Bronte Watson Dressage

Bronte Watson Dressage I'm a 27yo old GB Dressage Rider, based in Hertfordshire. Successful international career �Small T

"Talent wins games, but team work and intelligence wins championships" Micheal Jordan. I hope you enjoy this page as a place to keep up with me and my horses :)

13/11/2023

Ryan Shannon is coming to my yard on 23rd Nov.
Please message if you want a lesson ☺️

🍂 Hello September and autumn 🍂Although summer may already seem like a distant memory, a new month and season always brin...
01/09/2023

🍂 Hello September and autumn 🍂

Although summer may already seem like a distant memory, a new month and season always brings new possibilities and opportunities... Which I just love!

What autumnal plans do you have with your horses? 😊

Before heading to a competition, I spend time visualising my tests and how I will ride them in as much detail as I can…V...
30/08/2023

Before heading to a competition, I spend time visualising my tests and how I will ride them in as much detail as I can…

Visualisation is a tool that can also be applied to our warm ups, and I find it helpful to think about and picture what I will do in the warm up arena based on how the horse I am riding has been feeling during the run-up to the event. ✨

With this in mind, we all know that some days our horses will come out differently and things can change, so being flexible and working with the horse we have at the time is just as important at home as it is when we are away!

Do you have a particular warm up routine with your horses? Does that routine stay the same at home and at a competition? 💖

30/08/2023

A few spaces left for Ryan Shannon clinic on the 9th Sept.
Please PM me

So proud of gorgeous Grolsch who was on top form at Bury Farm last Friday and won the Inter 2 class with Anna Jesty Dres...
28/08/2023

So proud of gorgeous Grolsch who was on top form at Bury Farm last Friday and won the Inter 2 class with Anna Jesty Dressage!

Anna and Grolsch have a brilliant partnership - he is growing in confidence and has such power and presence... I absolutely love this picture. 🤍

What an exciting future this superstar has ahead of him!

Are you looking forward to the bank holiday weekend like Devon is here? 🧡Hope you all have a fabulous few days whatever ...
25/08/2023

Are you looking forward to the bank holiday weekend like Devon is here? 🧡

Hope you all have a fabulous few days whatever you have planned!

📸 and .rowlanddressage

Do you set goals or aims before you ride?Over the past few years I have kept a diary of my riding and training - whether...
21/08/2023

Do you set goals or aims before you ride?

Over the past few years I have kept a diary of my riding and training - whether the horses and I are at home or away competing.

Not only is this a useful (and nostalgic) tool that I can pick up anytime and reflect on, but it also helps me to set a goal or aim for the session ahead, based on the last ride.

Now having said this, when your feet touch the stirrups each day, it's important to remember to ride the horse you have at that moment, and so sometimes you may spend the session working on an issue that perhaps arises in place of what you set out to focus on...

Keep in mind that by doing this, you are still taking steps towards achieving your goal/aim for that day, as hopefully you'll have a more rideable horse to work on it with next time. 😊

Life happens, and I know it can feel easier to skip journalling so you can just start riding. However I promise if you make it a consistent part of your day-to-day routine - consider it your pre-warm up, it'll soon become a habit that comes naturally and supports your riding and training while reminding you of the special journeys you are on with your horses!

Here is a throwback picture of a session at home with Guessy taken by . 💃🏼

Guess thoroughly enjoyed his leg stretch and canter out in the Hertfordshire countryside with Pippa yesterday, and both ...
18/08/2023

Guess thoroughly enjoyed his leg stretch and canter out in the Hertfordshire countryside with Pippa yesterday, and both he and Remi are pleased that Kenny is home, as am I. 💖

Did your horses enjoy having the sun on their backs and some blue sky rides earlier this week?

(We didn't manage to capture any action shots of Guess and Pippa so here is a sunny picture of Guess and I. ☀️)

Thank you 🤍As you know we had a scary end to the week last week following the sudden swelling which appeared on Kenny's ...
14/08/2023

Thank you 🤍

As you know we had a scary end to the week last week following the sudden swelling which appeared on Kenny's hind limb and the subsequent pain it was causing him. After spending the past few days at the RVC, the great news is that he is doing really well and I can't wait to pick him up.

Thank you for your messages and advice on how to manage Lymphangitis... What a fantastic and supportive industry we are all a part of and love!

