Instruction Archives - Dressage Today https://dressagetoday.com/category/instruction/ Dressage Today is the training and educational resource for dressage riders at every level. Videos and instructional articles offer tips. Tue, 12 May 2026 17:53:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://s3.amazonaws.com/wp-s3-dressagetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/09180459/DT-Favicon-150x150.png Instruction Archives - Dressage Today https://dressagetoday.com/category/instruction/ 32 32 Ask the L: Are My Horse and I Ready for First Level? https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/first-level/ask-the-l-are-my-horse-and-i-ready-for-first-level/ Tue, 12 May 2026 17:52:58 +0000 https://dressagetoday.com/?p=20232 In this Ask the L, dressage trainer and judge Aviva Nebesky helps a Training Level rider determine if she and her horse are prepared to successfully move up to First Level.

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]]> The Unwritten Rules of Dressage Test Riding https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/how-to/unwritten-rules-dressage-test-riding-janet-foy/ Fri, 08 May 2026 20:11:08 +0000 http://ci020277a080062586 Do you understand the tacit "rules" of riding a dressage test—the ones that aren't in the rule book? FEI and USEF judge Janet Foy offers her insights on the unwritten tenets of test riding to help you maximize your scores.

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]]> The Golden Rules of the Dressage Warm-Up Arena https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/how-to/the-golden-rules-of-the-dressage-warm-up-arena-29955/ Tue, 05 May 2026 17:22:33 +0000 http://ci0202779c80032586 Four top dressage instructors offer their tips and insights on the rules and etiquette of the dressage warm-up arena to help you stay sane amid the pre-test chaos.

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]]> Dressage 101: How to Create a Lesson Plan for Each Training Session https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/how-to/dressage-101-how-to-create-a-lesson-plan-for-each-training-session/ Sat, 02 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 http://ci0202779f90022693 It's easy to lack focus when you're not under the direction of your trainer. Hilary Moore Herbert teaches you how to design beneficial lesson plans that will help you and your dressage horse ride with more purpose.

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]]> Dressage Solutions: Improve Your Alignment and Deepen the Connection to Your Seat https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/dressage-solutions-improve-your-alignment-and-deepen-the-connection-to-your-seat/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:50:43 +0000 https://dressagetoday.com/?p=20096 To improve your self-carriage and alignment and deepen the connection to your seat …

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]]> Can Wiggling My Fingers Help Get My Dressage Horse on the Bit? https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/how-to/can-wiggling-fingers-get-horse-on-the-bit/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 03:00:00 +0000 http://ci0202779e00022586 USDF gold medalist John Zopatti offers an honest opinion on wiggly fingers and explains the correct way to establish contact.

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]]> Tips for Training Through Third Level From Hilda Gurney https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/tips-for-training-through-third-level-from-hilda-gurney/ Fri, 24 Apr 2026 03:45:13 +0000 https://dressagetoday.com/?p=20084 Learn lessons from a judge's perspective as Hilda Gurney shares her tips for Training through Third Level.

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]]> 18 Dressage Training Tips From Olympian Steffen Peters https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/18-dressage-training-tips-from-olympian-steffen-peters/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:38:51 +0000 https://dressagetoday.com/?p=20056 Check out 18 training tips from Olympian Steffen Peters on topics ranging from warming up to applying clear aids.

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]]> 14 Tips to Improve Your Score in Your Dressage Test https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/14-tips-to-improve-your-score-in-your-dressage-test/ Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:31:54 +0000 https://dressagetoday.com/?p=19947 FEI and USEF dressage judge Janet Foy provides helpful hints to improve your dressage test score from start to finish.

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]]> Improve Your Leg and Develop Soft Contact with Shannon Peters https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/how-to/improve-your-leg-and-develop-soft-contact-with-shannon-peters/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:28:18 +0000 https://dressagetoday.com/?p=19938 In Part 2 of this series, Shannon Peters provides exercises to improve your leg position and help you develop soft, supple contact to become an overall more effective rider.

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