Balance the point of Dressage

Balance the Point of Dressage

As far as I’m concerned, and contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a specific type of horse to succeed in dressage. Any horse, no matter their shape or form, can improve with good, consistent work. With the right training, your horse will develop better balance, moving more fluidly, while avoiding stiffness or coordination issues. We’ve all seen a horse struggle with turns, falling in on circles because they aren’t able to use their body efficiently—that’s where thoughtful training comes in.

And just as it’s important for our horses to move well, we as riders play a critical role in their balance too. If we don’t have good balance ourselves, we unintentionally interfere with how our horse moves.

Think about it like this: imagine brushing your teeth or writing your name with your non-dominant hand. It feels awkward, doesn’t it? Now, picture asking your horse to do the same thing—every time you change rein or ask for a new movement. We expect our horses to switch from one side to the other, staying coordinated and balanced, even when it’s not their strong side. It’s a big ask!

Yet, through thoughtful training, we can help them build that balance and coordination. By encouraging your horse to carry weight with the leg that typically pushes, and push with the leg that usually carries, you’re promoting even muscle development and helping them become more flexible and balanced.

Lateral movements are key here. They are incredibly effective for improving balance—both for you and your horse. Over time, you’ll start to notice a smoother, more fluid movement from your horse, almost like a well-oiled machine where everything is working in harmony.

The great thing is that this applies no matter what level you and your horse are at. The exercises can be adapted so both of you can improve together, finding balance in your work while continuing to enjoy the process. And, most importantly, when you both feel balanced, riding becomes a positive, rewarding experience.

So, persevere with these exercises, stay patient, and trust that the progress will come. Your horse will thank you for it!