Please Cross-Train your Dressage Horse
While dressage is an art form rooted in precision, rhythm, and balance, focusing solely on the arena can limit a horse’s physical and mental development. That’s where cross-training comes in—a fun and effective way to enhance a dressage horse’s performance and overall well-being.
It’s easy to cross-train by adding trail riding, cavalletti work, hill work, or even jumping into your horse’s routine. This engages different muscle groups, increases cardiovascular fitness, and can help prevent repetitive strain injuries. For example, hill work strengthens the hindquarters, improving impulsion and collection, while cavalletti can sharpen rhythm and coordination.
Mentally, cross-training keeps horses interested and motivated. Dressage requires high levels of concentration, and constantly drilling movements in the arena can lead to boredom or burnout of horse and rider. A change of scenery or a different challenge refreshes the horse’s mind, making them more willing and responsive when returning to dressage work.
Ultimately, cross-training creates a more resilient, athletic, and happy partner—qualities essential for success and longevity in the dressage ring. Embracing variety in your training schedule isn’t a distraction from progress—it’s a key ingredient to achieving it. So…. Please…. cross train your horse and they will thank you! ;)
- Grace Walker
Grace Walker owns and operates GWalker Equestrian in San Diego, CA out of Arroyo Del Mar, home to Steffen Peters and Shannon Peters. Grace is a USPC A graduate and USPC National Examiner. She graduated from Houghton University in NY with a BS in Business Marketing and a BS in Equestrian Performance. Grace has been an assistant trainer for multiple FEI Dressage trainers in addition to being the head rider for Eventing Team rider Tamie Smith for two years. She currently assists SPeters Dressage with their training program in addition to running her own business and competing. She has achieved her USDF Silver and Bronze medals and has competed through FEI Intermediare I and FEI 2*L in Eventing on horses she has produced from their four year old year. In addition to her riding, Grace acted as the Facility Manager of Arroyo Del Mar for two years, has acted as Social Media Marketing lead for multiple USHJA and FEI competitions, and has coached students successfully in both USDF and USEA competitions to include winning titles such as USDF and CDS JR/YR Third Level Champion, USEF 14-18 Region 7 Dressage Seat Equitation Champion, and more. Grace aims to provide a well rounded training approach that promotes technical success in addition to cross training with hill work, cavalletti, trail, and turnout. She is most inspired by Ingrid Klimke and appreciates her joyful approach to a disciplined program where horses can be horses and also top FEI athletes.