Training Routines for Dressage Horses

The typical strategies for training dressage horses in the United Kingdom were revealed from a survey of over 2500 riders. The horses involved were mostly warmbloods, standing 16 to 17 hands, that competed twice a month in novice or medium level dressage tests.

The horses usually trained at a level above the one they competed in. Typically, the horses had an hour of dressage training, three or four times a week.

Trotting usually makes up a large portion of dressage training.

An average session began with 15 minutes of warm-up, followed by 35 minutes of training and 10 minutes of cool-down. Nearly half of the training time was spent trotting, and a third cantering. Working paces, transitions and specific movements took up most of a session.

Besides dressage, the majority of horses, except elite competitors, also spent time hacking, lunging or jumping. Most horses also received 15 to 30 hours of turnout per week.