Dressage Rider Training Reviews

Hi Nicola, I have had a fantastic couple of days when I felt like a proper partnership with my horse Oscar. He is 11 years old now and I got him as a yearling. We have had some challenging times and have not always been on the same wavelength. However since starting DRT I really feel we have turned a corner. I can only put this down to my improved balance, strength and confidence. I notice now that I can relax my shoulders as my cord is strong enough to allow me to do this. My seat is much stronger and more balanced. The course has been fantastic. So easy to follow but still challenging. I even mastered kneeling on the Swiss ball though I can’t move my arms too much yet!!

I have now started on the Cathdral Cove 21 day yoga programme which I am enjoying just as much.

Thankyou for providing such a great product and support network. I am not a facebooker but do look at the DRT site for tips and encouragement.

I have just completed DRT 1 and am doing the Core 30 challenge until DRT2 is released. I have absolutely loved every minute of it and both my trainer and my saddler are amazed at how much better I am riding. I had a nasty accident in December last year breaking my upper arm and my hip. I decided to do DRT to make it less likely that I fall off!

Can’t wait for DRT2.

Jxxx

Hi Nicola, while doing the course I truly saw my balance improve and my awareness of what my body was doing. I was extremely pleased with the progress I and we (my mare Reign) were making. I signed up for the course because at 55 and empty nested I finally have time to concentrate on my riding and I am just starting to back my 2 – 3 year olds and new that strength, stamina and balance would go along way to help me out on this next journey. Thank you for all the support Nicola and Dressage Rider Fitness!

Qrac and I say thanks for your inspiring & empowering DRT programme! A rebalancing lifechanger!

The DRT program has given me the physical strengths that I thought were gone forever. My hips are more flexible, my balance has improved and my chronic back issues have subsided. All of this has helped me be a better rider. Being physically better has given me more confidence which has translated to Micah being more relaxed and confident in his new riding career. The three classes per week are manageable and your teaching is encouraging and makes the workouts pleasant. I also enjoy the weekly homework and articles that you provide. Knowledge is power AND confidence. I am looking forward to Phase 2.

Thanks Nicola!

Mary Barron

Finished DRT 1. My American Saddlebred Willy B Wicked and I are in much better balance now. Our ages together total 100 years!

I love your sessions, they are fun, effective and rise my body awareness.
Your way to transmit it is so friendly, that it puts me in good mood for the rest of the day.
At my age – 69 today – the exercises are not always easy, so I have to repeat some sessions.
But slowly I feel more balanced, supple and stronger.

Thank you so much for your very encouraging sessions, wishing you lot of success in
Your riding.

Isabelle

DRT2 has been amazing. My balance and core strength have improved tremendously. This has helped my riding so much. I just ride for fun, both English and Western. I also really love to ride bareback and my stability is light years better than it was before I found Nicola and DRT. DRT2 is just plain fun too. I never thought I would be able to kneel on a Swiss ball while working with a dumbbell! DRT is really worth it, even if you don’t compete in anything and just want to be a stronger, more balanced rider while goofing off and having fun with your horse!

Hi Nicola,

DRT3 is the first of the DRT group that I have completed in 12 weeks alongside your emails. I feel a huge achievement. In fact I found this more do-able than I found DRT1 back in January 2018. Let me tell you my story.

I am 67 years old. I have been riding Icelandic horses since 1990 and have achieved many things with them including riding at the World Championships three times and breeding Britain’s only 2 first prize Icelandic stallions. I also trained an Icelandic horse in dressage and competed him at Medium level against other breeds. When I reached 64 I decided I should try riding big horses again and try my ability to compete in dressage on one of them. I bought a 5 year old Warmblood mare with the ambition to ride her at Medium level by the time I reach 70.

Matching the forces on a bigger moving horse was a big physical challenge, made all the more difficult by the Warmblood brain which is quite different to an Icelandic. I had to learn to sit the sudden and violent spooks that came from nowhere. So I needed to improve my core stability, my stamina and flexibility as well as my balance. That was all a much bigger challenge than I had realised when I embarked on this new journey. Tristan Tucker and Andrew McLean techniques helped hugely with the horse handling and training. Mary Wanless and her biomechanics helped me with the Riding techniques. Then you and DRT stepped in to help with balance, strength, stability and flexibility.

