02/11/2025
Just because some of us don’t ride, it doesn’t mean we can’t teach!
I truely believe that riding ability and teaching ability in dressage (or any equestrian discipline) are distinct skills, though they can complement each other.
Riding Ability: A skilled dressage rider has great balance, coordination, feel, timing, and an in-depth understanding of the horse’s biomechanics. They can effectively communicate with the horse using subtle aids and produce harmonious, correct movements.
However, being able to ride well doesn't necessarily mean they can explain *how* they do it.
Teaching Ability: A great dressage instructor must be able to break down complex ideas into understandable steps, identify each rider’s individual needs, and communicate in a way that makes sense to different learning styles. They also need patience, adaptability, and an understanding of both horse and rider psychology. Some outstanding teachers may not be top-level riders themselves but have a deep theoretical knowledge and the ability to analyze and correct others.
The best trainers ideally have both—strong riding skills and the ability to teach—but some world-class riders struggle to articulate what they do naturally, while some exceptional coaches may not ride at the highest levels but can develop top riders through their teaching.
