DRESSAGE RIDER TRAINING

Core Stability

Feel grounded, balanced & effortlessly stable in the saddle

Supporting your seat, your spine, and your connection with your horse.

Do you ever feel unsteady or off-balance in the saddle?

Do you struggle to keep your seat deep and still, especially when your horse adds energy or changes pace?

Does your posture shift or collapse through transitions — leaving you gripping, bracing, or feeling disconnected?

Do you find it hard to move one part of your body independently of another — like giving a leg aid without losing your seat or using your reins without your shoulders tensing?

Or maybe you dream of feeling quietly centered — sitting deep, supple, and stable — no matter what your horse does beneath you?

If you relate to any of these, you’re not alone. 

These are some of the most common core stability challenges riders face — and every one of them can be improved with the right kind of 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.

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Why Riders Struggle with Core Control

Most riders think they’re working their core when they do sit-ups or planks…
but those exercises barely scratch the surface of what your body actually needs in the saddle.

Your core isn’t just your abs.

It’s an entire system — your diaphragm, deep abdominals, obliques, back stabilizers, and even your glutes — all working together to keep your spine and pelvis balanced while your limbs move freely.

When your core system isn’t trained the right way, you’ll notice it every time you ride:

👎 Your posture collapses or tips to one side.
👎 Your hands or shoulders tense as you try to stabilize yourself
👎 You grip through your thighs or lower back to stay centered
👎 Your horse feels uneven or resistant — because your seat isn’t communicating evenly

The problem isn’t a lack of strength.

It’s a lack of control — the ability to stay quietly stable while your body (and your horse) moves beneath you.

Modern life doesn’t help either.

Hours of sitting, driving, and screens teach our bodies to disengage the very muscles that give us stability in the saddle.

We lose connection between our ribcage and pelvis, and our breath becomes shallow — creating tension instead of support.

That’s why traditional core workouts rarely transfer to better riding.

They train movement… not control.

But riding horses demands the opposite — control under movement.

This is exactly what the DRT Core Stability program rebuilds — your ability to stay centered, breathe with balance, and move with purpose.

What Makes the DRT Core Stability Program Different?

Most core workouts focus on what you can see — crunches, planks, burnouts, and endless ab circuits.

But rider strength isn’t built from the surface. It’s built from deep, intelligent control — the kind that holds you steady, supple, and balanced when everything around you is moving.

It’s about retraining your entire center — from your breath to your pelvis — so your body moves as one calm, co-ordinated system in the saddle.

Here’s what makes this program specific to your needs as a rider:

Anti-Rotation Training
You’ll learn to resist twisting or tipping when your horse moves under you.
This builds the quiet stillness that makes your seat independent and your aids clear — no gripping, no bracing.
Ribcage–Pelvis Connection
You’ll reconnect the top and bottom of your core “canister,” restoring balance and postural integrity.
This is the secret to sitting tall without stiffness and breathing with ease through every stride.
Lateral Core & Glute Integration
By strengthening the muscles that stabilize your hips and side body, you’ll correct asymmetries and sit evenly on both seat bones — helping your horse stay straight and balanced too.
Dynamic Core Control
You’ll train your core to stay stable while your limbs move — exactly like giving aids or riding transitions.
This is what allows you to feel soft and strong at the same time.
Breath, Reset & Recovery
Every session finishes with breath and awareness work to realign your body, calm your nervous system, and lock in better posture — so you feel lighter, longer, and more connected after every ride.

This isn’t about working harder — it’s about working smarter.
By training your core to resist unnecessary motion, you’ll discover how effortless real stability can feel.

Introducing the DRT Core Stability Program

This is a focused 6-week progression — built specifically for riders who want more stability, balance, and body awareness in the saddle.

Each week blends science-based core training with rider-specific control drills, helping you build strength that transfers directly to your riding — not just to the mirror.

You’ll complete 4 short sessions per week, each around 15 minutes long.
Every session is efficient, purposeful, and designed to enhance, not exhaust your body.


Here's what to expect:

A 6-Week Progressive Structure
You’ll start by mastering control and awareness — then layer in coordination, strength, and flow as your posture becomes more responsive.

Each week builds on the last, so you’re never guessing or going through random workouts.
Four Key Focus Themes
Each week rotates through the pillars of true rider stability:

Anti-Rotation & Rider Posture — train stillness under movement and align your spine for a centered seat.

Bracing & Pelvic Control — develop strength through your deep stabilizers to steady your aids.

Lateral Core & Glute Link — strengthen the connection between your seat and sides for even balance.

Dynamic Core for the Saddle — bring it all together with smooth, responsive motion control.

