Dressage training
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.
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#SundaySchool: How to collect your horse
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5 ways being an equestrian makes you more resilient
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Rider biomechanics: 13 things to bear in mind if you want to be a good rider
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#SundaySchool: How can I improve my horse’s walk pirouettes?
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#SundaySchool: a really useful training exercise for young horses
We picked five-star event rider Coral Keen’s brains for her to share some of her training exercises for young horses. Here she shares some of her tips...
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9 ways to train your horse out hacking for success on competition day
Find out how you can use hacking to school your horse and improve the bond between the two of you
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#SundaySchool: how to improve your horse’s medium trot
Follow grand prix dressage rider Anna Ross’ tips on how to improve your horse’s medium trot
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#SundaySchool: How to teach a horse to halt square
Grand prix dressage rider Samantha Thurman-Baker explains how to teach a horse to halt square
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#SundaySchool: How do I ride good downward transitions?
Dressage rider and trainer Matt Frost goes back to basics with exercises to improve riding downward transitions
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List One dressage judge Richard Baldwin reveals how riders throw away marks
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#SundaySchool: Dannie Morgan — how to generate impulsion without going faster
The eventer and rising dressage star explains how to generate impulsion without going faster
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#SundaySchool: How can I achieve a soft contact?
Dressage rider Jessica Dunn explains how to achieve harmony in the hand and stop a horse resisting the bridle
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Prep time: some of the best venues you can train in with your horse *H&H Plus*
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Distance learning: does teaching riders remotely work? *H&H Plus*
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Barrel racing and dressage: why their training techniques are more similar than you might think
What do you reckon the similarities are?
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Not just for trotting over: Michael Eilberg shares his innovative use of poles
British team dressage medallist Michael Eilberg shares the innovative ways he uses poles to help develop young horses’ early training, from corners and circles to counter canter and lateral work
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How to stop your horse rushing — and other training gems from Laura Tomlinson
Olympic gold medallist Laura Tomlinson shares some invaluable training tips and tricks to incorporate into your own schooling
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#SundaySchool: How to pick up the correct canter lead
Top showjumpier David Simpson shares some of his advice on how to pick up the correct canter lead
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#SundaySchool: How do I maintain impulsion in downward transitions?
Dressage rider Alice Oppenheimer explains how to keep a horse energetic and forward, even when slowing down
