Seven tips from Carl Hester

Carl Hester / photo from the athlete’s Instagram @carlhestermbe

1. Flat landing

Imagine that when you are sitting in the saddle, there are magnets on your head and on the ceiling of the arena, which are attracted to each other. These magnets will make you sit up straight. Don’t slouch! Roll your shoulders and straighten your back.

2. Focus on the trot

Before improving the quality of the trot, work on the walk. Don’t let the horse rush and go too fast, but at the same time keep the momentum going. In one of his master classes, Carl Hester admitted that, given a choice between a temperamental horse without outstanding movement and a horse with exceptional gaits but no spark, he would prefer the former.

3. Give your horse a rest.

Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin’s horses work an average of four times a week. We must not forget that everyone needs rest too. After a busy starter season, be sure to give the horse a couple of weeks of rest – this will positively affect him both physically and mentally.

4. Warm up in freedom

Warming up, according to Hester, is very important. Usually Carl let the horse run in the field or in the paddock 20-30 minutes before training. This allows the horse to warm up before work and throw out unnecessary emotions.

5. Work on lateral movements

Lateral movement work is designed to improve the flexibility of the horse. This is an essential part of gymnastics.

6. Importance of transitions

All dressage consists of transitions. You must make at least 200 of them per workout. And any kind of transition is important: rising into a trot from a walk, entering a passage from a piaffe, transitions from a walk-canter, trot-canter. Make sure that the transitions are done correctly and that the horse does not pinch on them.

7. Let the horse be a horse

Make sure your horse has a full “horse life”. Take her more often to the levada or the field, letting her move freely, go to the forest. Do not lock her all day in a stall and do not limit yourself to constant work in the arena.