Dressage Rider Training Reviews

Dear Nicola, thanks for asking my thoughts about DRT. I really love this program in every parts. At the beginning, I was a little surprised for the timing: only 3 times a week, only 15-20 minutes for workouts, seems so a little time, but it work, it work very well. DRT1 was the beginning of the journey, with a big effects on my riding, unfortunately stopped from an injury of the hoof of my mare. DRT2 was my favourite … challenging, strong, perfect for me, but i did it in a bad period (i work in an oncologic hospital and we were in charged with anti covid vaccination, with double turn of work every day) and then DRT3. At the beginning, I found it very soft, a little too soft for me, but … workout after workout I see a big difference and a lot of improvements: more coalescence, more awareness. In my experiences i can say that DRT3 was the more effectiveness of the three programs. I really love the DRT journey. I find that it’s very well constructed. I want to spend a word also on DRT Mobility, my salvation in a lot of situation. I really appreciated this extra program. One of this workout save my glutes and my hip so many times! After all of this month spent on DRT, make you part of the family: my cat recognizes your voice and the theme music of DRT and hurry up to take its place on the mat; my husband hurry up in the opposite direction (He doesn’t like movements) and the mare thank very much. Thank you very much Nicola
waiting DRT4
Germana

Hi Nicola, I am blessed to say that I have completed DRT4 and it was a good challenge for me.. I am 60 years old and have found that I gained coordinating body awareness and strength I did not realize I lost or never had. Most of all this program help to develop a mental focus and patience within myself.

DRT4 was a commitment to myself in exploring what I am capable of . My mindset got stronger in accepting where I am in each exercise practice. The movement patterns were most interesting in this program.

Your cueing is helpful with alternative suggestions to assist when it is too difficult at that moment. Finally, your kind hearted enthusiasm with laughter is a plus.

Hi Nicola, I signed up for DRT 1 while I was rehabbing from a fall, because I didn’t want to lose all my conditioning. I’m so glad I did! The workouts not only kept me in shape, they improved my strength and balance more than I thought possible. I feel much more stable when I ride now, and I have better position over jumps because of stronger core and legs. I really appreciate the flexibility of the program, with relatively short workout videos that can be combined in different ways, as well as all the different options presented in the videos. I also really liked the Online Gym set up, with all the other information and workouts. There is so much content provided, the program provides excellent value for the cost! And your support and encouragement, and personal touches, are also much appreciated. Thank you for putting this all together!
Cheers, Lillian Spencer (and River!)

Hi Nicola, thank you for creating DRT fitness programs; I have thoroughly enjoyed them!

Wow, it’s hard to believe that DRT4 is completed; it seems like it just started!

For me, I found DRT4 the most challenging as it uses more weights and works on strength more than the others. Having said that, I did feel prepared and ready for the challenges. I plan to repeat DRT4 and will probably mix in DRT3 as well.

I really like that you always give options for the exercises as it makes it doable for everyone. When I can I always do the hardest and realize that it’s okay if I can’t. This helps me to know where I need more strength or co-ordination.

I have never enjoyed yoga until the DRT programs. I really appreciate that you explain why we do certain moves and what the benefits are to our body. I found DRT3 yoga very interesting as it introduced facia. The yoga in DRT has helped me to to be more flexible and have more body awareness when I ride.

You have such a wonderful ability to keep me encouraged when the exercises get tough. I feel that you have a genuine “you can do this” for those doing your programs.

I am grateful to be a part of DRT family and plan to keep doing the programs to help my riding and general fitness.

