How To Dressage Podcast
370 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 54 ratingsWe are an information podcast breaking down the How To's of dressage. All of our episodes are designed to help you train your horse correctly, get higher scores, and win your next dressage competition.
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Episodes
How to Stop Your Horse From Falling Out
January 18, 2024 06:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBA common problem when riding circles or schooling in an unfenced field or paddock is ‘falling out.’ Although this fault is more commonly experienced with younger novice horses (because they lack balance), it can occur with any horse at any age and is often caused by the rider not using their aids correctly. So, in this podcast episode, we will cover what falling out is, the problems caused by falling out, the reasons why your horse falls out, and how you can stop it from happening. ----...
How to Know When to Move up to the Next Level in Dressage
December 26, 2023 06:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MBThrough correct and systematic training, you and your horse should naturally progress up through the dressage levels. Like most riders, you’re probably keen to advance, but it’s important that you don’t rush your partnership and enter a competition at a level beyond your current capabilities. So, how do you gauge when it’s time to move your horse up to the next level in competition? In this podcast episode, we’re going to look at the problems of progressing too quickly and too slowly, g...
How to Ride Your Horse on the Bit
November 24, 2023 16:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBThe term 'on the bit' is often wrongly simplified to a horse that has its head tucked in with a rounded neck, i.e., as long as the horse does not have its nose poking out and isn't looking at the stars, then it's 'on the bit.' This is incorrect. 'On the bit' is about much more than your horse's head position. So, in this podcast episode, we will clarify what 'on the bit' is, why you want your horse 'on the bit,' and how to put your horse 'on the bit.' ------------- If you would rather...
How to (And Why) Ride a Good Circle/Volte
October 30, 2023 06:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MBCircles are one of the first bending movements that a young horse will learn. They’re also one of the first movements you will ride on a horse that is not fully warmed up. Every dressage test throughout the levels asks you to perform circles of various sizes. And out of all of the dressage movements, a circle is a figure that you will ride more than any other. And yet, the humble circle is one of the most difficult movements for horse and rider to get right. So, in this podcast episode, ...
How to Improve Your Horse’s Balance
October 16, 2023 05:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MB"Balance" is a term that is frequently used by riders, trainers, and dressage judges. It applies to all riders and all horses at all levels, and it's essential not only for your dressage competition success but also for your horse's physical well-being. So, in this podcast episode, we look at what balance is, the reasons why balance is necessary, what causes a loss of balance, how to test your horse's balance, and what exercises you can ride to help improve your horse's balance. (Please ...
How (And Why) To Bend Your Horse Correctly
July 24, 2023 05:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBHow many times have you had the remark, “Could have more bend,” on your dressage test sheet? A lack of supple bend is a common fault that judges will mark down because bending is crucial to your horse’s progression in the dressage scales of training. Without the ability to bend your horse correctly, you will not be able to ride accurate circles, turns, or corners, or position your horse for lateral movements. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to look at why you need to bend your...
How (And Why) To Ride Shoulder-in
July 10, 2023 05:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MBShoulder-in is a lateral movement that requires you to bring your horse's shoulders to the inside while bending him uniformly through his body. Since it is the first movement that requires riders to displace their horses' shoulders, it's often ridden incorrectly by those first attempting it. So, in this podcast episode, we will look at exactly what shoulder-in is, the purpose of this movement, the aids you need to apply, and how to ride shoulder-in correctly. (Please note: This is an up...
How to Choose the Right Dressage Trainer for You
June 26, 2023 05:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MBDressage is a skillful sport, and no matter how good you get, you will always want to get better. Even the top dressage riders in the world have regular sessions with their trainer(s) because there is always room for improvement. With that in mind, it’s vital that you carefully consider the dressage trainer that you will work with over the long term because they will significantly impact your progress and success. So, in this podcast episode, we will look at the role of a dressage traine...
How to Manage a Spooky Horse
June 12, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBAnyone who has spent any reasonable amount of time around horses has probably experienced a spook or two (possibly more!). If your horse spooks at a particular object, his attention is on that rather than on you and your aids. Not only will this lose you marks in dressage tests, but it could also be dangerous if your horse reacts in panic. So, in this podcast episode, we will look at why horses spook, why spooking is a problem, what you shouldn't do when your horse spooks, and finally, g...