We have a long journey (I hope) and we are now competing a little in Prelim and Novice level and getting reasonable scores.

When I started DRT1 in January 2018 I struggled with all three elements of the workouts. I am not a fitness freak and hate any gym work or fitness training. I started this programme as it was an essential element in my ability to ride the new and bigger moving horse.

I fell over a lot and had to stay quite close to the end of the bed for the warriors and other balancing moves. The yoga was totally impossible without major amendments. I was not able to kneel down or sit anywhere near cross legged. Yoga was painful and difficult but all the more reason for doing it as I clearly needed it badly. I took 6 months to complete DRT1 and then I started it again and took 6 months the second time around. I did find it a bit easier. The third time round I finished in three months and immediately repeated phase three.

That took to January 2020, by which time Moira Wedel and I joined forces to help motivate and support each other. We live 200 miles apart and I am 20 years older but we kept each other going. DRT 2 was tough and a real step up from DRT 1 but somehow it was easier. Possibly because we had got our bodies used to being pushed. We completed 2 and repeated the third phase before starting DRT 3.

DRT 3 took moves we had already used and added turns, stretches and speeds alongside a clock timing out 60 seconds for repetitions. I liked the clock as it was possible to have a little rest if required and pick up again before the end of the 60 secs or to keep going and push towards the end of the time. The yoga was another level of challenge for me. However I found a great deal of benefit from the yoga, even more than the previous DRTs. I was finding difficulty and sometimes sharp pains in my hips when riding or especially dismounting. The horrid hip exercises definitely helped hugely and I now swing my leg enthusiastically and without pain to dismount! I also have noticeably increased stamina in my riding. My balance and stability are very much improved and very noticeably so in riding the bigger moving horse – and surviving her impressive spooks.

So, I would say the first 2 DRTs set the foundation for the work in DRT3. It is plain to see how you added the extra elements to improve balance and stamina along with flexibility where it really matter to riders – in the torso and hips.

The 20 minute workouts are perfect for folk like me who are allergic to gyms and workouts. It’s easy to plan 20 minutes of workout and actually difficult to make excuses for not doing it! It is much easier with a buddy. I’m not a great one for Facebook and teaming up with people I don’t know, so I found it great to have a one-to-one with Moira. Not sure if pairing might help others As well as a Facebook group? It’s good to have both.

Anyway thanks again for your brilliance in formulating these exercise routines. It is easy to see and feel the progression that you planned and I have definitely benefitted (as has my horse -Ella). I think I am on track to get to Medium level dressage by the time I am 70 (December 2022). I will keep going with the DRT workouts to make sure I have the best chance of getting my body there.

Sending you love and hugs and grateful thanks from Cumbria, England.

Janice

Dear Nicola, thanks a lot for your mail and of course: please find attached a photo of “LaBlonde” and myself.

Unfortunately due to health issues I was not able to finish the program as of week 10, but like DRT1 I found DRT2 very, very helpful to identify my weak areas and to work on those as well as stabilizing my strengths. In fact DRT2 was even more helpful to me as I got great advice / exercises for my tight hips.

Thanks so much for giving us the opportunity to participate in such great program !!
Like DRT1 I will repeat DRT2 now !

Hello Nicola, I loved your program and it is quite intense, even for someone working out regularly like me! I particularly benefitted for the balance and co-ordination exercises. I’m mostly an Eventing rider, however Dressage is the foundation for any other equestrian discipline, so your program helped me in the other phases as well. And my horse is happier too, as I’m a little more coordinated and balanced in the saddle!
As I purchased the memory stick, I’ll be able to repeat the exercise on the program any time I want! Thanks a lot.

I have just completed DRT2 but unfortunately I was unable to do the riding homework (which I think is an important part of the program) but I have just restarted DRT2 and I will be including the riding homework this time around.

This brings me to my first point: it is fabulous that you can download all the DRT videos and are able to use them even after the program is over (when your horse is FINALLY sound again).

DRT improved my riding. By my third week my instructor was asking if my legs had suddenly grown longer (I am an adult, so I am not growing in that direction).