Andrea Redekop

Dear Nicola, After completing DRT 1 I wrote to you that joining the Program was one of the best decisions I made. The same applies for DRT 2. Not only did I achieve what I hoped for with my riding – being fitter, stronger and more balanced – but I developed a whole new body (and mind) awareness. I frequently use all the tools you provide in the online Gym, be it a specific stretching or yoga routine because I feel stiff and “compressed”, a certain workout or the mindset sessions/meditations. I have truely learned to listen to my body and do what it needs to feel better, live better and ultimately ride better. This is one of the things I like best about DRT, that it is not a set of rules you have to follow but a unique opportunity to make it work specifically for you. Physically I found DRT 2 different and sometimes more challenging than DRT 1, but in a good and encouraging way. Although I have always been an active person and even worked as a trainer myself, I found the workouts very diversified and your upbeat and encouraging personality simply is the cherry on top. Keep going and I am already looking forward to DRT 3! Thanks a lot and greetings from Germany, Katja and Awhitu

Hi Nicola, of the three programs, DRT3 was my favourite! I found the strength and yoga really challenged me in ways that I needed most and have allowed me to become stronger while increasing my mobility. I enjoy the different format/structure of the videos between the different programs as I feel it brings variety when repeating workouts. Overall I am very happy with these DRT programs. I am proud of the accomplishments I have achieved in both strength and mobility due to your programs and these improvements have helped me gain confidence in my movement (both in riding and in daily life) which have helped me further my riding skills and have the confidence to try new riding disciplines. Thank you very much for your wonderful programs and support throughout!

Hi Nicola! I’m just starting Week 11 and I am loving the DRT2 process. It’s entirely doable ( ok the Swiss ball wood chopper continues to elude me). It’s a useful and fun challenge that is easy to schedule into my loaded work day. We have 4 horses with 3 we keep here on our property so I expected DRT2 to be way too much for me but it isn’t at all. In fact, DRT2 is just hard enough. No matter how exhausted I may feel, I always feel strong and energized after a session. It’s that rewarding and that remarkable.

This program has changed my riding and my body. I’m so much more aware of my balance and more in control of my seat. My very precise and perceptive Dutch saddler watched me ride recently and said I was a very balanced rider. That’s no small thing to me. I’ve got so much more mobility in my hips and shoulders. Look, I started DRT1 with constant hip pain that was made worse by mounting up. I’ll be 64 next week, so I figured it came with the territory and I had to suck it up. By Week 2 that pain was a distant memory and I haven’t felt it since. Same goes for my wrists. That’s a huge revelation for me. We can ALWAYS get better and stronger!

Many many thanks to Nicola and her crew for putting together this valuable asset. It’s has powered up my mind, my body and my riding. It’s a true life-changing process!

Your grateful student
Maggie

Hi Nicola, I’ve really enjoyed all four programmes especially 3&4 as for me personally its been better having the little timer countdown to focus on. I did both 3&4 back to back which was intense but well worth it as I think I got super results – much straighter posture and what I really like is I can now isolate the weak muscles and focus on engaging them whereas before it was easy for the body to still protect and not use these weaker muscle chains. The range of exercise options for people to choose from according to how the feel on the day and what their body is ready for is great – I did injure my calf muscle on the single leg side hop jumps but that is more due to the damage caused by surgeries and nerve damage so, for me I won’t do jump exercises again. I highly recommend doing both programmes back to back and going forwards I will continue to do this but first I will do the HPF programme.

Thank you for these online programmes they are really really good!!

Hi Nicola, I still have a week to go on DRT4. I love the DRT program, as well as the HPF one that came between DRT3 and DRT4. The ~20 minute sessions are perfectly timed – not too short, not too long. Especially going through 4 rounds of exercises without a break makes it challenging so that even 20 minutes are a great workout. I also like that you provide different levels for each exercise to ensure that people with pre-existing injuries are those of us on the “other side of 50” have great workouts even it the exercises are not done on the highest possible level. I usually circle through the lower DRT programs while waiting for a new one for the next level. That’s the good thing about the exercises – there are so many different sessions I can now choose to do, and when I do the lower level DRT exercises it is not as if they are super easy because I have completed the higher level training.

Hi Nicola, I am so grateful and delighted that I discovered the DRT programme

I have now completed DRT1 and will definitely be continuing with the further programmes

Everyone’s comments of how the programme has improved their riding are true as it’s now happened to me! Apart from my physical fitness you have helped with my mental fitness too and I’m so much more confident in myself and my riding and am actually relishing competing and showing my horse to the judges!

My horse, Hihalino says thank you too. He’s much happier having a more confident balanced rider on his back!