How to Fit and Use a Double Bridle for Dressage
May 29, 2023 05:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBA double bridle is what you see used on all the top dressage horses during competition, and using a double bridle for the first time can mark a significant milestone in your dressage career. That being said, many riders misuse double bridles or introduce them to their horses too soon, using it as a shortcut to getting their horses into an “outline” and mistakenly using it to slow their horse’s canter in order to negotiate the smaller circles and direct downward transitions demanded at the ...
How to Create Expression in Your Horse's Trot
May 22, 2023 05:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBOut of all your horse’s paces, the trot is the easiest to improve. Through correct training, you can transform a somewhat ordinary trot into something spectacular. So, in this podcast episode, we will look at the qualities that make up an expressive trot, what incorrect expression is, and how to create correct expression in your horse’s trot in three steps. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Create More Expression in the Trot' episode) -----...
How to Stop Your Legs From Swinging When Riding
May 15, 2023 05:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBSwinging legs are a frustrating problem. Not only are they unsightly, but swinging legs also have a detrimental impact on the effectiveness of your leg aids, your seat aids, and your overall balance in the saddle. If you want to continue to move up the dressage levels, it's paramount that you have a stable lower leg in which you can give clear and accurate aids. So, in this podcast episode, we will explore why swinging legs are a problem, the reasons why your legs may be swinging, and h...
How to Plan and Prepare for a Dressage Competition
May 08, 2023 05:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBCompeting requires preparation, not only on the day of the event but also in the days preceding it. The level of success you achieve can be significantly impacted by the amount of time and effort you devote to your preparation. So, in this podcast episode, we will cover why diligent preparation is essential if you are to give your best performance between the whiteboards, and what you need to do to ensure that you and your horse are perfectly prepared and primed for action (Please note: T...
How (And When) To Sit to Your Horse’s Trot
May 01, 2023 07:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBThe very mention of sitting trot is enough to make many riders cringe. Although sitting trot is not required in dressage tests until you reach Medium level in British Dressage, your seat is a very effective aid that you can use in combination with your rein and leg aids. Therefore, it's worth learning how to ride sitting trot properly without inflicting pain on yourself or your horse! So, in this podcast episode, we will cover when you should and shouldn't sit to the trot, how not to star...
How to Get Your Horse Rounder and More Through
April 17, 2023 05:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBThe words "rounder" and "through" are commonly used by dressage riders, judges, and trainers. You might see the comment, "could be rounder and more through" on your dressage score sheet, or you may hear your trainer encouraging you to increase your horse's "roundness" and "throughness." Although often used, these terms are frequently misunderstood. Or, if they are understood, many riders are unsure of how to achieve correct roundness and throughness. So, in this podcast episode, we will ...
How to Enhance the Quality of Your Horse's Canter
April 10, 2023 05:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBDressage horses are selected and purposely bred to have natural, high-quality, and uphill paces. And the better their natural paces, the higher the price tag. However, if your budget doesn’t stretch to buying the ready-made article (and it’s not cheap), there are ways to increase what nature has given your own horse and enhance the quality of his canter. So, in this podcast episode, we will discuss what a quality canter is, why you want to have one, and how to go about enhancing the qual...
How to Ride a Simple Change
April 03, 2023 05:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBThe simple change is a movement that appears in some dressage tests. Contrary to what its name would have you believe, there's nothing "simple" about it. As the rider, you need to be very clear and coordinated with your aids, and your horse needs to respond to them almost instantaneously for this movement to be smooth and seamless. So, in this podcast episode, we will look at what a simple change is, why you would want to ride one, and the steps on how to ride a simple change correctly...
How to Stop Your Horse From Coming Behind the Vertical
March 27, 2023 05:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBA fault commonly observed during dressage tests at all levels is the tendency for a horse to come behind the rider's contact. If this is the case, comments you may find on your score sheets could include "overbent," "behind the contact," and "behind the vertical," which is commonly abbreviated to BTV. So, in this podcast episode, we will cover what behind the vertical is, reasons why your horse is behind the vertical, how to correct this, and more. (Please note: This is an updated and e...
How to Get Your Horse Working Forwards, Not Faster
March 20, 2023 06:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBFor your horse to progress through the levels of dressage training, it is essential that he is ‘in front of your leg’ and working forwards into the bridle. Unfortunately, when some riders apply their leg aids, their horses mistakenly increase their tempo and move their legs faster. So, in this podcast episode, we will cover the difference between speed and impulsion, why your horse speeds up, and how you can encourage your horse to work more forwards without getting faster. (Please note...
