Linda Feeney – USA

Horseback riding is a full body activity that requires strength stamina, balance, focus, and flexibility. As a 55+ adult beginning rider, I knew that I would need to do some major work outside the training ring in order to see progress.

I found the Dressage Rider Training (DRT) program on Facebook. Even though it looked like exactly what I needed, I was still cautious. You can’t believe everything you see on social media! But, after some Internet research and trying several of Nicola Smith’s free videos on YouTube, I was convinced. DRT was exactly what I needed.

What surprised me the most about DRT was how quickly I began to feel a difference and how little time commitment was required. The 20 minute sessions fly by. If an exercise is too much for me, there are modifications to fit my abilities. There are also supplemental homework exercises that take conditioning even further.

How do I know that DRT is working? Each week I noticed small physical wins. Everyday tasks became noticeably easier. But, horseback riding is where I saw the most significant gains.

I take group tiding lessons. I do not have my own horse. I am randomly assigned one of three horses for each lesson. Each of these horses has some specific challenges. DRT helps me deal with all of them.

There are many examples of how DRT has helped my riding, but I want to share the most serious incident.

During a warm-up trot along the rail, my lesson horse stumbled on a small divot in the arena surface and fell to his knees. I kept my balance and I kept my seat. I patiently waited for my horse to recover and find his feet.

I was so worried about my horse that it didn’t hit me until later — I could have gone flying over his head and been seriously injured. But that didn’t happen. My mind and muscles were ready to respond to the suddenly changing situation.

The most unexpected benefit of DRT, however, has been in the area of confidence. I have pushed myself beyond my comfort zone by competing in a local show and attending a riding clinic. I doubt I would have tried these activities without making major progress in my riding.

I can imagine what people might think — I must have a magic schedule to be able fit this all in. I don’t. Life happens. Injuries happen. So, my work on DRT1 continues. But, one thing I know for certain — DRT is now a permanent part of my fitness routine.