I also love all the extras that come with the programme and whilst waiting for the next session to start will repeat the last four weeks as well as do the 21 day yoga retreat as I don’t want to loose what I have gained or get out of the discipline of training

Thank you again Nicola your programme is awesome!

With the very best of wishes and long may DRT continue!!!

Rosalind

Hi Nicola, I finished DRT on Friday and thought it was brilliant – I finished on a real high (using dumbbells on the Swiss ball with relative ease!) and am now planning to just keep cycling through Phase 3 until such time as you bring out another course 🙂

When I started DRT 1 back in January it was because I wanted to improve my riding but was unable to actually go to the stables due to Covid restrictions here in Wales. Now that I’m back having regular lessons, the difference that the DRT courses are making is obvious to me, my instructor and Alf, the ex-racehorse that I ride. The courses have really helped my riding but have gone way beyond that. I’m a very active 41 year old but was starting to get little niggly injuries on a fairly regular basis. Lower back pain and aching hips were my biggest problems, but all of that has gone away since I started on these courses – I haven’t had any aches at all (aside from the good ones!). Improving my core strength has had a huge positive impact on the other activities I do (I’ve always loved kettlebells and now I’ve been able to move up to a 20kg bell) and I’ve even been out running to supplement the Rider Strength workouts. I honestly feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. A fantastic side-effect of all this has been the enormous confident boost that has come with doing this course – I honestly can’t thank you enough.

From a practical perspective I’ve found the app simple to use and love the way that the sessions are challenging but there’s always an option for those who need to decrease or increase the level of challenge. I’m not a huge user of Facebook but it’s also good to know that there’s community support if I need it too.

Thanks so much again Nicola, I’ve got such a lot out of these courses.

Best wishes to you and all the gang at your gorgeous yard

I very much liked DRT3. I’m turning 76 and like you hope to be riding in my 90s. These exercises are quite beneficial for me especially the upper body stretching and strengthening. Yoga is new to me but I’m doing it. I appreciate your verbal encouragement and the easier and more challenging ways to do the exercises. I like the repeat of the exercises. At first they seem easy but after 4 sets it’s a workout. I’ll be ready to start DRT4.
Thanks Peggy

DRT 2 builds on the great foundation and habits established in DRT 1. I found that my flexibility, core strength, and overall well-being continued to improve over the course of this 12-week program. Nicola provides encouragement along the way, offering options that recognize our individual abilities and limitations.

This program has helped me significantly with my balance on horseback. I ride a compact, short-backed horse with a very springy jump. The core exercises have helped me flow stay with him and gave me more stability and confidence in the saddle.

I am looking forward to repeating parts of DRT2 and then moving on to DRT3. This is the best gift I gave myself in 2021.

I cannot recommend the DRT programmes enough – the routines have become a part of my daily routine, and they have made a huge different for both my riding and my everyday health and wellbeing. I am experiencing a vastly improved connection and feeling of being in sync with my horse when I ride, and I am much more aware of the different aids and where to be active to, for instance, regain balance or improve a movement. Out of the saddle I feel much stronger, more supple and more balanced, I have less back aches and I am able to stand a whole day at my work desk without feeling fatigue in my back.

I love the way that DRT3 builds on DRT1 and 2 and takes everything we have learned to the next level – both through the exercise routines and through the knowledge that both the routines themselves and the homework and other resources provide. The programme is challenging, but the options make the routines doable even on “off days”, and the feeling of progressing through the programme builds confidence and motivation to keep going. At this point, I don’t see the programmes as individual 12-week programmes but as a vast pool of resources that I can dip into and use on an everyday basis, either repeating full programmes or selecting specific routines, depending on what I feel I need.

Thank you so much to you and your entire team (two-legged and four-legged alike!) for the work you’ve put into this programme – I think I can safely say that you have changed and improved the lives of humans and horses all over the world, and I for one am deeply grateful that I found your programme!

Hi Nicola, the DRT2 program has improved my position so much! My coach comments often how much more balanced and steady I am. I’m still finishing up the program but so very pleased with the results.

Dearest Nicola, I feel as though I know you. Almost daily you have guided me through your amazing program ! I can’t state enough how grateful I am to know you and have you on my team!