How did DRT change my life? Almost 3 years ago I had a rotational fall. It took a long time and a team of doctors but eventually I felt that I had almost completely recovered. Before the fall I always slept on my side and after the fall I always slept on my back. I thought sleeping on my back had started for pain relief and had ended up becoming a habit. Thanks to DRT I am sleeping on my side a lot more often. Sleeping on my back was still clearly pain related and the improvement in my quality of sleep has been LIFE CHANGING.

I also tried the meditation. I was very skeptical about it, but I honestly believe that it helped with my show nerves.

I also (surprisingly for me) have great things to say about the Facebook group. I had a question about learning to balance without hands on the swiss ball – I thought that it was an impossible and probably dangerous goal. Thanks to some advice from the group I can now balance on the ball and I still have all my teeth. I have also learned all sorts of non-DRT related things from the group (I am trying Franklin method balls. I can’t tell if they will be successful because we were all laughing too hard the first time that I tried them). There was also a post from a lady who was moving and before she had moved – thanks to her post in the group, she already had a friend to go hacking with near her new home.

Hi Nicola
Thanks for your program, it’s not only helping with my riding but also feeling better and stronger in every day life. Cant wait to start DRT2! This is me on my “swiss ball” trying not to roll off!

Hi Nicola,

I’ve enjoyed the program tremendously and love how specific it is to dressage riding! I work out several times a week and while that is great for overall strengthening and fitness, it doesn’t address some of the particular areas we need to focus on as dressage riders.

I’m a couple of weeks behind due to a kitchen renovation and having to be out of town, but will complete weeks 11 and 12 directly. I plan to restart the program and complete a 2nd time plus do a lot more riding without stirrups.

Attached is a pic of m 4 year old APHA mare, Peaches, and myself. She is my first young horse and I’m learning a lot (I previously had an older Appaloosa who was well-trained when I got him…). Needless to say, I need to be in the best shape possible riding and training this sweet and super smart girl!!

Thank you for developing this program and I look forward to part 2!

P.S. Love it when Lucy and your adorable puppy joined you in the videos!!

Robyn Smith

Hi Nicola,

My daughter, Ella, replied to you separately. As we told you earlier on in the course, we did DRT together. I wanted to share with you that for me personally the content has been absolutely gold, and has changed things for me enormously. I did not realise I was so unbalanced and that my core was so weak. In the beginning I could barely do the most basic core movements without my muscles shaking. I could not do some things at all on one side of my body (such as put all my body weight on my left shoulder for a side plank type move, whereas the other side was just fine. I once was incredibly fit, and I guess four children later, throw in a couple of big accidents and things were not as good over time as they once were, life kind of crept up in a negative way for my body without me even realising the extent of it.

We did the workouts at a rate of 3 per week plus the homework – some we did separately and some together. And we had SO much fun and laughed alot, it really brought us closer too.

I now feel my body is so much stronger, balanced and also that long term pain issues have resolved or improved dramatically. I will definitely be continuing my workouts in future. The thing is, I had no idea how out of shape I was in alot of the areas that your program revealed. I felt before that I was really fit as I swim twice a week and am very active in other ways on our farm always doing physical jobs. So this was a massive eye opener. I am super proud to say I made it through and went from not able to balance at all on the swiss ball for any reason, or even sit easily on it and lift one leg, to determinedly practicing daily and I can now not only sit on it and lift each leg holding it up, but can also balance on it up on my knees with no hands – only a few weeks ago this was seemingly impossible!

Thank you so incredibly much for making the content so easy to fit in around life, easy to follow and done in a way that builds gradually without being too much in one go. It was gentle yet extremely effective and I feel just fantastic for doing it.

I am attaching a couple of pics of Ella and I.

Much gratitude to you, x Narel

This program has been great! I am stronger and more flexible in my hips and my seat has improved greatly. I absolutely love the FB group and the support it provides as I have found there are a lot of women my age or older that want to become better riders instead of slowing down. I have already recommended the program to another lady at our barn. Thank you again!

