Glamourdale vs. Dalera: Lessons from the Dressage Greats
When two of the best horses in the world—Glamourdale with Charlotte “Lottie” Fry and Dalera with Jessica von Bredow-Werndl—go head to head, it’s more than just a competition. It’s a masterclass in harmony, precision, and partnership. Watching them at the FEI European Championships in Riesenbeck left me completely inspired—and full of insights that we can all take into our own riding.
1. Watch with Admiration and Empathy
It’s easy to forget that even the best riders in the world make mistakes. In this competition, both pairs had small bobbles. Jessica’s one-tempis started big and Dalera momentarily dropped out of rhythm, while Lottie accidentally picked up the wrong canter lead after the walk.
What makes these riders exceptional isn’t perfection—it’s how quickly they recover. They stay composed, get their horses back on the aids, and carry on as if nothing happened. That’s something we can all practice: staying calm, fixing what went wrong, and continuing confidently.
2. Study the Rider’s Position
When I watch elite riders, I focus less on the movements and more on the rider’s position.
- Seat: Notice how deeply and quietly they sit, moving with the horse instead of against it.
- Legs: Their aids are subtle. You can barely see them cue, but the horses respond instantly.
- Hands: The contact is steady, soft, and quiet—no pulling, no fussing.
Visualizing riders like Jessica and Lottie helps create a mental picture of balance and harmony. When you ride next, try holding that image in your mind and mirror their poise and stillness.
3. Understand the “Bobbles”
At the top level, even tiny mistakes affect scores—but they’re also valuable learning opportunities. Both Glamourdale and Dalera had small moments that showed the importance of readiness and rhythm.
Jessica’s ability to reestablish her one-tempis so gracefully showed incredible focus and communication. Lottie’s quick correction of the wrong lead demonstrated tact and professionalism. For us, these moments are reminders that recovery is part of good riding.
4. Factors Behind the Results
Both pairs are world-class, but a few subtle factors gave Dalera the edge this time:
- The Heat: It was an unusually hot weekend. Glamourdale, a large black stallion, seemed more affected by it than Dalera.
- Breeding Season Fatigue: Glamourdale had spent much of the year breeding, which may have left him slightly less competition-fit.
- Harmony and Willingness: Dalera appeared a touch more forward and “in front of the leg.” Her Piaffe and Passage were light, rhythmic, and full of expression.
The judges reward harmony—that invisible communication between horse and rider. Jessica’s test reflected complete trust and understanding.
5. Learning from the Movements
Every horse has strengths and challenges. Glamourdale shines in the extended canter and flying changes, but finds the Piaffe more difficult. Dalera, on the other hand, excels in collection and precision.
When you train, notice your own horse’s strengths. Are they better at extending or collecting? Build your program to balance both. The true art of dressage is developing a horse that can do both with ease.
6. Inspiration from Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep
Charlotte Dujardin also rode beautifully on her new horse, Imhotep, earning third place. Watching her quiet body, deep seat, and invisible aids is a reminder of why she’s one of the best. Producing multiple Grand Prix horses shows what consistent training, patience, and feel can achieve.
7. The Takeaway: Be Inspired, Not Intimidated
It’s normal to look at riders like Jessica, Lottie, and Charlotte and think, “I’ll never ride like that.” But their rides are not just performances—they’re lessons. Every quiet hand, balanced half halt, and moment of trust is something we can study and bring to our daily rides.
So next time you watch a top-level test, don’t just admire the sparkle and medals. Look for the details: the recovery after a bobble, the soft hands, the invisible aids. That’s where the real magic happens.
Feeling inspired?
If you want to work on your own position and communication, I have a free Rider Position course you can join here. Let’s keep learning from the best and bringing that level of feel and harmony into every ride.