I was at a loss, mid forty girth was widening and I felt frumpy. I was not overweight, but needed ‘something!’ Well I found what I was looking for!

Never could have imagined that in twelve weeks, I would tone up, feel empowered, loose weight everywhere on the girth and develop my riding skills! Beyond surprised and equally ecstatic!

I canter now with confidence and my horse is happy… well sort of, now I can really enjoy the ride, he needs to work more.

Looking forward to what comes next. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and passion. Equestrians, and woman need to know your program works when you are truely committed to change.

Dear Nicola, I have really enjoyed the online training, I have loved seeing your horse in the back ground and your sweet dog sitting on you sometimes, it has such a nice feel to it, it strengthens the connection to those of us who love our animals.

This is me at our last competition, taken by simply Event Photos, and I think my position is better than it was and more consistent. I was worried that I would not be able to keep up with the program but it has been easy, encouraged by you of course! I am also keen to continue with me exercises by rerunning DRT1 and will consider DRT2 but maybe not until next year. I am also feeling more secure in the saddle when out hacking as she is inclined to whip round sometimes when she sees something, don’t they all?!

A long side the DRT I have lessons with a lady who is trained by Mary Wanless, who exposes the Ride With Your Mind theory and DRT works very well with it, I don’t expect to be a top grand prix rider but I am getting better thanks to all your input too, thank you!

Hi Nicola, DRT1 has been a huge help to me. A year ago I hadn’t ridden a horse for 10 years, having acquired a lovely youngster to ride I knew I needed to do something spectacular to do him justice. Riding everyday, yoga and DRT1 has given me a path to getting my fitness back at a rate of progress I couldn’t have managed with riding alone. My code strength and position have improved every week and DRT1 has been a huge part of that. Thank you Nicola!

I’ve definitely improved in all areas – core strength, fitness, flexibility – and that’s helped my riding enormously. The drills like working without stirrups, sitting trot exercises every day, stretching before and after riding all have helped me understand the physicality of dressage riding and the many options I have to get better at what I’m trying to do.

I actually only started riding 6 months ago after a long 10 years of not being able to due to a painful knee. In March 2020 I had a total knee replacement and spent a year recovering from that. Then in February 2021 my friend offered me one of her older horses, River Dancer, to ride and that’s when I discovered dressage (I’d only ever hacked and jumped) and that’s when I found your DRT course. In my first prelim competition 6 weeks ago I got a lot of 4s. Yesterday in my second competition I got 57% and 65% in the tests.

I love that you’re a Kiwi. I knew from the moment I saw you were based in NZ that I’d be getting an elite athlete experience. Like South Africans, you guys take your sporting life very seriously. But unlike us, you have a lot of resources in terms of the quality of training available to you as coaches.

Anyway, the bottom line is that I got a lot out of the DRT 1 course and I plan to do it over again in the next 3 months while I still have access to the videos. I also loved that you sent us 30 day challenges for core work, rider fitness and yoga.

I wish you tons of good things for your life to repay the huge contribution you’ve made to mine.

I’ve enjoyed the class and it’s made me so much stronger! Today I trotted around the arena twice with no stirrups and it felt so good! I’ve loved that the program is self-paced because I’ve needed to take a few weeks off and repeated some weeks, but still felt motivated and continued making progress. I love that all sessions are relevant to riding too, I can feel the differencein the saddle.

This is me with my boy Beau and my partner in equine crime, my mom, Mary and her boy Reggie. This is why I work out. Beau is still pretty green, but my physical progress has really helped my confidence overall. Having the time of my life!

Love DRT. Thank you Nicola!

Hi Nicola, even though I had to cut short the DRT till now, the difference it made after only 5 short weeks was amazing…that what I thought I would just have to accept one stirrup one hole longer…was magically repaired! no more unlevel stirrups to feel level! besides the amazing feeling of being able to sit up truly behind the shoulders so Appleton has the freedom of movement he needs 🙂 I gush about the DRT to all my students too 🙂 thank you so much Nicola! love DRT

I can’t say enough good things about the DRT programs!! I have spent years pursuing all sorts of fitness programs, but none of them were geared towards riders. Nicola’s program provides all the necessary strength and fitness to be the best rider you can be. I saw results quickly and from start to finish, there was nothing intimidating about the program. She offers multiple challenge levels within each workout so you can customize your experience and proceed at your own pace. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to take their riding to the next level.

