Dressage and training go hand in hand. In fact, did you know that the word “dressage” comes from the French word “dresseur”, which means training? Dressage is all about working in harmony with your horse to help him improve suppleness, flexibility, obedience and athleticism – and ultimately become more pleasant and responsive to ride.
Dressage training has an important role no matter what level you ride or compete at. As a sport, dressage is about showing off your training in front of a judge – or multiple judges – in an arena, but working on the fundamentals of dressage is key to improving performance and enjoyment in all equestrian disciplines.
Whether you are are looking for advice on achieving the correct canter lead or making the most of corners, or you’re looking for expert tips for nailing flying changes or improving extended trot, we have plenty of helpful features for you.
We also find out what the world’s most successful riders do while schooling their horses at home, so you can gain insight into some of the techniques used by the likes of Olympic gold medallists Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Hester and Laura Tomlinson.
How to ride better flying changes for dressage – with advice from Becky Moody
How to ride the perfect flying change
Flying changes explained: what they are, how to ride one and how to teach your horse
How to ride a square halt: expert tips from Carl Hester and other top riders boost your dressage marks
Develop your horse’s extended canter with this simple exercise on a 20m circle
Develop the quality and rhythm of your lengthened trot strides with this back-loosening, hindleg-engaging drill
Boost the length and power of your horse’s medium trot with this helpful exercise
Develop your horse’s straightness in canter with the help of this shallow loops exercise
Improve the quality of your horse’s paces using just three poles
How to ride free walk for higher dressage marks – with advice from FEI judge Stephen Clarke and Carl Hester
Transform your 20m circles into a productive schooling exercise for increased suppleness and focus
Master your corners with this simple walk transition exercise to improve accuracy and impress the judges
Hone your horse’s responsiveness with this super-simple exercise you can practise anywhere
Boost the quality of your horse’s canter with this straightforward poles routine
A simple polework exercise to help distinguish between sharper corners and rounder circles
Develop your horse’s engagement in canter with this quick transition exercise
Boost your horse’s suppleness and manoeuvrability using five poles on the ground
Sharpen your transitions using this simple exercise on a circle
Improve your horse’s bend in walk with this simple polework exercise
