Achieve higher level dressage moves with Charlotte Dujardin

There are plenty of moves that many riders tend to avoid because they believe they’re unachievable – travers, canter lead changes and half-pass to name a few. They may have fancy names, but really all they are is a culmination of correctly implemented basic training. Working towards achieving them can be the key to unlocking your horse’s potential, and it’s that progressive journey that will help improve his balance, suppleness, straightness and much more to new levels.

Adjust within a pace

Many riders become stuck in the same canter during their schooling session, but it’s important to mix it up. On and back is a time-old exercise that’s used by dressage riders and showjumpers alike. Its purpose is to encourage a horse to carry himself and take more weight onto his hindquarters so he therefore becomes lighter on the forehand, which is fundamental for the next four steps.

Collected canter

Start by asking for a few strides of collected canter. Collection is the basis for all higher level moves, and your horse needs to be rhythmical, balanced and reactive before you can achieve it. The aim is to shorten his stride so your canter becomes bouncy.

To ride it…

• Stay light and allowing with your hands, while half-halting, and engage your core by sitting up and imagining you’re pushing your naval up.
• Keep the energy with your legs, but don’t overuse them – half-halt as if your hands say walk, but your legs say keep going.

Medium canter

Then push on for medium canter. When asking your horse for medium gaits, you’re looking for his stride to become bigger, rather than faster and flatter.

To ask for it…

• Bring your upper body forward slightly and lighten your seat so your horse can move forwards.
• Ask for a little more power by squeezing with your lower legs, but control the power with a soft hand.
• Then, half-halt and ask for collection again.

Find out more of Charlotte’s tips for achieving higher level dressage moves in July Horse&Rider magazine, on sale 16 June 2022.