Hi!DRT1 and DRT2 have been fantastic for me! I’ve gained ‘body confidense’ when riding and a better body awareness have shown me where my weak spots are. This have helped my riding a lot! Best part is that a stronger core have helped in my work as well. I’m a dentist and during a work day often sit in some crocked positions. After I started DRT training I havent had the need to visit the chiropractor once! ( ( Before DRT I needed chiro treatment every 2. to 3. month.)
Thank you!

Nicola, I have absolutely loved the program and it has helped us immensely as you can see in the photo below. We got a 73% at this team event. Could not have done it without your encouragement and expertise. You should be proud of your work.

What an awesome program you have created, deliver and continue to improve the well-being, fitness and capacity of riders across the world!

Hi Nicola, I have nothing but utmost admiration and appreciation for your exuberant guidance during these 4 DRTs … with your ongoing encouragement to keep looping back and building strength and balance, with focus on the basics. Wow – kudos. The results speak for themselves. A truly remarkable rebalancing life changer…Thank you and best wishes

Dear Nicola, the exercises in DRT 2 helped me a lot to understand the relationship between body and riding. I am much more balanced in the saddle and my seat is much more independent – what my horse really appreciated. The exercises are well explained and are a lot of fun. I am really looking forward to DRT 3.

“I’ve just finished DRT2 and I’m looking forward to more. I discovered DRT just after buying my first horse at 60 and needed to get riding fit and improve my seat and balance. There are many great things about the programme, but one is that it keeps you challenged and focussed on improving and of course Nicola is always super encouraging. My riding seat is much improved – legs longer, core stronger and more secure, which is hugely good for my confidence when faced with unexpected horse antics. It’s wonderful to hear from so many riders my age and older and of their success – I’m aiming to keep riding for many years to come and DRT will definitely help me achieve that. Thanks for everything Nicola. I hope you like the photo of Tango and me out for a ride in the Chiltern Hills, not far out of London.”

DRT 3 just finished. What a program once again. During DRT 1 and 2, I’ve built up my strength and core stability to a good , perhaps even very good, level and gained more suppleness via the yoga sessions. The meditations add relaxation and improves mindfulness, the capacity of concentration and being in the present moment.

In DRT 3, I’ve been able to follow the challenging sessions and improved further my stability, coordination, action times, freedom of movement and stamina. I get better and better in my riding, more automatic pilot and less thinking about how to……

I am now ready to start DRT 4….

Hi Nicola,
Just completed my last 20 minute workout of DRT3! It was the perfect follow-up to DRT 1 and 2. Thank you so much for creating such a wonderful program. I have benefited greatly from it and am looking forward to signing up for DRT4!!

In particular I liked the sequence format of DRT3 where we repeated five 60-second exercises. That really kept me moving! The conditioning routines were an excellent addition to the program that helped me loosen up before rides on days when I wasn’t working the program. The introduction of interval training was also good and I found it an easy element to add to my daily 12,000 step workout. As with DRT1 and DRT2, I found it helpful to repeat a phase before proceeding to the next to make sure I got the most out of each section. As with the earlier DRTs, the homework and articles rounded-out each week, giving context and greater depth to the program. Overall I have seen a tremendous improvement in my balance, strength, mobility and stamina which has made me more confident in my riding.

Unfortunately I have had some connectivity problems during the last few months so having the USB option has been a God sent!!

Thank you again for creating a dressage rider training program!

