r/Dressage

Hey all! Posting this in human massage subs and equine subs. So I am 27 and kind of lost. I was a veterinary technician with cats and dogs for five years. I always wanted to work in large animal either as a tech or vet, but I cannot seem to get my foot in the door without having a degree as a tech and schooling for a DVM doesn’t seem worth the time and cost for salary you get (I do not want to do small animal or mixed. Exclusively equine).

For the past couple of years I have been on and off pursuing my certification as a Masterson Method Practitioner. I do love it, but the income seems really variable and I think I will need a lot more CE to be competitive in my area.

I am a dressage rider that has a LOT of imbalances due to a gnarly vestibular disorder. Pilates and learning about human/rider anatomy and biomechanics has been incredibly fun and life changing for me. I go in public and watch peoples postures and how they walk. I love it. I read anatomy books for fun on both horses and people.

Dressage/natural horsemanship is my favorite, but I love all disciplines/breeds and I would love an excuse to branch out. I have a strong interest in equine veterinary medicine but also sports rehab and different modalities. Saddle fit and bit fit is something I’d really like to get into because it seems every where I go it’s a problem and no one knows anything about it. I also have an interest in how the teeth and hooves affect the entire horse (although I don’t think I want to be a farrier and I believe only veterinarians should float teeth). I like diagnostic imaging too.

Would it be worth it to go to school to become a human LMT and possibly personal trainer and advertise a horse/rider therapy combo business? I would be interested in doing horses and humans individually, but my dressage education has been 75% do x y z with your body and your horse will follow. Maybe throwing in some saddle fit/bit fit and learning enough about teeth and feet to know when to refer out?

I’ve been struggling financially for so many years and I’m tired of it. I want to get into my vain of work. I tried going to school to become a radiology tech for people and I loved the anatomy, but working in a hospital under fluorescent lights and possible shitty management with people’s feces vomit blood etc sounded like a nightmare. Due to my vestibular stuff I do like the idea of running my own business one day doing a whole horse and rider approach.

Does it sound like there’s a market for this? Beyond LMT/PT and some additional equine certs what else would I need? Would a vet tech license be beneficial for the equine aspect? Any experience, pro/cons, of either job, tuition time expectations and salary expectations are greatly appreciated!

I recently got a, good moving, off the track thoroughbred to event. I plan on giving him a good ground work base before getting on him and would love to hear what other people to strengthen there horses on the ground. I have an idea of what I would like to do but would love to hear what other people do with their young horses!

I have never competed but know plenty of other people who have and witnessed competitions myself and read people stories online and been curious about how judges in competitions get their jobs? Do they apply for it? Do they get trained for it? Are they big sponsors for an event and thats why they get to do it?

And also is the current process for sourcing judges for competitions from english to western adequate? Because the biggest and most common point of pain ive seen in the equestrian world of sports from low levels all the way to the top has been without a doubt: favoritism despite skill

How do you think we can overcome that collectively and reward riders in a more egalitarian way across the board in all competitions?

As we all know riding horses is one of the most expensive sports out there. I’m 18f and planning to go to college. There’s nothing I want more in life than to progress in horse riding again. I took a break and was unable to go back due to money. It’s honestly devastating. So I’m genuinely curious, equestrians who didn’t grow up with rich parents how are you affording this lifestyle? I want to own horses of my own eventually and not have to worry about money too much. I’ve thought about CRNA, psychiatric nurse practitioner, RN, Ultrasound tech, psychologist, etc. I’d prefer not to go to school for way too long because I don’t want to miss out on my youth🥹
I feel like if I went to school for 8+ years I’d eventually be too old to progress like I’ve always dreamed. I could be wrong and my parents have told me I am but I can’t help but feel that way. It’s probably because horse riding is very physically demanding and generally dangerous. And the fact that a big chunk of equestrians were riding horses before they could walk. Anyways, some advice would be great! What’s yalls career? How much do you make a year? What’s your life look like? Do you live in LCOL area?