Every day we have with these amazing animals is so precious, and it'll be brilliant to have this handsome boy home!


If only the sun could have been shining like it is today for our clinic with Ryan this time last week!Nevertheless, Gues...
11/08/2023

If only the sun could have been shining like it is today for our clinic with Ryan this time last week!

Nevertheless, Guess and Kenny went really well in their sessions, and it was lovely to have Ryan from here and to catch up with other riders. If you live nearby, make sure you keep an eye on my page as that's where I tend to share information about upcoming clinics.

Happy Friday to you from Remi! I love this photo - pictures really do paint a thousand words don't they. 🩷


💡 Centre Line Tips 💡Our entry into the arena is the first impression we give our judges, so we must make them count!Here...
07/08/2023

💡 Centre Line Tips 💡

Our entry into the arena is the first impression we give our judges, so we must make them count!

Here are a handful of my tips to help you do just that if you have an upcoming competition in the diary:

✨ Prepare for your entry - ensure you plan well before the bell goes exactly where and how you'll ride to get straight.

✨ Give your horse plenty of room to get your entrance right.

✨ Be confident and bold - don't just creep into the arena: make your entrance.

✨ Look up and ahead to help you stay straight on the centre line - don't look down.

✨ Practise most definitely makes perfect.

And smile! Down the centre line, throughout your test, and most importantly after your salute because regardless of how it may have gone, you have just spent more time with your gorgeous horse doing what you love, and really that's what matters the most. 🥰

Please feel free to share your centre line tips in the comments below...

Thank you for capturing this happy moment!

Words cannot describe how proud I am of this partnership!Over the past two months,  and Charlie have achieved six top 5 ...
04/08/2023

Words cannot describe how proud I am of this partnership!

Over the past two months, and Charlie have achieved six top 5 placings:
🥇 - Para Grand Prix Freestyle I with 80% (Hartpury)
🥈 - Para Grand Prix A I (Hartpury)
🥈 - Para Grand Prix B I (Hartpury)
🏅: 4th - Para Grand Prix Freestyle I (Kronenberg)
🥈 - Para Grand Prix A I (Kronenberg)
🥉 - Para Grand Prix B I (Kronenberg)

Being a part of their journey, and following them as they do what they do best and love together is so special. Next stop: the FEI European Championships in Riesenbeck!
klatzko

03/08/2023

One slot has opened up for Ryan Shannon tomorrow at 11.30.
Please PM me if you want it.

Beautiful Barbi has heard her name a lot recently...Unfortunately we have had to let her know that the movie everyone is...
02/08/2023

Beautiful Barbi has heard her name a lot recently...

Unfortunately we have had to let her know that the movie everyone is talking about is based on an entirely different Barbie, so I thought it was only fair to share a throwback picture of her plaited up and looking pretty. 💖

Summertime hacking ☀️Some days you just can't beat having a change of scenery and heading out for a hack... And if you c...
28/07/2023

Summertime hacking ☀️

Some days you just can't beat having a change of scenery and heading out for a hack... And if you can do so without needing to reach for the waterproofs before tacking up (something we are unfortunately all too familiar with having to do recently!), then even better.

I hope you have a lovely weekend with your horses, whatever you have planned!

🐴

Devon danced his white socks off at his first Regional Championship last Friday with .rowlanddressage!He looked an absol...
24/07/2023

Devon danced his white socks off at his first Regional Championship last Friday with .rowlanddressage!

He looked an absolute picture in the sunshine at Bicton Arena, and it's so exciting to see how much this young horse is flourishing.

A huge thank you always goes to for his fantastic education!

📸

Baby Kenny 🤍I love looking back at photos and videos of the horses when they were foals, and then going out on the yard ...
21/07/2023

Baby Kenny 🤍

I love looking back at photos and videos of the horses when they were foals, and then going out on the yard to be greeted by their grown-up faces popping over the stable doors...

Working with young horses is so rewarding, isn't it? 😊 Onwards and upwards for this super handsome boy!

20/07/2023

✨Ryan Shannon Clinic Times ✨
4th August

Bronte - 10
Bronte - 10.30
Ali - 11
Phoebe - 11.30
Sam - 12
Belinda - 12.30
Ursula - 13.00
Henny - 13.30
Kirsty - 14.00
Jess - 14.30

Question...When was the last time you rode over poles? Depending on the horse and plans for the week and month or two ah...
17/07/2023

Question...