I started DRT because I really wanted to develop the fitness, core strength and suppleness required to do justice to my horse’s potential. At the age of 56 I find I need to do more off the horse than I ever needed to before in order to realise my aspirations! To be honest, I was sceptical – both about the value of the program and my ability to stick with it. However I was an early convert. The programme does more than improve your riding, it gives you a positive spin on life itself. After completing DRT 1, I immediately signed up for DRT 2. Yes, I can balance on the ball! My leg is longer and flatter; my core strength hugely improved; I am sitting taller, and moving with my horse, rather than against her. I have been hugely inspired by the number of riders on the DRT Facebook page who are in their mid sixties to seventies – my anxiety about counting down my riding days has abated, which has been an added bonus. Thank you Nicola – its always a boost to hear your voice, and see your lovely horse peeping into the sessions on screen.

I LOVE the programme, and am getting back into it post covid!

Hi Nicola, I am enclosing a photo of me with my partner Galan, a PRE stallion. I have just completed DRT 1 and wanted to express my appreciation for all the benefits I have received from this program. After having my second hip replacement last December I needed to jump start my fitness regime with emphasis on both strength and flexibility. This program has really helped me do so. Thank you!

The money I spent on the program is absolutely one of my best expenditures ever. Having a way to improve my fitness and my riding in the dark and cold days of a Wisconsin USA January was a godsend. I’m so glad that I listened to the reviews of other older women that said that this program is doable for us. I’m turning 71 tomorrow, and I want to keep riding forever. Your program is now a part of my life. I did the 12 weeks and then started over again. I’m getting so much more out of the exercises and explanations the second time through. People at the local shows that I go to and my trainer have mentioned my improved riding. I really can’t say enough about this DRT and Nicola. Nicola is so relatable that I feel as if she lives just down the lane from me! Thank you!

What I can say now is that I love the programs. What is most important to me is the explanations that you give regarding what muscles should be engaged per exercise, where we should NOT be engaged and of course how the exercises relate to riding.

By the way, my husband did start DRT 1 and he really likes it as well. He has nothing to do with horses other than filming me or petting Lily.

Hi Nicola,

Really enjoyed DRT3 as well as DRT1 en DRT2!

I’ve kept an eye out on your program for so long. Last year I finally made the decision to sign up. Now I regret not doing this sooner! I used to go to our local fitness centre once a week but I always missed the link to riding and it was a lot of strength training.

In covid- time I really wanted to stay fit en improve my riding as well. What I love about your program is the different elements of balance, coordination, strength and reaction time. I love the yoga routines especially now when working from home. The conditioning routines also help a lot with this and they are only 5 minutes so I use them as a sort of ‘power break’. The link to fascia en mobility I found very interesting. With al the exercises to improve fascia and mobility I very much feel a difference.

In my riding I notice that my balance and reaction time has improved. I can sit more easily in the canter. I’ve always had unsteady hands but I feel like that is improving as well. I can relax more through my shoulders, my back is stronger and because of that my posture has improved and my hands are quieter. My riding has improved so much over the last year because of this program! I do have to work more on my fitness levels with the interval training. I did a few in DRT3, but now the weather is improving so I can pick this up again.

Today, I did the first core workout of DRT4. Really enjoyed it and I’m really excited to see what we’ll do over the next 12 weeks and to see the progress.

Keep up the good work! Already looking forward to a DRT5 😉

Best wishes,

Mariska

Hi Nicola, DRT2 was everything I had hoped for and more. I really enjoyed DRT1 but wasn’t sure where it would go from there. You continue to motivate and inspire me to continue on my fitness journey through these easy to follow, small time commitment and very focused workouts.

I am always happily surprised with the progress I have made since the beginning of these programs. While I do not have a horse to ride at the moment I notice my increased strength and flexibility in everything I do, especially farm chores and training my baby horses. I am now registered for DRT3 and can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in this next program!

I have attached a picture of my two baby horses. They may not know it but my commitment to your DRT programs is for their benefit, in the hopes that once we start riding we’re all in the best shape possible.

Having just completed the DRT 3 program I am just blown away by my personal strength and flexibility since joining up to this program.
It has totally improved my effectiveness and also posture while riding . My competition results have also raised as a result of my new found fitness. Thank you so much for this incredible program- I am addicted for life.

