Horses and riders are both athletes. Maximize your own health and fitness to take your dressage training to the next level with these articles on rider fitness, sport psychology for equestrians, injury management and more.

The Latest

Instruction

No Stirrup November: A Month-Long Commitment to Improving Your Seat WITH or WITHOUT Stirrups

Try these tips by Dave Thind to develop a more independent seat.

Lifestyle

You Can’t Build Elegance with Force

Drawing parallels between yoga and dressage has helped this Grand Prix rider and trainer elevate his balance and strength and see the training journey through his horses' eyes.

Rider Wellness

Competition Dressage: Is Your Mindset Holding You Back?

Understand how mindset, preparation and goal setting can transform your competition experience.

Lifestyle

…But Look How Far You’ve Come

A reflection on the journey from the rider I used to be to the one I dream to become.

Lifestyle

Why Barn Culture Matters

Grand prix dressage rider and trainer Kim McGrath learned early on that barn culture can make or break a person’s or horse’s ambitions.

Lifestyle

VIDEO: Robert Dover on the Power of Visualization

In this video, former Technical Advisor for the U.S. Dressage Team Robert Dover explains the four major qualities a rider needs to own and the importance of visualization.

Rider Fitness

Unmounted Fitness Exercises for Mature Dressage Riders

Rider fitness tips to improve flexibility, mobility and strength for the over-40 rider

Rider Wellness

How Perfectionism Can Hinder Progress in Dressage

Psychologist Jane Karol explains a helpful mental approach to becoming a better rider.

Lifestyle

How Dressage Riders Benefit from Developing Strong Core Muscles

USEF “S” dressage judge Debbie Rodriguez shares her thoughts on becoming a fit rider.

Instruction

Fitness Tips for Weekend-Warrior Riders

Charlotte Bredahl-Baker answers this reader question, explaining what you can do to improve your ability to follow your horse's movement, especially if you aren't able to ride regularly.

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