Sheilla

Hi Nicola! I am still doing DRT1 because I felt like repeating some weeks. I am now in the week #10. I do not own a horse, but can share a picture of the one I ride from time to time;) I started DRT1 during lockdown which was a very good idea, because I needed exercise desperately;) Workouts were fun, sometimes more managable and sometimes – more challenging. It’s great that you can repeat them if you don’t feel like starting the next phase yet – this is what I did twice and it felt much better the second time. When I got back to the barn after lockdown it turned out, that my body is much stronger and flexible. My position in the saddle improved which was noticed by my trainer immediately! My riding is more confident and more conscious now, looking forward to the next parts of DRT – I will definitely continue with the program:)
Best regards!
K.

I am doing DRT 1, Week 12
Nicolas program is awesome …. it has helped me enormously improve my balance, feel and timing and I know that my horse Osie is the happier for it.
I am 65 years old and live in the South Island of New Zealand and began the program while we were in Covid Lockdown which enabled me to have the time to get seriously committed to doing the program as it is hard to fit it into normal life routinely.
I am living the dream of an amateur rider by just starting to compete at Level 7 (Prix st G and Int I) on a NZD$2500 warmbloodxtb, who i have owned since she was 3 (now 11yrs)…. so my message is “anyone can DO IT!!”
My body has been giving me some grief the last couple of years but i feel that DRT has handed me a lifeline ….. i find the yoga the toughest section.
Grand Prix in the future??……..!

Hi Nicola, I had been watching the increasing number of posts on DRT on Facebook and decided that it was time for me to try something different to take my riding forward. I had been increasingly frustrated with my inability to improve my position and aids for my horse. This had been affecting my new horse quite a lot. He is a 14 1/8hh Arabian Riding Pony and very sensitive to my balance and aids.

DRT has provided a dramatic improvement to my riding in particular my balance and strength. My coach and riding friends can clearly see a difference and my pony is definitely happier. The other, unexpected, benefit is my confidence. I had two bad falls at the end of last year both as a result of my pony spooking and my resultant loss of balance. I now know I can ride those spooks (because I have) and so I am now riding more confidently and as a result, I too, am a much happier rider. I have added cavaletti to our training and, even though he tends to get a bit excited with these, I am really enjoying them.

The design of the program is ingenious – 20 minutes is easy to find even for someone who works full time and rides four times a week. I found that the sessions are quite addictive and that I wanted to do more and couldn’t wait to get see what each week had in store. My only complaint is that there is a few weeks gap until DRT2 starts – but I have plenty to practice!

If you had told me 12 weeks ago that I would be kneeling on a ball and moving my upper body through the week 12 movements I would have told you that you were dreaming – but wow I’m doing it. My lower back pain, which has been a constant for the last few years, has also gone as my core has strengthened. My flexibility has also improved dramatically – and yes, “downward dog” has become a place to rest. Did I say that I have just turned 55?

Thank you, Nicola, and well done on creating such an effective program for the time-poor rider.

Vireena

I am an adult amateur rider, and a very busy working mom running my own business. I decided a year ago to get serious about dressage. I’ve been riding for 30 years, mostly hunting, jumping, and trail riding for fun. My dressage trainer was always telling me to ‘engage my core’, and I sat like a sack of spuds on my horse. So I signed up for DRT 1, and it has totally changed my riding. I now have a core that I can use, and my horse knows all about it! I am much more balanced and effective. I feel stronger. I have had to get my show coat taken in a few inches (thank you Nicola!). This is an excellent program that every rider would benefit from, not just dressage riders. It fits into my insane schedule, and although I may curse at Nicola at times during the workouts, I feel great after them. I strongly recommend this program to anyone that sits on a horse, no matter the discipline. It is worth very penny. Another bonus, you will like how you look in the mirror after 12 weeks!

Hi Nicola, the program was really fantastic and it helped me a lot. I got much more connection and stability in the core, to bring the weight even trough the pelvis. I could release a lot of tension and I am sitting much more relaxed and deeper in the saddle.
And my horse is mirroring me all these positive changes. So, that all together is just great and I am very happy. I have never made so much progress as in the past 12 weeks. Thanks a lot and I am looking forward to start with DRT2.

