The All-New DRT4 Program
Creating ever-lasting strength
Having completed DRT1, 2 & 3, you are now truly ready for your next evolution in performance. A 12-week program that makes you stronger — with elasticity — through riding-specific progressive overload.
Watch: Nicola introduces the DRT4 Program
Your next evolution…
You're truly ready for DRT4.
Having completed DRT1, 2 and 3, you are now truly ready for your next evolution in performance. DRT4 is about progressively increasing your load — gradually adding weight or reps — because when done right, this is what gets results.
DRT4 is about making you stronger, but with elasticity. You don't have to use weights to get the benefits of progressive overload — you have the option to do it without any weights at all. It's all about functional training, specific to the demands we face when riding.
We improve your core musculature while loading your upper and lower body — planks, hovers and squat patterns you've seen before, while testing your coordination and reaction time. These movements parallel the demands you face in the saddle: sitting trot with your core engaged, inside leg to outside rein, moving with your horse in collected trot and asking for half pass.
“Build a body that can remain strong enough to soften.”
You'd be continuing with a global community of dedicated riders who train the DRT way:
- 25,000+
- Participants
- 84
- Countries
- 36
- New Workouts
- 12
- Weeks
Creating Ever-Lasting Strength
Improves overall stamina & stability.
DRT4 is about making you stronger, but with elasticity. It's all about functional training, specific to the demands we face when riding — improving your core musculature while loading your upper and lower body with planks, hovers and squat patterns that also test your coordination and reaction time.
Progressive Overload
Gradually increasing load or reps — with or without weights — to build ever-lasting, riding-specific strength.
Cross Patterning
Coordinated opposite arm-and-leg movement that mirrors the cross-patterned demands of riding, for co-ordination and balance.
Injury Prevention & Longevity
A beautiful by-product of the strength focus — protecting your back, promoting bone density, and keeping you stable in the saddle.
Cross-Pattern Movements
For co-ordination & balance in the saddle.
Cross patterning is coordinated movement of the opposite arm and leg — a very specific type of core training that reflects the unique cross-patterned movements we do when riding. Think of asking for flying changes, changing the rein in trot and changing your rise, or rising with your horse as it moves its diagonal pair of legs.
These movements recruit the three-dimensional core muscles from shoulder to hip, back to front, and both sides of your body. In DRT4, moves like the bear crawl, plank spiders and dynamic horse stance become even more prevalent — along with exciting new moves you've never seen before.
Injury Prevention & Longevity
So your body never holds you back.
The stronger your core and movement patterns are, the more stable you remain in the saddle — and the more you can prevent back pain and injuries from occurring. Reduced bone density becomes an important consideration as we age, but strength training counteracts this decline, promoting bone density and keeping your bones healthy and strong.
To get the full benefit you'll use a Swiss ball, a set of dumbbells (approximately 4kg), a foam roller and a resistance tube — and we introduce a new mobility ball to work on the fascia of your muscles. Hopefully you already have most of this from the previous DRT programs.
So — are you ready to create ever-lasting strength?
Included in Premium Membership
Unlock DRT4
Gain access to the DRT4 Program, along with every other Base & Premium program — including DRT 1–5, Strength Roadmap, Upper Body Alignment, Core Stability, Yoga, and many more. Instant access and full use of our mobile app.
We'll notify you before renewal so you can cancel then, or at any time you choose.
Register HereWhat is Premium Membership?With this program you will…
- Build ever-lasting strength on the foundation of DRT1–3
- Apply progressive overload the riding-specific way — with or without weights
- Train cross-patterning for co-ordination and balance in the saddle
- Protect your body with injury prevention and bone-density work
- Enjoy 36 brand-new workouts in 3× 20-minute weekly sessions
- Move as one with your horse as a beautiful system of systems
- Full use of our mobile app, anywhere
And in case we haven't met…
Hi, I'm Nicola Smith.
I've dedicated the majority of my life to being a rider and fitness trainer with Dressage Rider Training. Having guided you through DRT1, 2 and 3, I created DRT4 to continue your evolution as a dressage athlete — building ever-lasting strength while keeping the elasticity you need.
Dressage is not just about being strong. We keep the right balance of movements so that, no matter your focus, DRT4 helps you move together with your horse as a beautiful system of systems. I am really excited to bring you this program — let's get going!
- Bachelor of Physical Education & Exercise Prescription, Otago University
- CHEK Level 2 Practitioner
- Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner
The same guarantee applies
A 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
This program has the same guarantee as always. If you find it doesn't meet your expectations, you can ask for a full refund within 30 days — no questions asked. I really want you to be happy with this program, and I'm proud to bring you this next evolution in your training.
Your questions answered.
That’s ok! If you are currently injured, sick, or the timing is just not right for you now, you don’t have to start straight away. Register when it suits you and start a little later than everyone else — the program is available on demand inside the Online Gym whenever you’re ready.
Helping you step closer…
To moving as one with your horse.
DRT4 will continue your evolution as a dressage athlete. While there is a focus on strength, dressage is not just about being strong — we keep the right balance of movements to maintain the elasticity you need.
So no matter what your focus is with your riding, DRT4 will ultimately help you move together with your horse as a beautiful system of systems.
I'm really excited to bring you this program. Let's get going!
Your next evolution starts the moment you join.
Included in Premium Membership
Unlock DRT4
Gain access to the DRT4 Program, along with every other Base & Premium program — including DRT 1–5, Strength Roadmap, Upper Body Alignment, Core Stability, Yoga, and many more. Instant access and full use of our mobile app.
We'll notify you before renewal so you can cancel then, or at any time you choose.
Register HereWhat is Premium Membership?With this program you will…
- Build ever-lasting strength on the foundation of DRT1–3
- Apply progressive overload the riding-specific way — with or without weights
- Train cross-patterning for co-ordination and balance in the saddle
- Protect your body with injury prevention and bone-density work
- Enjoy 36 brand-new workouts in 3× 20-minute weekly sessions
- Move as one with your horse as a beautiful system of systems
- Full use of our mobile app, anywhere
If you have any questions regarding the Dressage Rider Training program, please do use the contact form here to send me a message. I would love to hear from you and help as best I can.
Helping you be a better partner for your horse.
Kind regards, Nicola Smith