How to Improve Your Horse's Suppleness (Including Exercises)
March 13, 2023 16:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBSuppleness, also described as looseness, is the full flexibility of your horse’s body and mind. It must be a central theme throughout your schooling and should be constantly checked and reinforced at all stages of training. As you progress through the dressage levels, your horse’s suppleness should also advance, which is demonstrated by an increased flexion of the joints, fluid lengthening and shortening of the frame, equal and effortless bending from side to side, and a relaxed and confid...
How to Manage Your Dressage Competition Nerves
March 06, 2023 06:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBEvery rider has experienced pre-competition nerves. The pressure of wanting to do well, combined with the worry of making a mistake, results in a cocktail of emotions that can ruin an otherwise promising test. So, in this podcast episode, we will look at why you get nervous, how this affects your dressage performance, and give you 16 tips to help you manage your competition nerves. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Manage Dressage Competition...
How (And Why) To Get Your Horse Thinking Forwards
February 27, 2023 06:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBYou’ve probably heard many riding coaches shouting to their students, instructing them to ride their horses more forwards. Although that’s good advice, the term “forwards” can often be misinterpreted. Rather than constantly having to push your horse to keep him moving (working your own leg muscles more than your horse), you ideally want your horse to stay in gear and be self-going, or as it’s more commonly known, “forward-thinking.” So, in this podcast episode, we will clarify what a for...
How (And Why) To Ride a Give and Retake of the Reins
February 20, 2023 06:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBWhen competing, some dressage tests will ask you to briefly release your contact via a “give and retake of the reins.” The name of this movement is commonly shorted to “give and retake” and abbreviated as “G&R.” It is an exercise often ridden incorrectly during dressage tests, leading to many needless lost marks. So, in the podcast episode, we’re going to clarify what a give and retake is, why the dressage judge wants to see you perform this exercise, how to ride a give and retake, and...
How to Ride and Improve the Free Walk on a Long Rein
February 13, 2023 06:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBThe ‘free walk’ is a movement that appears in all dressage tests up to medium level (British Dressage). Riders often neglect it in their home schooling sessions, which is a very costly omission given that the free walk is often worth double marks! Even if your horse doesn’t naturally have the best walk in the world, there are things you can do to improve the free walk and maximize your score. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to cover what makes an excellent free walk, how to ride ...
How To (And Why) Ride a Correct 10-Meter Circle
February 06, 2023 06:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBAs you move up through the dressage levels, the circles that you are asked to perform will become smaller in diameter and you will, eventually, be asked to perform 10-meter circles. Although these may sound straightforward, there’s more to this movement than you might at first think; both in riding it and the benefits it delivers. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to look at how 10-meter circles can improve your horse’s way of going, what other dressage movements require 10-meter ci...
How to Correct a 'Poking Nose'
January 30, 2023 06:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBA poking nose is a common fault that is easily seen, even with an untrained eye; the horse goes around with his nose literally poking out in front of him and his chin lifted. It’s an issue that is usually observed at the lower dressage levels and with horses that are just beginning their dressage career. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to clarify where your horse’s nose should be, why a poking nose is not desirable, and we’re going to tell you what not to do about it before giving...
How to Prevent and Correct a Lateral Walk
January 23, 2023 06:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBIf you ever receive the comment ‘lateral walk’ on your dressage score sheet, this should not be brushed aside. A lateral walk indicates a fundamental issue with the horse’s walk rhythm and, in extreme cases, it can be impossible to correct. This fault is usually created unknowingly and unintentionally by the rider and can result in a permanently damaged walk pace. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to discuss the qualities that make up a correct walk, clarify exactly what a lateral ...
How Long Should You Warm-up for Before a Dressage Test?
January 16, 2023 06:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBGetting your warm-up right is a key element in producing your best performance in the dressage arena. Unfortunately, there’s no set time to suit every horse and situation; if you don’t allow long enough, your horse may be too sharp and tense, and if you overdo it, he might run out of steam halfway through the test. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to identify things that you should not do during your warm-up, cover eight factors that can influence the length of your warm-up, provid...
How to Establish the Correct Stirrup Length for Dressage
January 09, 2023 06:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBIn order to use your legs correctly they must be in the correct position and it, therefore, follows that your stirrups must be the correct length. If you have a balanced seat with your legs in the correct alignment, you will be able to give your horse more effective and more refined aids. This will enable your horse to stay in front of your leg as well as improve his responsiveness to both your legs and your seat. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to cover what is a correct dressage...