When was the last time you rode over poles?

Depending on the horse and plans for the week and month or two ahead, I love to incorporate poles into my sessions at home, and with clients, because they can be extremely beneficial in more ways than one:

✨ Rhythm - whether it's walk, trot or canter, they can help you keep your rhythm in all paces.

✨ Accuracy - using them as markers for turns and transitions can really help sharpen things up.

✨ Variety - rather than the usual circles and serpentines, poles offer an alternative way of livening up a session for your horse/pony.

✨ Stride control - poles are great for helping you practise lengthening and shortening your stride while keeping the energy and rhythm.

If you're planning to drag some poles into the school this week, I hope you have fun and let me know how you get on. 😊

It's lovely to be home and I can't wait to get back between those white boards soon!Do you have a competition coming up ...
14/07/2023

It's lovely to be home and I can't wait to get back between those white boards soon!

Do you have a competition coming up in the diary?

In the time between when you arrive and before you enter at A, don't forget to take a moment to reflect on how far you and your horse have come, and just enjoy doing what you do best together. 🤍

📸 W-B Photography

💕 Remi 💕Since my last update about Remi, I’m really pleased to say she has continued making great strides following her ...
03/07/2023

💕 Remi 💕

Since my last update about Remi, I’m really pleased to say she has continued making great strides following her colic episode in March.

However a couple of weeks ago, I unfortunately had to take her to Rossdales as she needed to have a stifle arthroscopy… And after everything she’d just been through, the short wait to hear the results felt like a lifetime.

Thankfully, the vets didn’t find anything major and Remi came home last Monday. 🙏🏼

The plan is for her to now have the next three months off with further treatment - although I haven’t told Remi about her scheduled downtime just yet because she loves her job, but she can begin hand walking later this week so I’m sure she’ll be pleased with that!

Remi is such a strong mare, and we’re going to continue taking each day as it comes. I’ll keep you updated on her progress. 💕

Missing the boys already but they’re settling in well at ’s and I’m looking forward to hearing how they’re going while I...
28/06/2023

Missing the boys already but they’re settling in well at ’s and I’m looking forward to hearing how they’re going while I’m away.

It’s lovely to have a little break and head off on holiday knowing they’re in such safe hands!

I will miss looking between these gorgeous ears!Not for long though... The boys are just heading off to Anna Jesty Dress...
23/06/2023

I will miss looking between these gorgeous ears!

Not for long though... The boys are just heading off to Anna Jesty Dressage for a short working holiday and to see Grolsh while I go away.

I'll be sad to say goodbye, but I know they're all in very safe hands. 💞

Have you got a summer holiday coming up?

Wednesday marks the first day of summer...✨It only feels like yesterday that we had our sights set on springtime, doesn'...
19/06/2023

Wednesday marks the first day of summer...✨

It only feels like yesterday that we had our sights set on springtime, doesn't it? Perhaps the sunnier days and warmer weather we've been enjoying recently have made the weeks fly by...

What plans do you have this summer with your horses (and dogs!)? 💕

16/06/2023

Dancing into the weekend like…

Kenny was such a star in our lesson with Anna Elite Dressage LLP the other day so I thought I’d share another snippet!

It’s been a super warm one for riding this week hasn’t it..! Have you been cracking on first thing or leaving it until the evenings to beat the heat? ☀️

RYAN SHANNON CLINIC AL54th AUGUST PM OR WHATSAPP
13/06/2023

RYAN SHANNON CLINIC
AL5
4th AUGUST

PM OR WHATSAPP

After all the excitement of Wellington last week, the boys are having an easier time this week. The weather is super hot...
12/06/2023

After all the excitement of Wellington last week, the boys are having an easier time this week.

The weather is super hot so we’re making sure we get things done early to avoid them over heating.

How is everyone else coping in the little heatwave that’s sprung upon us?

🤍 Wellington Premier League 🤍Great time at Wellington with Guess yesterday in the Inter 2. He was very tense in the aren...
09/06/2023

🤍 Wellington Premier League 🤍

Great time at Wellington with Guess yesterday in the Inter 2.

He was very tense in the arena walk first thing which I thought wouldn’t bode well for us in the test. He has got a habit of becoming tense in the ring and at competitions which can mean we can’t show off our best work.

