How do you train a dressage horse? Periodisation for amateurs

What is periodisation?

Dividing training into blocks (mesocycles) with different goals — sometimes strength, sometimes suppleness, sometimes competition form. Between blocks there is rest. Not continuous hard work, but smart variation.

A simple 4-week amateur cycle

• Week 1 — build-up: dressage 4x, lungeing 1x, day off 1x
• Week 2 — strength: dressage 3x with collection focus, hack 1x
• Week 3 — refinement: test movements in relaxed sessions, light rides
• Week 4 — competition week / rest: one good practice test or a week of reduced intensity

Where do many amateurs go wrong?

• The same pattern every day
• No rest built in — horse becomes dull
• Too little variety (arena only)
• Competing without a taper week

How do you keep track?

Write down your training sessions. In EquiSight you can set a focus for each session, add a short note and give a feel score (1–5). After 2 months you will see patterns you would otherwise miss.