How to Establish the Correct Rein Length for Dressage
October 24, 2022 05:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBBeing able to offer your horse the correct rein length is essential if you are to be successful as a dressage rider. To offer the horse a pleasant contact, your hands must be carried correctly, and it, therefore, follows that your reins must be the correct length. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to cover what makes a correct contact, what happens when your reins are too long or too short, how to establish the correct rein length, and when to change your rein length. (Please note:...
How to Ride and Improve Your Horse’s Canter
October 10, 2022 05:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBThe canter is probably the trickiest gait for a young horse to master in the confines of the dressage arena, as the engagement and balance are still being established. However, it’s in the competitive dressage rider’s best interest to focus on the quality of this gait since so many test movements are based on the canter, such as canter pirouettes, tempi changes, half-passes and zig-zags. So, in this in-depth podcast episode, we take a look at what makes a correct canter, how to ride the ca...
How to Train and Ride the Rein-Back
September 26, 2022 05:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBRein-back is an exercise that is often problematic for riders, yet it’s a very useful one to teach your horse, especially if you encounter gates to open whilst hacking out! Before attempting to teach your horse to rein-back, it’s important that you understand what you are aiming to achieve, especially if you intend to ride the exercise in a dressage test; it’s a tricky exercise that can be a real mark-loser when not ridden well. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to cover the benefit...
How to Use Your Seat and Weight Aids for Dressage
September 19, 2022 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBWhen discussing the aids, many people think solely of their hands and legs when, arguably, the most important aid is your seat because the biggest avenue of communication between you and your horse is through your bum to your horse’s back. That being said, your seat is one of the most difficult aids to master, it’s also (in our opinion) one of the more difficult aids to explain and teach since so much of a good seat depends on the rider having a good level of feel. So, in this podcast epis...
How to Get to Grand Prix in Dressage
September 12, 2022 05:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBAs the highest level a horse and rider can reach in the competitive sport of dressage, Grand Prix is the ultimate goal of many. Although a standard dressage test is less than 10-minutes, there are a lot of factors that go into making a winning combination that can successfully climb the dressage levels. Within this podcast episode, we take a look at the individual requirements of both horse and rider, the journey to Grand Prix, and the additional resources that are needed to help you get t...
How to Ride and Improve Your Horse’s Trot
September 05, 2022 05:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MBAs ‘the middle pace’ between the walk and the canter, the trot is the pace most people get stuck in riding endlessly around the arena. Sadly, not only does this do very little to improve the pace and the horse’s overall way of going, but it also encourages the horse to switch off, drop behind the leg, and become inattentive to the rider’s aids. So, in this in-depth podcast episode, we take a look at what makes a correct trot, how to ride the trot, and how you can improve this pace. (Pleas...
The Complete Online Dressage Course
August 29, 2022 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBIt is our mission to encourage more riders into the world of dressage, and for that to happen, we need to make the sport easier to understand. We believe that this course is our next best step in doing just that. The Complete Online Dressage course has over 60 easy-to-understand presentations breaking down the theory of dressage, taking you step-by-step through the levels. In this podcast episode, we explain what our aim was when creating this course, and what is and is not included. --...
How to Leg-Yield
August 22, 2022 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBThe leg-yield is a useful exercise that you can use to help teach your horse to move sideways away from your leg. It’s also great in helping to loosen your horse’s back and improving his mental and physical relaxation. This aids in improving your horse’s suppleness and elasticity, leading to more expressive and regular paces. So, in this podcast episode, we go through the benefits of the leg-yield, how to ride and improve upon this movement, and share with you some of the different leg-yie...
How (And Why) To Maintain the Correct Rider Position
August 15, 2022 05:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBIf you want to be more than a passenger on your horse’s back, you need to sit in a position that allows you to give aids lightly but effectively, without hindering your horse’s movement or losing balance. In short, the more correct your position is, the more effective and balanced you will be as a rider, and the easier it will be for you to progress through the dressage levels. So, in this in-depth podcast, we cover how your position affects your balance, how to “stand” on your horse corre...
