How to Develop Young Horses for Dressage — Expert Tips
Lucía Galbis from Dansbjerg Stables, Sæby shares her approach to educating young dressage horses
The education of a young dressage horse begins long before it enters the arena. It's about building trust, establishing basic rideability and developing physical strength — gradually and with respect for the horse's development.
The Beginning: First Months Under Saddle
The first 3-6 months of a young horse's education are crucial for its entire future. This is where the foundation is laid for everything that follows. My principles are:
- Calm and patience — young horse work needs the time it needs
- Consistency — same rider, same routine, same expectations
- Positive reinforcement — praise rather than pressure, reward the right answers
- Avoid overtraining — 20-30 minutes of quality is better than 60 minutes of force
Step-by-Step by Age
3 years old: The goal is rideability and balance. The horse should learn to accept the rider's aids, understand signals and find its natural balance. No expectations for collection — just calm, correct basic training.
4 years old: Now we begin introducing more collection and lateral movements. The horse is stronger and can start to understand what we're asking. Focus is on throughness.
5 years old: Here we start preparing for the first competitions. The horse should have confidence in the arena, be able to maintain rhythm and perform the basic movements correctly.
Why Invest in Professional Education?
- Better competition potential
- Lower risk of injuries
- Greater trust in the rider
- Longer career
- Higher resale value
Didara Performance Horses runs a breeding programme built on the philosophy: where welfare meets performance. Every horse is developed with patience and respect for its individual needs.