Dear Nicola and Ben, I enjoyed every minute of the DRT programs, but DRT 3 is something else. All the skills and improvements I gained through DRT 1+2 were transformed to a great magical sensation in DRT 3. Not only my body is so much stronger and balanced now, but my “new” mindset and confidence helped me get over my worries and anxieties regarding my young hot mare. The independent seat is not a mystery anymore and I am relaxed and happy every time I hop in the saddle. DRT definitely changed my life for the better, not only with my horses but in every aspect of my daily life. Now I am looking forward to DRT 4 :).Thank you so much for your wonderful programs, your efforts, support and love you put in them!

Nicola, Wanted to write you a note about our first schooling show. This was my first time showing this horse I imported from the Czech Republic and spent all winter learning to ride this schoolmaster. We got a 68% and 72% , 2 blue ribbons!! Our season is just starting and we are looking forward to having many fun rides together. Your help has been invaluable and a large part of the reason for our success. Many thanks,

A truth that is not often spoken out loud is that fear of riding and being unfit and weak go hand in hand. I spent years and lots of money on horsemanship programs and lessons to make my horses ‘safe’ as an adult beginner rider who was literally scared stuff and came off with the slightest spook. DRT1 and DRT2 have not only given me my childhood dream of doing ACTUAL dressage but my general riding is so much fun, and when my horse has a moment I laugh it off instead of wanting to dissolve into tears. DRT has given me the strength and stability needed to give me joy in riding. I’ve managed the programs at my own pace and with so much support I’ve managed to put it down and pick it up again with multiple abdominal surgeries. It has in fact been hugely beneficial in my recoveries. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Nicola and Ben for all you’ve given to these programs and your customers.

Hi Nicola, I have so enjoyed this course as it gave me something to aim for in very difficult times we are all living in. I have learnt a lot about how my body directly influences my sensitive horse… I have also noticed that the more I can relax and remain balanced directly impacts Scarlett’s paces. I finally got to travel over to my trainer, he noted how more supple and forward scarlett was. A much happier horse and rider ….Thank you. I am looking forward to starting DRT 2.

Dear Nicola and Ben, I’ve just completed DRT3, Yay!
It has been a brilliant experience and I couldn’t recommend your programs highly enough to anyone who wants to unlock their own body’s potential to improve communication with the horses they ride.

For me, I found DRT1 changed and improved my core strength and range of motion. As they say, motion is lotion! DRT2 continued that journey and gradually I felt my flexibility improve because of the strength gained. Happy bunny!

DRT3 has been the icing on the cake! I feel it has taken me to a new level, it feels like all my “new and improved” bits have learned how to work together, and separately, properly. To be able to breathe with movement, allow the muscles that aren’t needed to relax, and activate others at the same time is becoming so much easier. Keep doing what you do, you guys are awesome! Thank you so much!

Hi Nicola. Just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate having been able to do drt1. Last fall when I thought about not being able to ride very much during the winter months I was afraid my balance and fitness which I had worked very hard on last summer would soon be lost. But because of being able to do drt1 I not only stayed fit and balanced I was able to improve! My first lesson this spring after drt1 my trainer commented on how much better my abs are working this year then they were last year. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to improve their riding or simply wants to improve their posture and become more fit. I used to get a bad back pain when I tried other workouts but not with drt. Thank you for such a wonderful program!

Nicola, thank you so much for bringing us the DRT series. I’ve just completed DRT3 ( a couple of weeks behind due to some vacation interference) and I’m already signed up to begin DRT4. I loved DRT3. I very much enjoyed the focus on fascia. I appreciated the education on how important it is and how it affects our riding. I could really feel the affects of the yoga routines that targeted the fascia. I feel stronger in my legs and in my upper back in particular. My riding instructor and lesson mates have noticed my increased strength.

I appreciate the addition to the beginning of each session of the list of exercises and the quick video cameo of what they look like. It helped me to gather the right toys for the workout and to understand what we would be doing.

This time around I also took some time to explore other resources in the Online Gym. I did some additional yoga and went through the nutrition course. I got some great ideas about eating healthier whole foods. I have also added the Primal Defense Probiotic and Collagen Protein into my nutrition routine. I really enjoyed having the yoga routines and DRT since I could not go to Yoga class due to the pandemic. I really enjoy doing exercises at home now.