How to Ride and Improve Your Horse’s Walk
August 08, 2022 05:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBThe walk is a pace that is often forgotten about. Very few riders spend time in their regular schooling sessions actually training the horse to walk well. This is a very costly omission given that the walk movements during a dressage test are often worth double marks! So, in this in-depth podcast, we take a look at what makes a correct walk, how to ride the walk, and how you can improve it. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'About the Horse's Walk Gait...
What's the Point of Dressage?
August 01, 2022 05:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBDressage is not merely about teaching your horse to perform “tricks,” nor is its sole purpose to compete and win rosettes. So then, what is the point of riding all those circles? Well, in this updated podcast episode, we are going to explain why. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'What is the Point of Dressage?' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/dressage-theory/what-is-the-a...
What's the Point of Dressage?
August 01, 2022 05:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBDressage is not merely about teaching your horse to perform “tricks,” nor is its sole purpose to compete and win rosettes. So then, what is the point of riding all those circles? Well, in this updated podcast episode, we are going to explain why. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'What is the Point of Dressage?' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/dressage-theory/what-is-the-a...
Collection - Scale 6: The Dressage Scales of Training
July 25, 2022 05:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBIn this updated episode, we take a look at collection within the dressage scales of training, the purpose of collection, collection within dressage tests, and how to achieve collection correctly. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'Collection: The Scales of Training - Scale 6' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/the-scales-of-training/collection/ To view our equestrian bo...
Straightness - Scale 5: The Dressage Scales of Training
July 18, 2022 05:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBIn this updated episode, we take a look at straightness within the dressage scales of training, why straightness is important, the two types of straightness, and how to achieve straightness. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'Straightness: The Scales of Training - Scale 5' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/the-scales-of-training/straightness/ To view our equestrian boo...
Impulsion - Scale 4: The Dressage Scales of Training
July 11, 2022 05:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBIn this updated episode, we take a look at impulsion within the dressage scales of training, discuss how much impulsion you should have, and give you tips on how and when to inject impulsion into your own horse. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'Impulsion: The Scales of Training - Scale 4' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/the-scales-of-training/impulsion/ To view ou...
Contact - Scale 3: The Dressage Scales of Training
July 04, 2022 05:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBIn this updated episode, we take a look at contact within the dressage scales of training, where a correct contact comes from, indicators of a good contact, and how to go about establishing a correct contact with your horse. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'Contact: The Scales of Training - Scale 3' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/the-scales-of-training/3-contact/ ...
Suppleness - Scale 2: The Dressage Scales of Training
June 27, 2022 05:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBIn this updated episode, we take a look at suppleness within the dressage scales of training, why suppleness is important for dressage, how to tell if your horse lacks suppleness, and the four areas of suppleness. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'Suppleness: The Scales of Training - Scale 2' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/the-scales-of-training/suppleness/ To view...
Rhythm - Scale 1: The Dressage Scales of Training
June 20, 2022 05:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBIn this updated episode, we explore the reasons why rhythm is so important, what makes up a correct rhythm, and what causes an irregular or incorrect rhythm. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'Rhythm: The Scales of Training - Scale 1' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/the-scales-of-training/rhythm/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click her...
How Not to Use a Flash Noseband
June 13, 2022 05:00 - 11 minutes - 8.25 MBFlash nosebands are a dressage-legal piece of tack. They’re popular with many riders and, these days, most bridles come with a flash attachment. However, recently, social media has seen quite a lot of complaints about the use, or misuse, of the flash noseband. In this podcast episode, we take a look at flash nosebands to find out why the flash has such a bad reputation and how this commonly seen item of bridlework should be fitted and used correctly. ------------- If you would rather read...
How to Ride Travers on a Circle
June 06, 2022 05:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBTravers is a training exercise that is used to improve the horse’s lateral suppleness and longitudinal suppleness, as well as increase the engagement of the horse’s hindquarters. Travers is usually ridden in a straight line, but you can also ride the exercise around a circle for added benefits. Here’s how to do it! ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/dressage-movements/travers-on-a-circle/ To view our equestrian b...
How to Create Harmony With the Dressage Horse
May 30, 2022 05:00 - 12 minutes - 8.72 MB“Harmony” is a term that is frequently used within the sport of dressage. It’s an elusive quality that is difficult to achieve and is often misunderstood. In this podcast episode, we discuss what harmony means within dressage, how it impacts your dressage test scores, and share a few tips to help you create harmony with your own horse. ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/dressage-theory/create-harmony/ To view our ...