKCC Level 3 Dressage Coach Alison Short echoes this: “Ride over a fan of poles to improve footfall and length of pace in walk. Combine that with half-halts to keep the shoulder up in an outline, and you’ll see the difference quickly.”
Hills, raised poles, and hacking all build strength and stamina in ways that feel like play – key for natives, who thrive on variety.
Sam schools Moelview Prince Consort just once or twice a week but keeps him fit and happy with varied work.
“We do a bit of everything,” she says. “Happy athletes perform better.”
Adding precision and accuracy
Isobel stresses why accuracy wins points – especially with compact types.
Ride diagonal lines with purpose: “Aim the shoulders straight at the marker. It maximises space and makes every future movement cleaner,” she says.
Respect corners: “Riding properly into the corner gives you time to prepare. Cutting corners leads to slipped hindquarters, not shoulder-in.”
Nail the little things: “Square halts, rein-backs, simple changes – these add easy marks. A correct rein-back can outscore a flashy but unbalanced medium trot.”
She also emphasises transitions: “There can be 30 transitions in a novice test. If each one starts from the hindleg, in rhythm, and with acceptance of the bridle, that’s a fast track to higher scores.”
Training native ponies for dressage takes time, especially with compact types.
Sam reflects: “I still feel green – but I love the technical challenge.”
Isobel sums it up: “Take time to save time. Don’t chase shortcuts. Quiet repetition, reward, and gymnastic work always pay off.”
And Sara-Jane adds: “Don’t think you can’t do it because your pony looks different. Good riding, good training, smart test-riding – that’s what gets results.”
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Oscar joined Horse & Hound in October 2023 and is the magazine’s dressage editor and sports manager, overseeing coverage of equestrian sport. After studying equine science at Myerscough College, he spent four years working for leading dressage rider Emile Faurie, competing at the 2015 National Dressage Championships and travelling with the yard to CDIs including Aachen and Saumur. He holds a master’s degree in Literature from York St John University (2021).