Edit: Thank you all for the wonderful advice and suggestions! Yall have helped me realize that it’s okay to go to school for longer and to do something I genuinely enjoy! I’m actually very interested in psych:) I love learning about the human brain, how it works and how I can help people who have mental illnesses as I do. I can’t respond to everyone because there’s a lot but I’ve read thru all of them:))

I want to up my current fitness routine with more balance and stability work. I crossfit so I'm strong but most power movements are jumping up and less balance side to side or hip balance. I've seen others discuss haybales and barbells and other similar but they don't differ too much from my current routine. This program seems to be a lot more stability based, but it's not cheap.

If anyone has tried I'd be curious to hear your thoughts.

Question for all the folks who use wraps when exercising your horse: What do you use for padding underneath your exercise bandages? For context, it's one of the bandages I need to know for Pony Club. Not to be confused with polo wraps. I have the actual bandages but cannot for the life of me figure out what is reasonable to use for padding. I'm based in the US (Hawaii), so getting items like thin fybagee pads, Shires Bandage Liners, and similar is not really an option unless I order internationally, but then I pay duties on the items coming in (my last order from the UK I paid more in duties than the actual cavesson!). Any recommended materials? Mahalo in advance!

Hi everyone!

​I’m feeling a bit confused and would love to get some input from more experienced riders.

​Up until now, I was taught that when giving a driving leg aid at the walk, you apply—for example—the right leg when the horse's left front leg is lifting, or in other words, when the horse's barrel swings away from your (right) leg toward the inside. As far as I know, this is the moment the horse is lifting its right hind leg, which is why the aid is timed then.

​However, I recently switched trainers, and my new trainer told me to use the leg on the side where my hip moves forward. So, when my right hip swings forward, I should apply the right leg. But this feels like the exact opposite of what I was originally taught.👀👀

​How does this actually work, and which approach is correct?

​Thanks in advance for your help!😊

​P.S. English isn't my first language, but I hope my question makes sense!

Full disclosure: I’m part of Vainqueur Cheval, an equestrian competition-wear brand.

One frustration we repeatedly hear is that “custom” often means choosing colors and details while still being limited to standard sizing. We’re working on a process that combines an interactive 3D jacket builder with manual measurement review and personal fit adjustments.

We’ve produced made-to-order competition jackets for 10 years and served more than 4,000 clients across 18 countries, but we’re now improving the online experience for riders ordering internationally.

For those who struggle with standard proportions, what would you need to see before feeling comfortable ordering online: a measurement consultation, fit guarantee, alteration policy, video guidance, or something else?

I’m looking for honest feedback, including reasons you would not order this way.

I am a low level eventer and more experienced dressage rider looking for a high quality training barn in northern Virginia for me and my 5yo mare.

Must be full service, have great turnout, prioritize horse well-being, have an experienced trainer available for lessons or training rides 3-4 days a week, and be within 1 hr drive of Tyson’s.

Nice to haves include XC jumps, indoor arena, hack out. I am wiling to go to a more dressage focused barn (versus eventing focused) if it is amazing.

I am struggling at my current barn for several reasons, and I know the grass isn’t usually greener, but I need to explore options at least to maintain my sanity.

I live pretty close to Aiken SC but I ride cutting horses. I used to ride hunters and do some jumping but all within APHA. I have always wanted to try Dressage and have found some good reputable trainers within Aiken that I want to reach out to. However, I'm worried about judgement. I will not give up my cutters but want to do some english/cross training again. My long term goal is horsemanship, and learning how to perfect my extensions and lead changes with my ranch horses. I also feel that my seat isn't as nice in our rail classes as it was when I was doing both. Thoughts? Am I crazy for even trying?

Er der nogen der ved om det er et godt sted?

I've been riding for years and honestly I've never found the perfect sports bra for it. The main things that bother me are: not enough support, way too hard to take off when I'm drenched in sweat, and I feel like some of them actually mess with my posture. Am I the only one? What do you all wear? Any game-changers out there? Would love some recommendations!

[supprimé]

1. How would you describe the general riding/competitive community? (I don’t come from money, and in the particular area I’m going to be taking lessons, that’s unheard of. So I’m naturally intimidated)

2. What gear do I need to buy before showing up to my lesson, and please tell me your favorite brands.

3. What are the most important things I need to know about horses body language and behavior?

4. How can I discern whether my trainer is ethical and respecting a horse? What are some red flags?

5. Is it possible to start from beginner in your late 20’s to Grand Prix in a decade?

6. What general advice do you have for me?