DRESSAGE RIDER TRAINING
Upper Body Alignment
Helping you ride tall with balance, softness & control
Unlock balance, freedom & connection with every ride
Do you ever feel tight, rounded, or tense through your upper body in the saddle?
Do you struggle with keeping your shoulders back, without feeling stiff or sore?
Does your posture collapse forward, leaving your hands heavy and your seat disconnected?
Do your neck or shoulders ache after riding?
Or maybe you dream of sitting tall and free in the saddle, without tension creeping in?
If you relate to any of these, you’re not alone. These are the most common posture problems riders face — and they can all be improved with the right training.
21,000+ Participants in 81 Countries
It is highly likely that someone in your town has already improved their riding through one of our DRT programs.
Redefine your riding posture
If you’ve been told to “sit up straight” or “shoulders back” — but found that only to be a temporary solution, leaving you tense and sore — it doesn’t need to be this way.
True rider posture isn’t about bracing. It’s about alignment. It’s about building strength and mobility so your ribcage, spine, and shoulders can support you naturally.
That’s exactly what this DRT Upper Body Alignment program will help you achieve.
Why Posture & Alignment Are the Missing Key
Your upper body shapes your seat.
It influences:
When your shoulders are tight and your upper back weak, your core alone can’t hold you. But when your posture is aligned, everything else — your aids, your balance, your harmony with your horse — falls into place.
This program goes straight to the root cause: the interplay between your ribcage, shoulders, and upper back.
How Shoulder Imbalances Affect Your Riding
You’ve probably seen this in yourself or others: one shoulder lower than the other, elbows flying out, or hands creeping up the neck in an effort to “fix” the contact.
These are often symptoms of underlying imbalances upstream:
One scapula that doesn’t glide properly
Rounded shoulders from too much screen time or poor posture
Weak mid-back muscles and tight pecs
Shallow breathing patterns that overload the traps and neck
All of these things affect how your reins feel, how your spine holds, and how your seat moves.
And yes – they also affect your horse. An unbalanced rider = an unbalanced load.
Benefits Beyond the Saddle
Better posture doesn’t just transform your riding. It changes how you move and feel in daily life too.
Less tension in your neck, jaw, and shoulders
When your upper body is aligned and strong, those tight spots don’t have to carry the load anymore. That means fewer headaches, less clenching, and no more finishing the day with aching shoulders. You’ll feel lighter and more relaxed — both on and off the horse.
Improved breathing and energy
Stacking your ribcage over your pelvis opens up your diaphragm, so your breath can move fully and freely. The result? More oxygen, more stamina, and more calm focus. Riders often find they’re not only riding better, but also feeling more energetic in daily life.
Reduced strain on your back
When your shoulders and ribcage hold their share of the work, your lower back doesn’t have to pick up the slack. That means fewer tweaks, less soreness, and better protection for your spine. Everyday tasks — from mucking out to carrying hay — start to feel easier and less draining.
More confidence in how you carry yourself
Posture isn’t just physical — it’s emotional too. When you stand taller, with open shoulders and an aligned frame, you project confidence and calm. You’ll feel more grounded in the saddle, more present with your horse, and more assured in your day-to-day life.
Introducing the DRT Upper Body Alignment Program
This is your invitation to ride taller, breathe deeper, and feel stronger through your upper body — without pressure or fatigue.
Over 12 weeks, through targeted strength and corrective exercises, you’ll train the muscles and mobilise the joints that matter most for posture, alignment, and shoulder control.
It's about:
So you can ride with freedom, softness, and strength.
What is included in this program?
12 Weeks of Guided Training
Rider-Specific Focus
Every exercise is designed for dressage posture: breath control, scapular stability, thoracic mobility, and ribcage alignment
How to play the videos...
1. Via our Website
You can play the videos using your smartphone, tablet, laptop or TV.
Simply push play, and stream the video the same as you would a Youtube video.
2. Via our Mobile App
iPhone/iPad Users - You can also install our mobile app for iOS from the App Store.
Android Users - You can install our mobile app from the Play Store.
We will give you these details on how to install the app and login upon registration.
Have limited internet?
A key functionality of the app is the ability to save videos to your device for offline playback. This is a great option if you have limited internet connectivity. Simply save the video once, and it will play offline thereafter.
Simple Equipment
This program uses Dumbbells (light to moderate), resistance band, foam roller, broomstick/dowel, and a wall.
