Diana's Equi Training

I wrote my own test to nail the EA Level 1 Coach requirements! 📝✨

Here's a custom Novice test ride + my voice-over analysis of what went right and what went wrong... mainly what didn't go so well.

Disclaimer: Fred just had an injury and this was our second ride back, but between ride 1 and 2 we had 2 days and nights of rain, so I expected him to be imperfect. Which is great to uncover things that can go wrong.

Drop a 🐎 if you love deep-dive training videos!

Why ride on the second track? 🐴

I challenge you to send me a video of you riding on the second track.

Are you sitting evenly?Are you using your aids evenly on both sides? Is your horse straight?

It's an easy check whether your horse is drifting, unbalanced or simply not straight.

Can your horse stay on the second track without wanting to get to the outside? It's a fantastic exercise to use both sides of your body evenly, left and right leg and rein aids as well as your body position centered.

By the way, this is what I see when I coach virtually - I can still see it all.

Challenge accepted?

Working through trot poles with Fred 🐴 — not every round is perfect, but that’s part of the learning! He’s still finding his rhythm and coordination, so I have to stay really tuned in and adjust my approach each time. 🎯

Next time, I’ll pop the microphone on to talk you through what I’m doing, what I’m feeling, and how I help him improve step by step.

Fred is getting stronger and stronger 💪

Today we worked on smaller circles in trot and canter (Zirkel verkleinern) — still quite a challenge for him, especially in canter.Before starting the counter canter, I first extended his canter strides to create a good cadence and activity, helping us maintain momentum and enough impulsion to finish the half-circle of counter canter with balance. Since true collection isn’t yet feasible, these exercises are perfect for improving balance, coordination, straightness, and developing more strength.

Like squat training today — we did short sets with 1–2 minute walk breaks on a longer rein, which also improved his walk. He’s really starting to step under more with the rider now, and it’s great to feel his progress each ride.

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Building a strong topline isn’t about pulling your horse’s head down — it’s about resistance work done correctly.

Zion, the horse in this video, was 16 when I started working with him. Through consistent lunging, stretching and correct resistance work, we rebuilt his topline and overall fitness.

A combination of a classical dressage-frame and forward-downward training, both on the lunge and under saddle, help develop the topline. Also, active movements and transitions play a crucial role.

*I like to train them 3-4 times per week overall and lunge at least one of those days when bringing a horse back into training. Once in full training, my horses get at least one day completely off.. and I mix my training up or give them something else to look at or think about, like hacking or going jogging with me.

Another aspect is a correct saddle fit, which should provide enough space around the shoulder. This is needed so your horse can move its trapezius and back muscles freely as well as engage and grow them without restriction. It's always a combination of training, proper feed, well trimmed feet and fitting gear.

✨ Follow for more practical horse training insights: dressage, show jumping, retraining thoroughbreds and building horses that are strong, supple, and happy in their work.

🚫 3 Mistakes That Stop You From Jumping Like a Pro

❌ 1. Losing Straightness Before the Fence
Still turning with your inside rein? Wondering why your horse drifts past the jump or even refuses? The problem is straightness. When the horse bends like a banana, it falls out over the outside shoulder, loses balance, and the jump is gone before you know it.

❌ 2. Poor Rhythm & Tempo
Jumping a 90 cm class but riding like it’s a 5 m water jump? Rushing the approach feels fast, but it kills rhythm and confidence. Pros ride like a metronome — stride after stride in perfect balance. They adjust length, yes, but the rhythm stays consistent. Harmony first, speed later. The jump-off only works if you make it there in the first place.

❌ 3. Frame Without Energy
A “pretty” frame is worthless without activity behind. If the horse isn’t stepping forward to the bit, working through its body, and connecting softly into your hands, there’s no real power. Connection isn’t about holding — it’s about soft, elastic hands that follow the motion from your elbows. Avoid stiff wrists, pulling hands and flapping reins. Energy plus connection equals real scope.

✨ The Truth: Dressage is the engine. Every exercise has a purpose — building straightness, suppleness, and activity. That’s what turns chaotic approaches into smooth, professional rounds.

✅ My 3 Training Keys:
1️⃣ Counter-flexion for straightness and suppleness. I want equal feel in both legs and both reins, no matter the lead.
2️⃣ Transitions, transitions, transitions — between gaits and within gaits — to build responsiveness, dynamic elasticity and balance.
3️⃣ I’m focusing on the hindquarters. How they track up and step through. When the horse tracks up — stepping under or even past the front hoofprints — it shows real hindquarter engagement. That’s where strength, power, and elasticity start to build. Best to observe in groundwork. Most people underestimate the power of walk. Build elasticity through a good extended walk. As warm-up and in-between. Let your horse stretch between exercises, establish a good rhythm. It’ll work wonders.