The Joy of Volunteering at Dressage Competitions
A long-time Kentucky Dressage Association volunteer shares her meaningful experience.
Horse Show
Develop a Pre-Competition Ritual
Pre-competition rituals can help ground you when nerves hit hard.
The Role of Showmanship in Dressage Tests
Margaret Freeman explains the art of presenting your horse in the best light to the judge.
A Daughter’s Gratitude
DT’s managing editor shares her appreciation for the unwavering support of her family.
Setting Your Dressage Horse Up For Success with Charlotte Bredahl-Baker
Tips on how to train your horse in a fair and logical way.
Energize Yourself to Perform in the Show Ring
Harness positive thinking to become a stronger competitor.
Understanding Pre-Competition Butterflies
Cara Whitham explores the topic of show nerves and gives tips to help your butterflies "fly in formation."
Keep Cool at Summer Horse Shows
Experts provide tips to help horse and rider safely handle extreme heat.
Enter at A: The 45-Second Rule
After the judge rings her bell, you have 45 seconds to enter the arena. Margaret Freeman weighs in on this overlooked competition rule.
Getting to the Ring on Time
In the end, it's the rider's responsibility to know the schedule
Getting Bigger Results from the Arena’s Shorter End
The far end of the arena may be the most neglected part of a dressage test.
Making Up A New Dressage Test
At the end of every test, you halt facing the judge at C and salute. Sometimes it’s at G, as seen here, but more usually it’s at X.
Dealing with Dressage Test Anxiety
I was gratified recently to hear a former U.S. team rider tell of an experience early in her career. She was just riding in a field, practicing some movements, with all going well. Ok, she decided, I’ll run through the test. Suddenly her horse seemed to change, from loose and relaxed to stiff and tense.