Nicola embracing her horse Tommy beside manicured hedges

Articles

Dressage Basics

The training scale, rider biomechanics, arena setup, and clear explanations of dressage fundamentals.

For riders thinking

  • “I want to understand dressage better.”
  • “I'm working on the basics.”
  • “I want clearer explanations.”
  • “I'm learning the training scale.”
  • “I want to connect theory to my riding.”
Good riding improves when the rider understands both the dressage principles and the body they bring to the saddle. These articles help connect the concepts to practical rider awareness.

This often connects to

dressage theory · training scale · biomechanics · rider education · arena layout · riding concepts

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Dressage Basics articles

21 articles found

How To Improve Your Dressage Position
Posture & AlignmentSeat & HipsDressage BasicsBalance & Core

How To Improve Your Dressage Position

Here I explain how you can improve your dressage position and give you insights as to how it should feel when you are both in and out of the saddle.

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Improving Your Dressage Basics
Dressage Basics

Improving Your Dressage Basics

Learn why improving your dressage basics matter. Understand the basics of dressage and what the judges are looking for when you ride a test.

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What Is The Dressage Pyramid of Training
Dressage Basics

What Is The Dressage Pyramid of Training

Gain an understanding of the dressage pyramid of training. Plus, insight into the levels of dressage training scale and how to achieve them.

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How To Build A Dressage Arena
Dressage Basics

How To Build A Dressage Arena

A guide on how to build a dressage arena. Understand the process involved & the decisions you will need to make to create your dream arena.

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Learning How To Get More Energy
Dressage BasicsMindset & Confidence

Learning How To Get More Energy

We live in a fast passed modern world with a mentality that it's all about work hard or go home and that hustle is required if you are to get anywhere.

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What is Rider Biomechanics?
Strength & FitnessBalance & CoreDressage BasicsPosture & Alignment

What is Rider Biomechanics?

What is Rider Biomechanics? Dressage riders require a strength and fitness that is subtle to the unknown eye. What on earth is biomechanics and what does it have to do with dressage?

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Exercises To Keep Your Heels Down
Strength & FitnessSeat & HipsDressage BasicsPosture & Alignment

Exercises To Keep Your Heels Down

Ever since being a little girl bouncing around on my welsh pony "Smokey" at pony club, the words heels down have been drummed into my ears as I am sure you can relate.

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Nutrition Tips Before Your Competition
Dressage BasicsMindset & Confidence

Nutrition Tips Before Your Competition

In the 24 hours before your competition, you will undoubtedly be feeling anxious and nervous while also really excited.

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How To Relax When Riding
Seat & HipsBalance & CorePosture & AlignmentDressage Basics

How To Relax When You Ride—Without Becoming Passive

Relaxation is often a word misunderstood in dressage. In this article I explain my interpretation of it and how it applies to staying calm, supported and available—using enough strength to remain balanced while releasing the tension that blocks your horse’s movement.

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Why Do You Bounce
Seat & HipsBalance & CoreDressage Basics

Why Do I Bounce In Sitting Trot?

Bouncing is not always a sign that you need to try harder. Often, it is a sign that your body is trying to protect, stabilise or catch up.

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