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.
If you’re trying to improve the overall picture of your horse’s way of going, here are some great pointers from four-star eventer Kate Honey on how to engage your horse’s hindquarters and lift the forehand
Four-star event rider Coral Keen provides one H&H forum user with some helpful advice on how to prevent too much neck bend and improve straightness while riding on the flat
Ride Better with Christoph Hess, is a new book, out now, which is full of helpful tips and pieces of advice for riders and their horses whether they are interested in dressage, eventing or showjumping. Here’s a sneak peek
Check out six things Carl Hester recommends looking for when buying a horse.
Four-star event rider Coral Keen provides one H&H forum user with some helpful advice on how to make transitions more expressive
Find out what 'long and low' really means — and how to ride it correctly
Michael Eilberg offers expert advice on the riding techniques that work best when riding and training a 'hot' horse
The Olympic dressage riders shows us how you can use your body to influence the horse, improving the horse's reaction to the aids by engaging the rider's seat and balance
Having your horse in an outline is a common goal when schooling — take a look at these simple exercises to help you achieve your aims
It’s not uncommon to find mirrors in the arenas of most professional riders, so what do they find useful about them?
Navigating the often bewildering world of bits can be daunting. Andrea Oakes finds out whether bitting clinics could be the answer
In his latest book 'The Cobs Can! Workbook', Omar Rabia looks at progressive training exercises designed specifically for cobs. Here, ridden piaffe is introduced
Dressage European team silver medallist Maria Eilberg says: "If you can get quirkiness under control, it can give you an edge."
Four-star event rider Coral Keen provides one H&H forum user with some helpful advice on how to encourage a horse to work over its back into the contact
The dressage warm-up area can be an intimidating place for both you and your horse. Here's some advice on how to ride the perfect warm-up for maximum results
Dressage rider and British Equestrian Federation Futurity judge Lesley Peyton-Gilbert shares her top tips for getting the most out of your walk
Horse & Hound's dressage editor Alice Collins, who is currently competing at prix st georges level, shares her simple steps for achieving the perfect canter
While there isn’t a fast-track way to make you a better rider, lungeing sessions are the next best thing. Here are five expert tips that will transform the way you sit in the saddle
You know that the perfect coach could turn around your season, you’re just not sure how to find one. H&H finds out...