Hi Nicola, The photos I have attached are from yesterday’s ride in the forest which was Roo’s third ride there without another horse.
He will be 5 in November and has been under saddle for 10 months. He never put a foot wrong and we did lots of trot and canter.
I decided to give DRT a try as it came so highly recommended by a variety of friends. As I had been doing pilates for over 10 years I did wonder what might be in it for me.
The best motivation was to be a strong balance rider so I could help my young horse who had just been started. I no longer compete but I really enjoy training my horse.
I am quite a disciplined person so I loved the structure of the DRT programme. While I really benefited from DRT 1 it was doing DRT 2 that really put everything together for me.
I could really start to feel how the exercises directly connected to ridden work.
I am much more conscious of my position and am much quicker to make corrections. It helps my horse so much, as the instant I correct my position he can bend and soften so easily.
He gets things and is able to adjust himself and it makes so much sense to him.
DRT has helped me to become a much more feeling rider as opposed to riding mechanically. This really shows in how relaxed and willing my horse is. My trainer commented on this in my most recent lessons.
I am very proud to have achieved mastering all the exercises on the swiss ball. This has been my favourite part of the whole programme!
Having access to the online gym is a great bonus and I have enjoyed dipping into some of the other programmes particularly the yoga.

Hello Nicola, I have found that working through the programme has definitely given me more strength and agility. Most of all I feel more confident and relaxed working my new smaller horse (Volante) who as his name suggests is quick and light. I will keep doing the program as part of my weekly routine. Many thanks kind regards Lorraine. Image is of my Show Hack Princeton

Dear Nicola,
I really loved your DRT program, it reaches out for so many important areas. Although I have not been able to ride my horse for over 4 months now, the program has helped to keep me in shape, but much further to that, to enhance my balance, strengthen my muscles and work on subtlenes and mindset.
I really hope to be able to start riding again soon, and feel the difference!
Attached is a picture with my mare Costa del Este, taken last year on a show, it was our first Inter 1!
Unfortunately the Lockdown came, so we couldn’t continue enjoying the rides.
Nevertheless, she is having a looong vacation and I try to keep up with your workouts.
You have a very nice, relaxed and warm personality. During the routines you also sometimes get tired, you can pet your dog, even once your horse… That all adds an important personal touch to your program. Congratulations for such a great job you have done.

With kindest regards, and looking forward to the next DRT,

Hi Nicola,
I have just finished DRT1 and am really looking forward to DRT2. I thought DRT1 was a great program, the focus on core, suppleness and strength was exactly what I needed and really brought home to me where I needed to improve if I want my riding to improve. I also enjoyed the warm and humorous comradery
of the many other people taking the program from all over the globe, reassuring to know that you are not the only one struggling with various moves. Your support throughout was also appreciated, all in all you have a gem of a program! Thanks so much!
Kathy

Hi Nicola,

I’m an eventer, rather than a dressage rider but I have to say that the DRT programme has improved all aspects of my riding. I’m more secure in the saddle, my body is in a better position, so my horse appreciates this and is more responsive and quicker off the aids. My equine physio always takes measurements of my horse’s body and for the first time my horse is absolutely symmetrical. The format of three 20 minute workouts plus homework is perfect for me. I can easily find time for this and feel quite smug if I do more! If you asked for longer and more workouts I might struggle to fit them in, get dispirited and give up! I enjoy the supportive facebook group and all the extras on the website like recipes, articles and other exercise routines. You’re an inspiration, Nicola!

At 57 I have the best reason ever to stay fit.

I never thought I would be working out for a Horse : -) In so many ways horses save us..

I love DRT and in such a time like this it has been the perfect motivator, for both mental and physical Health.

The program has given me the confidence, because I am stronger, to believe that I can use my core to influence my horses movements…

Be lighter in the hands and guide with my legs..

My posture has improved therefore my balance is better which allows my horse to connect and move more freely, he seems more relaxed and round lately : -)

Thank you! Looking forward to DRT 2

All the best

Deborah A Golding

Hi Nicola!

I love your programs. They have made me a stronger person and rider! I never thought I would be able to kneel on the yoga ball ! Now I can ! There is so much I love !

The quick response to questions or concerns! Ben is awesome!

The choice in how to execute the movements . If they are a little to hard you give great alternatives.