I am 62 and retired. I’ve always loved horses (and yoga) but have never had to opportunity to have my own horse. Over the years I’ve taken sporadic lessons and done trail rides with friends on their horses a few times a year. Two years ago I had a bad fall from a friend’s horse and my confidence plummeted. I questioned if I should continue to ride at all. Thanks to the increased strength I’ve gotten from the DRT series and your encouraging words, I resolved this year to exercise more and have more time in the saddle. I’ve increased my lessons to twice a week and I’ve seen improvement in strength and skill and confidence. I feel better physically overall due to DRT and I am happier being able to pursue my lifelong dream of spending time with horses.

I’m really looking forward to the new adventures of DRT4. Thank you so much for all you do. I look forward to joining you and your critters for another round of improvement.

Hi Nicola, first competition for 25 years. On the same horse that only a few months ago I could almost cry with frustration and lost energy getting him to move forward, not to mention the months of feeling dread mixed with fear as I drove to the yard and my lesson.

Fast forward to my Novice unaffiliated two tests yesterday, achieving a 2nd and a 3rd!!

At the end of the day it wasn’t the horse’s fault… I can directly link this improvement to DRT1, all the homework, walking and now daily yoga with your 21 day challenge.

This time last year my 50 year old body hurt so much that I was feeling very low, wondering if this was it and from now on life just had to be slower. It’s taken the year, with DRT the last much needed push. Connecting exercise and the hobby you love is the most motivating experience.

Dear Nicola, DRT2 is a very special program. It’s fun, challenging and always different. I really loved this program and my riding is more more enjoyable. DRT1 is beautiful, but DRT2 is also special. Thank you very much.

Hi Nicola! DRT1 has been a Godsend, a real game changer for me! I have amazed myself doing this course. I now ride pain free – no more hip or knee pain! My wrists, which hurt like crazy at the start of the course – well, I can plank no problem now. I am physically stronger, more flexible, with increased balance, endurance and with noticeable muscle tone. In fact everything is better, especially my riding. The workouts were just hard enough, so that I was definitely challenged every time. I’m 63 and ride my cute, hot and tense PRE 5x a week. I actually thought that I was fit enough and that I was past the age of getting any result other than soreness from workouts – I was so wrong! Dressage is an incredibly challenging, rewarding journey, and DRT1 has made a major, positive impact not only on my riding but on my return to real fitness! Many thanks Nicola!!! With gratitude!

Hello Nicola!I was a few weeks behind, but I finished DRT2 this morning! I have been very happy with the program but was apprehensive about the second level at first. It turns out is was exactly what I needed and I was successful in completing it! It advanced my strength and confidence just to what I needed. This has improved the flatwork that I’ve been doing all winter in an indoor arena, as I feel much more balanced and have been softer with my hands when I stop and breath for relaxation on the horse. Thank you, and I will be repeating DRT2 for now to keep up with strength, core work, and balance! Thank you again!

Hi Nicola, thank you very much for your interest. Indeed I haven’t finished DRT1 since I decided to repeat phase 2. In any case, I can tell you that your proposal is excellent and is helping me a lot to improve my riding skills. I started horse riding very late, five years ago, when I was 52 years old. Age, in this case, makes thing more complex, and the proposed exercises have improved my sitting significantly; at least, this is what my instructor says!! I don’t own a horse but wanted to send you a picture of me on a horse that is the star of my riding school. His name is Lukas 510, and he won several TREC championships. Thank you again.

Dear Nicola, Thank you so very much for the DRT1 program. I can honestly say that it is the best training program I have ever tried.
Here is why:
It is short, so you can manage to do it.
The level is good, not too difficult not too easy.
It is effective! You can feel the improvement week by week.
The homework is fun and challenges you in a new way.
The reading brings me good and useful knowledge… All together the program completes in a really great way.

I only ride 2-4 times a week because I don’t have my own horse right now, but I can still feel a major improvement on my riding. On top of all that you get a great supportive FB group with horse-people from all over the world. To me this is great value for money. I have just bought DRT2 and cannot wait to continue the journey. Here I am on my old horse when he was only 4 years old.