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.
Here, in the first of two H&H features surrounding her advice on identifying marginal gains in dressage, author Alison Lincoln discusses why and how you can identify areas to improve performance...
The grand prix dressage rider discusses using turn on the forehand to improve suppleness and refine the horse’s understanding of the leg aid
Olympic dressage rider Laura Tomlinson explains how to improve a horse’s self-carriage and what it means to do so
Show producer Sam Quiney gives her advice on how to get a young horse to start using his hindlegs correctly
The international dressage rider gives her advice on promoting bend and flexion in a stiff horse
At the British Dressage national convention (19-20 November), Stephen Clarke worked with a range of breeds to demonstrate how to get the most out of them — whatever their size or type
Creating and maintaining a good walk in a dressage test is sometimes easier said than done. Five-star event rider Georgie Strang has some helpful advice on how to achieve a good, relaxed but active walk
Here’s some great advice on how to ride a perfect square halt on your horse or pony from five-star event rider Coral Keen
Most horses are born with a preference to one side. Andrea Oakes investigates how you can combat this, and the importance of straightness in training
Australian dressage rider Lyndal Oatley provides tips for nailing this advanced move
Dressage rider Anand Patel offers advice on encouraging the horse to work from the quarters into an elastic contact
The international dressage rider offers her tips for starting to train this advanced collected movement
Here are some great pointers from five-star eventer Kate Honey to help you tackle spookiness with your horse in the arena...
Love both dressage and jumping? Find out why the British Dressage (BD) combined training series could be perfect for you
Eventer turned dressage rider Ruth Edge suggests some easy exercises to help develop your horse’s trot
Grand prix dressage rider Samantha Thurman-Baker explains how to master this key test element
The dressage rider (pictured) advises on the key to correct dressage training — that your horse works through from behind
Grand prix dressage rider Alice Peternell explains how to make your horse more forward-going and in front of the leg
Every rider can start to apply grand prix principles to their horse, no matter what their age or level, explains Anna Ross
The international dressage rider and young horse producer explains how walk pirouettes can improve engagement for medium trot