This is a well rounded program! Including nutrition, home work and eduacational articles to help you achieve your goals!

I am waiting for DRT 4.

I started taking lessons with at an academy. I referred your program to them.

Thank you and your team for all the hard work! I really don’t have anything negative to say!

Carrie Chavarria

Hi Nicola, I really loved the dressage riders training program. Especially the yoga routines.
I have a back injury, and I have been struggling with disc prolapses for years after a complicated surgery. I have been so stiff, especially my hamstrings, and this has reflected my riding. I have not been able to sit properly on my horse. I feel so much stronger now. I really felt a huge difference within the first two weeks.
Unfortunately my horse had an injury in May, so I have not been able to keep up the homework on the horse. I am looking so much forward to start training her again, and feel the difference.
I would like to do the drt2 when this is available. For now, I do the yoga retreat cathedral cove, and I will repeat the core and fitness routines from drt1.
Thank you for this opportunity.

Best regards

Ingvild Bruland and Carmen

Hi Nicola,
I found the program was really effective in helping me become a better rider. I enjoyed the workouts and how there are a variety of different areas that are targeted including balance, strength and flexibility, which combined has improved my overall position and allows me to get the most out of my rides. Before the program I had been arching my back and tight in the pelvis while riding which was blocking my horse. I have found this is no longer happening since learning more about engaging the core and having a neutral spine. Thank you so much, Ella

Hi Nicola,
This is me and my Arabian Friesian Sporthorse mare, Finn. DRT 1 has been a total game changer for both my dressage riding and my overall balance, posture and core strength. I have residual weakness and neuropathy as a result of a previous autoimmune disease, which affects my left leg. This training has helped to even out that weakness. I have been recommending your program to all my friends at the barn. Thanks so much for such a complete and comprehensive program.

I have been working out with DRT for 12 weeks- I do 1-2 workouts daily. It has made a huge difference in my mental and my physical health. I am more confident on and off my horse. I am more balanced. I am stronger and have more stamina. I am 68 years old and had been feeling a bit discouraged with my “Golden Years”. I truly feel so much more sure about my future with my lovely horses. It’s a wonderful program and I look forward to the next stage!
Cindy Wilberding

Hi Nicola!
I’ve enjoyed the 12 weeks of DRT very much. For me, starting it during the “shelter at home” portion of the covid pandemic was perfect timing. I was forced to be home and needed the exercise. By week 3 or 4, I was able to get back to the barn and start riding again. My horse is recovering from both ulcers and an ill fitting saddle. Now, between the meds for his ulcers and a new saddle, combined with the positive strength, core and flexibility that I’ve gained from the program…we seem to be heading in a very positive direction.

Thanks for the guidance,
Penny Rosen

Hi Nicola! I have to admit that I got a late start (very late) to the program and I did each week twice. So I am currently working on week 5. Some background about myself (and Leo). I am 60 years young. I rode full time teaching and showing until I was 36. I competed through PSG. Before last summer I mainly rode for fun. Long background story but Leo came into my life last summer and I am back to training and trying to make my old body remember how to ride again! My brain knows but my body revolts. So to the point….I am absolutely amazed about the changes in 10 weeks time both on and off the horse. My balance has returned and I can actually hold a plank position for at least 20 seconds. Before I started it wasn’t even 1 second. My core strength is improving daily and I’m able to apply everything to my riding. I am so excited to continue through to the end! I will keep you updated,

Nicola, This was an awesome program for me! I will continue with your fitness exercises. I have learned a lot and it show in my improvement with riding and my progressing scores in Dressage.

Hi Nicola
I’ve finished DRT3 and will now go through it at least twice more. It’s been challenging for me but has helped highlight areas that I’m weak in. Generally more testing of aerobic fitness and the earlier courses were definitely necessary for me to be able to do DRT3.
Overall I’m much stronger, more flexible and my balance is a lot better. I’ve really enjoyed the courses and I’m determined not to slacken off now.
Thankyou for the work you’ve put in to develop a program so suited to riders but also great for any older person who’s interested in improving core strength and balance
Cheers Alison

I have an Andalusian from Spain who is very sensitive. Having a strong core and being as loose and light as possible is what she likes! The program has definitely helped with that. I’m going to keep repeating lots of the sessions and continue to try to kneel on the Swiss Ball!! Thanks, loved having some exercise specifically to help with Dressage.