Really positively though, he was rideable in the test and although we had an expensive mistake in our canter pirouette, the rest of the test was good.

We pulled off all our changes too, even though the ones were a little short but we’re working on that!

All round a good day, but ventured out on my own so using a fabulous photo from a different event taken by the wonderful

Looking forward to getting out with Guess later this week at Wellington Premier League to see what we can produce betwee...
05/06/2023

Looking forward to getting out with Guess later this week at Wellington Premier League to see what we can produce between the white boards after our training and the last few competitions we've done.

Let's hope the scary arena demons don't come out to play and we can hold things together on the day!

📸 by

02/06/2023

Transitions, transitions, transitions - it’s all about the transitions!

Great lessons with the boys this week, getting Guess prepping for Wellington next week. We’ve been focusing on getting the energy and power throughout the work, without the spookiness so hopefully we can bring that to our tests.

He’s been going really well so I’m excited to see what we can produce on the day.

As for the bra testing - it’s still very much ongoing! The one I trialled in my lessons wasn’t holding anything down, so won’t be recommending that one 🙈😂 but will have some more feedback on them again soon!

Hacking is so good for the horses and we make sure ours go out at least once a week. It's part of their routine and they...
31/05/2023

Hacking is so good for the horses and we make sure ours go out at least once a week. It's part of their routine and they feel refreshed when we get back in the arena afterwards.

It can be a little harder through the winter, but nothing beats a wander round the fields on a sunny summers afternoon.

Do you regularly hack your horses? Or do you prefer to add variety in other ways?

🐴

Just because he's so beautiful, here's a baby picture of Devon - Newton Dreamcatcher, who's proving to be a star in his ...
30/05/2023

Just because he's so beautiful, here's a baby picture of Devon - Newton Dreamcatcher, who's proving to be a star in his first few competitions with the team at

He recently came 1st & 2nd at his very first BD show with .rowlanddressage on board, who said she couldn't believe that he's only 4 as he was so well behaved and a pleasure to ride and handle!

26/05/2023

Devon looking pretty in pink, enjoying the Devon sunshine this week with Beth Bainbridge on board.

It’s great to see his progress and to see how grown up he’s looking, in the export care of the team at Elite Dressage

Following on from the cute foal photos of Barbi last week... Can anyone guess who this cutie is? He's not quite so littl...
24/05/2023

Following on from the cute foal photos of Barbi last week...

Can anyone guess who this cutie is?

He's not quite so little any more, but he's certainly still as cute!

22/05/2023

Instagram vs reality in video form…

Kenny is trying so hard to figure out where his legs need to be and which order they need to do things in.

Some of his changes are a little on the exuberant side, but in the interest of keeping things reel, here is our current progress!

19/05/2023

Look at him go ⚡️

Had a great session on Kenny earlier today and he was a little star. We’ve been working hard on our changes which he’s still very exuberant with but slowly getting better.

Love seeing how he’s progressing and great to have him fully back in work now too!

Just wanted to join in with all the cute foal photos I've seen recently with these gorgeous photos of Barbi from her gra...
17/05/2023

Just wanted to join in with all the cute foal photos I've seen recently with these gorgeous photos of Barbi from her grading last year.

She's growing up into a lovely young horse and I'm really excited for her future.

Until she's ready, she will remain in a herd of other youngsters at before starting her dressage career with .

Let's see your foal photos!

15/05/2023

Go Guessy, go 🚀

Now we just need to maintain this energy through the whole test, without the tension creeping in.

At least the scary arena monsters weren’t lurking at Hickstead this time 😂

13/05/2023

Dancing our way across the arena at Hickstead yesterday 😍

So pleased with Guess after our test, he’s come on so much. Now we just need to get more competition miles under our belt and find a good middle ground without too much tension and enough energy.

🤍 Hickstead Premier League 🤍 Over the moon with Guess today in the Inter II at Hickstead. He went really well in his tes...
12/05/2023

🤍 Hickstead Premier League 🤍

Over the moon with Guess today in the Inter II at Hickstead. He went really well in his test with a score of 65.5%.

Lots of focus on still and we’ve got to work on finding the middle ground between too much tension and too lazy as he seems to go one way or the other when we get in there, but overall he’s really progressing and we will get there!

Keep your eyes peeled for videos to come!
But for now, here’s a fabulous photo from Addington by

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