Your Instructor
My name is Nicola Smith, and I've dedicated the majority of my life so far to being a rider and fitness trainer with Dressage Rider Training.
I am hugely passionate about horses and riding, ever since I was a young girl with my pony 'Smokey' (pic below).
My lifetime of riding, combined with my knowledge and experience in Exercise Prescription, give me a deep understanding of the requirements a rider needs in the saddle.
I’ve designed this program to solve the exact posture issues that hold riders back.
I know what it feels like to brace, collapse, or overwork through the shoulders. And I also know the freedom that comes when posture feels effortless. That’s what this program is here to give you.
What I have done for myself, I have now created the template for you. If you follow it as prescribed, I know you will make drastic changes and magic will flow in the saddle, just as it has for me.
I can't wait for you to start on this journey of self-discovery. You will be surprised at your hidden potential you can uncover with this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the program?
When purchasing you will receive login details to our website that contains the program.
You will also be able to install our mobile app to access the program on your iPhone, iPad, or Android Phone/Tablet.
On the website or mobile app, you can push play and stream the video sessions, just like a youtube video.
Can I download the sessions?
This program is not downloadable, you get access to it as part of your DRT base membership, which gives you access to many other programs as well.
Are the workouts live?
No, the workouts are not live, you can do each session on-demand when it works best for you.
How long are the sessions?
Each session for this specific program is 45 minutes long, and you have 2 to do each week. You are welcome to repeat it, but remember also that you have the bonus evening reset exercises as well.
Is this suitable if I have restricted shoulder movement?
Yes absolutely! In every session I show you modifications so that you can do to make it work for you. If you are having any troubles, you can contact us and we can help you find an adjustment or alternative that will work for you.
This program is about improving your shoulder and spinal mobility from wherever your starting point may be.
Can I do this if I've had a hip or knee replacement?
Yes absolutely! This program most certainly caters to you if you have had hip or knee replacements. There are options to manage this, and you can ask us for help at any time if you find there is something you cannot do. There is always an alternative!
Can I repeat sessions & go at my own pace?
Yes absolutely. You can work through the program at your own pace, and even combine it with other programs that you have access to as part of your DRT Base Membership.
How long do I have access to the program for?
You have continual access for as long as your membership is active. You can choose either monthly or yearly renewal options.
Do you provide support & guidance?
Absolutely! I am here to help you every step of the way. We also have a fantastic community of past and current participants both on our website and private Facebook Group. They provide motivation, encouragement and support to each other. Because everyone is on the same journey and shares the same passion. You will love it!
Will this program be too much for me?
It is highly unlikely. Average age of participants is 55, with 20% being age 60+, and 70 year olds complete the program successfully. I am very conscious of the needs of this older demographic. Every session has options to make it easier if needed, and if there is something you cannot do, you can just let me know and we can find an alternative for you to do. As there is always another option!
Do I need any equipment?
This program uses dumbbells either light for beginners (2 to 4kg) or moderate for intermediate level (4-6kg), a resistance band, a foam roller, a broomstick or dowel, and a wall.
Your Commitment
Imagine riding taller, breathing easier, and feeling free through your shoulders while in the saddle — without gripping, bracing, or collapsing.
This isn’t about a quick fix. It’s about retraining your posture for long-term results, both in the saddle and in your daily life.
All that is left is for you to commit to this program, and let it do its magic.
Let's do this! You can get started now via the Register button below.
Base Monthly
$19
/month
Base Yearly
$95
/year
If your shoulders and upper back feel tight or restricted, this program is for you.
If you struggle to maintain posture without bracing your hands, this is for you.
If you want to ride taller and create a better picture, this will help you achieve it.
My Guarantee to you
I am so confident you will love the difference this program makes.
But if you start and find it’s not right for you, I’ll give you a full refund within 30 days — no questions asked.
We strive for honesty & transparency, we simply want you to be 100% confident in your decision to try this program.
You deserve to ride tall, free, and aligned. Let’s make it happen.
I know this program is going to help your riding, and give you everything you want out of it.
If you have any unanswered questions regarding this Upper Body Alignment program, or if you're not sure about something, please do use the chat box at bottom right of the screen to send me a message. I will love to hear from you and help as best as I can.
Helping you be a better partner for your horse.
Kind regards
Nicola Smith
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