I would highly  recommend the DRT program developed by Nicola for all riders who wish to better understand what’s required to develop control of both yourself and your horse.

I have benefited greatly from all aspects of the course and my core strength and fitness have increased and most beneficially for me I think I am the most flexible I have ever been.

I have utilised this program as a return to horse riding after a long absence from the saddle and feel confident that my new core strength, flexibility and stamina will enable a swift return.

The benefits also go far beyond riding and everyday life benefits from a fit and healthy body and together with the mindset and yoga component of this course I feel more confident generally.

The exercise program is able to cater for every level of fitness. Nicola explains each exercise and demonstrates multiple ways of achieving them within the same routine. 20 Minuets 3 times a week is all it takes and can be fitted into even the busiest schedule. Excellent expertly thought-out program. Well Done Nicola.

I have to say I was a bit skeptical when I read that I could help myself and my horse become fit and happy with just 20 minutes three times a week with DRT! It does truly work! You will become stronger and all of those muscles you never knew you had when you start conditioning in the spring can be tuned up and ready to go during the winter off season months. I feel much stronger and more confident now after doing DRT, and my Miller is thanking me by performing on the trail like a champ! Highly recommend this program!

I had wanted to do DRT for about a year but kept putting it off because of the cost. I kept reading all the great reviews and thought it couldn’t be that good but eventually decided to sign up.

The reviews are all correct. The course is excellent. I am 44 and although I had done some yoga and swimming in the past, this is the first time that I have ever stuck to a regular exercise plan. It is so easy to follow and Nicola is so engaging and encouraging in all the videos. I have noticed a huge difference in my fitness levels and also my mental health. From the very first week you become more aware of your body and your posture and even whilst walking you feel more balanced and in tune with your body.

My riding had also begun to improve, with a deeper seat and more flexible hips I really began to notice how more confident and secure I was feeling on my sometime spooky but gorgeous share. Unfortunately due to Covid I have been out of the saddle for a couple of months but can not wait to see the improvements I have made.

There are also so many other options available in the Online Gym that I have also got my partner and children involved in the fitness and core boot bootcamps and the yoga retreats.

Thank you Nicola, I can not recommend this course enough and can not wait to start DRT2 in January.

Hello Nicola,

I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your program, all three of them!

First of all, I find 20 minutes the perfect length, easy to find time to fit it in and not too long that one dreads doing it! Secondly, I love how you explain what each exercise is working on and how it relates to our riding – that is really helpful. I also think the combination of core, yoga stretching and then rider strength is a great combination.

I find your energy, and enthusiasm, as well as the lovely green setting outside, really great as I am usually doing this in my basement in the winter! I did a lot of DRT3 when I was under the Covid lockdown, and wasn’t able to ride for 9 weeks, so I was grateful to be able to keep my body flexible and in shape for riding, and had no issues of soreness or tightness when I was able to ride again.

The most challenging exercise for me was balancing on the ball. I had trouble on all fours but over time I was able to get on my knees and be balanced, but still can’t handle doing anything with the tube while balanced on the ball. Still I feel quite a sense of accomplishment in just being able to get up on my knees!

Thanks for putting together such a great program. I’d love to think that there are more programs to come!

Cheers,
Sue

I found DRT3 to be the icing on the cake per say. Looking back at the other 2 programs this one tied them all in and believe it or not still finds you getting sore muscles. Some of the sessions seem to be easy when you are doing it then the next day oh my here did those muscles come from. I have noticed with each lesson gaining strength for the all around chores like horse people have which is a great blessing. I feel the core muscle engage in many different ways and with working my horse too. Thank you Nicola and Ben for a job well done for all of us.
Gina

Nicola, Here is a perspective from a western rider 😉
Thank you so much for the DRT program. Working out has immensely changed my horsemanship. Instead of having a mentality that was nervous about getting hurt as we added speed to my barrel runs, I can now shut that inner voice down and think through what I am doing with my body and how my horse responds because I feel stronger and more balanced. I feel so accomplished that I have finished DRT2 and am excited to see how it continues to help my barrel runs and overall horsemanship.