Simple, Sustainable Sessions
4 workouts per week. Each workout includes:

• 4 exercises
• 30 seconds of work per move
• 10 seconds rest/transition
• 3 total rounds

Plus a short breath reset to finish — helping you feel taller, calmer, and more aware when you step off the mat.

That’s roughly 15 minutes per session — easy to fit before or after a ride, or even on recovery days.
Optional Swiss Ball Bonus Day
Love working with the ball? Each week includes an optional Day 5 session using the Swiss ball to improve balance and proprioception — perfect for refining control in your seat.
Adaptable Progression
Stay on a week as long as you need, or layer in new challenges as you feel ready:

• Increase resistance slightly
• Slow your tempo
• Add a short hold at the end range
• Switch from two-sided to single-sided work


No pressure, no rush — just steady progress toward a stronger, more connected core that supports your riding long-term.

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. 

Oh, and if you have a Swiss Ball and want to do the Bonus sessions, then that's great! But you don't need a Swiss Ball for the program.

The Results: Stillness That Moves

As you work through the DRT Core Stability program, you’ll start to notice changes — not just in your workouts, but every time you ride.

Your posture feels lighter.
Your seat feels deeper.
Your hands soften.

And your horse starts to respond differently — because your balance and clarity have improved.

You’ll find you can:

Stay centered under pressure — even when your horse spooks, surges, or shifts unexpectedly.
Breathe through transitions without holding tension in your shoulders or jaw.
Move one part of your body independently of another, giving clearer aids with less effort.
Hold posture without gripping, because your deep core knows how to stabilize you.
Recover faster — both during your rides and between sessions — because your body is finally working as one connected system.

This is the kind of strength that doesn’t make you stiffer — it makes you softer.

Because when your core supports you properly, you can let go of excess effort and move in harmony with your horse.

You’ll no longer have to think about “keeping your shoulders back” or “engaging your core.” It will simply happen — naturally, quietly, and instinctively.

That’s when riding starts to feel different. More balanced. More fluid. More alive.

You’re not fighting your body anymore — you’re working with it.

That’s the transformation we’re after. Not just visible strength, but a felt strength — one that anchors your posture, frees your movement, and deepens your partnership in the saddle.

Ready to Ride From a Stronger Center?

You don’t need to brace, grip, or push harder to feel secure in the saddle.
You need a core that holds you quietly — so you can ride with ease, confidence, and connection.

That’s exactly what this DRT Core Stability program will give you.

Over 6 focused weeks, you’ll build deep, functional stability that supports your posture, your breath, and your partnership with your horse.

You’ll learn how to stay centered when things get dynamic, balanced when things get challenging, and calm when things get unpredictable.

This isn’t just another workout plan. It’s a pathway to becoming the kind of rider who feels grounded, supple, and in sync — no matter what happens beneath you.

Short sessions. Smart progressions. Real results that you’ll feel every time you ride.

Commit to the DRT Core Stability program today...

...and start building the foundation every great rider shares —
a strong, stable, and responsive core that moves with your horse, not against them.

No more guessing what to do.
No more hoping your posture will “fix itself.”
Just clear, guided sessions designed by a rider, for riders.

Your seat. Your posture. Your connection. It all starts here — at your center.

👉 Join DRT Core Stability and discover how strength and softness truly come together in the saddle.

You can get started now via the JOIN button below:

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Base Monthly

$19

/month

Community of like-minded riders providing support
Cancel any time

Base Yearly

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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).

dressage rider training competition photo


My lifetime of riding, combined with my background in Exercise Prescription, has given me a deep understanding of what true stability in the saddle really means.

I’ve designed this program to solve the exact core control and balance challenges that hold riders back.

I know what it feels like to grip, tip, or brace when things get dynamic — and I also know the freedom that comes when your core supports you effortlessly, allowing your seat to move softly and stay centered no matter what your horse does.

That’s the transformation this program is here to create.

What I’ve learned and trained in my own riding, I’ve now built into this program for you.

If you do this program, you’ll develop the kind of quiet, responsive strength that makes riding feel smoother, lighter, and more connected — the way it was always meant to feel.

I can’t wait for you to begin this journey of rediscovering your center.
You’ll be amazed at how much more balanced, confident, and in tune you become — both in your body and in your partnership with your horse.


Bachelor of Physical Education & Exercise Prescription, Otago University
CHEK Level 2 Practitioner
Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner

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, including the Strength Roadmap series of programs.

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 workouts?

Each workout for this specific program is 15 minutes long, and you have 4 to do each week. You are welcome to repeat it, or combine it with another program if you wish.

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 (if you have a Swiss Ball then there is a bonus session each week that uses this, but it's completely optional).

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 Core Stability 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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