When Did Dressage Become Stressage?

Dressage was never meant to feel like this.

Tests where you forget to breathe.
Score sheets that leave you questioning everything.
That Sunday morning pressure to “just get through it” instead of actually enjoying your ride.

At some point, for many riders, dressage stopped feeling like a pathway—and started feeling like a test they were always failing.

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.

Recognising the Stress Behind the Scenes

You can love the idea of dressage and still feel anxious about it.

Maybe it’s:

• The fear of judgment—external or internal

• The pressure to ride perfectly before you’re “allowed” to compete

• Nerves that show up even at home, as soon as you set up a centreline

And it’s not always about the test itself.
Sometimes, it’s the tension we carry before and after—overthinking every step and wondering if we’re good enough yet.

Reframing the Experience

Here’s what I tell riders I work with:

Dressage is about partnership—listening, learning, and riding with empathy as you grow together.

You can ride with focus, structure, and clarity—without losing your confidence in the process.

When you approach flatwork with curiosity rather than criticism, things start to shift.
You ride better.
Your horse responds more freely.
And you actually start to enjoy the training again.

Why I Created Stressless Dressage

This isn’t about shortcuts or ignoring nerves.
It’s about giving you simple, rider-friendly support to help you:

• Calm your mind

• Focus your sessions

• And feel proud of the work you’re doing—even when it’s not perfect

Because aiming high shouldn’t come with the constant weight of pressure pulling you down.

What You’ll Find Inside the Guide

• A practical confidence reset before your next test or schooling session

• Strategies to manage nerves and reduce tension

• A structure to help you ride with calm, not chaos

• Gentle clarity—so your prep becomes purposeful, not panic-driven

Ready to Ride Forward Without the Pressure?

If you’re ready to enjoy your test prep, simplify your schooling, and ride with more confidence—this guide is for you.

👉 Download Stressless Dressage here