I can’t believe the better balance and stamina I have after finishing DRT 1. You don’t realise how much better you are getting and then your instructor says wow, what did you do Cate you look amazing!

I will be doing DRT 2 as soon as I’m back in the workforce!

I have enjoyed the progression from DRT 1 to 2 to 3. DRT 1 is like an introduction, with a lot of basic stuff, fundamentals. DRT 2 is when things get more complex/harder/faster, but I found the yoga and core work particularly helpful. DRT3, with its emphasis on quick reactions combined with energizing the fascia, was very helpful to my riding as I ride a mare where I need to be open in the front yet always vigilant to be able to get her back on track as quickly as possible when she decides to pull something.

As a “graduate”, I am going to try to go back within all 3 programs and pull out the segments I liked or found particularly hard and practice them (I still cannot kneel on the swiss ball for any period of time). I feel like I have a wealth of options in short segments that I can fit into my day. Plus, the online gym is a great resource for supplemental workouts.
So yes, the journey was worth it, both in terms of time and money invested.

And thank you for being such a cheerful, normal presence–I love the animal interruptions and occasional slipups.
regards,
Heidi Humphrey

Dear Nicola, The Dressage Training Program is the most thorough fitness program I have encountered. I know because I feel good physically and mentally with my horse, King.

DRT sets participants up for the opportunity to function at their best but with no negative judgement. The bonus is that it is a program for horse riders which is a lifelong passion of mine. Even if I were no longer riding it would keep me fit strong and supple even though I am 75.

Balance, strength and flexibility are the best way to keep mobile when ageing. Sleep quality and nutrition coupled with mindfulness ensures that DRT encompasses mind and body. To have Nicola as a significant part of my life, leading, encouraging, supporting and being a cheerful and enthusiastic coach is quite wonderful particularly at this time of pandemic anxiety. A thank you also from King, too, because I am a better partner for him being more secure and balanced in the saddle. We can only go on to improve and enjoy rides together.

My very best wishes, Nicola. Thank you for an excellent program.

King & I

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would not only do DRT3, but actually complete it! I thought the DRT3 folks were the super fit, crazy athletic people! Not the 60 something rider I was. I was struggling to complete DRT1 (it took me 3 attempts to complete it!) But if you do DRT1, you can do DRT2 and if you can do DRT2 you can do DRT3. Nicola makes the step up gradual and she always give you options. If I can do this, you can do this! I hate to sound dramatic, but this program has changed my life and riding! It’s a program I can stick with and I love the support I get from Nicola and the the DRT community! You can do this!

Sally Raczkowski

Nicola, I am almost to the end of DRT3 and dreading it being over! What an amazing series of programs that have served to keep me motivated while reducing and eliminating many areas of chronic pain. Combined with the pandemic most recently – which allowed me to work from home and incorporate your 5 minute conditioning routines throughout the day – I feel I’ve reached a level of fitness and pain control I didn’t think would ever be possible. I don’t ride competitively (or even in a saddle right now! my horse is very tough to fit!) anymore, but this program has allowed me to enjoy toodling around bareback on my big red goofball horse. I have recommended your DRT programs to anyone who will listen, and several have signed up and are seeing the same benefits as me – even non-riders are enjoying!

Are you considering doing a DRT4? For me especially I struggle with neck, shoulder, hip and low back pain and the upper body focus of DRT3 has finally provided me the strength I needed in my postural muscles to relieve that pain (plus your amazing mobility balls – I call them torture balls and they are magical).

In the meantime I’ve started your 21 day yoga retreat at Cathedral Cove and will follow up with the second retreat after that and just keep repeating the DRT programs. I don’t want to ever go back to how I felt before your programs.

I have to tell you I have tried many workouts over the year to help my riding. I am 52 I have ripped my groind on my left leg having my only child and broken my right ankle. This is the only program that truly helps me with my strength and position and actually allows me to be able to put my body where my trainer wants me to help my horse! I do extra things like ride my bike for more cardio and play soccer with my son but I am forever grateful for your program!