Lessons from Lottie Fry and Glamourdale: What We Can Learn from Great Riding
I just finished watching Lottie Fry and Glamourdale’s freestyle in London, and honestly, I think Lottie might be my favorite rider of all time. Every time I watch her, I feel so inspired—not just by Glamourdale’s power and presence, but by her incredible position, timing, and connection.
In this video, I share what makes her riding so effective, and how you can apply the same principles to your own riding.
1. The Power of Observation
Watching top riders is one of the best ways to improve your own riding. Studies have shown that when you watch someone perform a movement, the same neurons fire in your brain as if you were doing it yourself. That means you can literally train your brain by watching great riders in action.
So next time you watch a test, don’t just focus on the horse. Watch the rider’s position—how their body moves, where their aids come from, and how still they remain even in the most powerful moments.
2. The Seat: The Foundation of Lottie’s Connection
One of the most incredible things about Lottie Fry’s riding is her seat. Her hips move in perfect harmony with Glamourdale’s back, even in the most powerful movements like Piaffe, Passage, and extended-to-collected canter transitions.
Her seat never stops following the rhythm—it simply adjusts the stride length and energy. That’s what we mean by an independent seat. It allows the rider to stay balanced and soft while communicating clearly through subtle movement.
Try this:
Next time you ride, focus on keeping your hips following your horse’s motion through every transition. Imagine your seat “breathing” with your horse’s back—never stiff, never disconnected.
3. The Legs: Independent and Precise
Lottie’s leg aids are a masterclass in subtlety and timing. When she needs to activate Glamourdale—make him quicker or more engaged behind—she gives a light, rhythmic aid that matches (or slightly quickens) his movement.
What’s remarkable is that when her leg moves, nothing else changes. Her seat stays deep, her hands stay quiet, and Glamourdale never feels blocked in front. That’s the essence of independent aids—each part of your body communicates without interfering with another.
Try this:
Practice giving a leg aid without letting your upper body change. Keep your hands and shoulders steady and see if your horse responds better to the clarity and balance.
4. The Hands: Forward, Soft, and Steady
If you study Lottie’s hands, you’ll notice how steady and forward they are. Her contact never looks strong or restricting, even through major transitions. Glamourdale stays supple, round, and consistent in the frame.
Her soft, elastic elbows and light wrists create a forward feeling connection—as if she’s gently pushing a shopping cart rather than pulling back. This gives her that beautiful balance between lightness and control.
Try this:
Think about carrying your hands slightly forward, riding from your leg into your hand. Use your ring finger and wrist for subtle adjustments instead of your arm or shoulder.
5. Remember: Even the Best Have Bad Days
It’s easy to look at riders like Lottie and assume they’re perfect—but she’s human too. I’ve seen her ride horses that were difficult and unpredictable.
At one World Cup, her horse spooked so badly he couldn’t even make it down one side of the arena. In another test, he backed into the rail so hard that the entire arena wall fell over—twice!
The important thing is that she kept her composure, stayed kind, and kept showing up. That’s the mindset we all need as riders. Every great horsewoman has had embarrassing, frustrating moments—but those are the experiences that build empathy, patience, and resilience.
6. How to Watch and Learn
When you sit down to watch a top-level performance, focus on more than just the sparkle and the scores. Look for the small details:
- How the rider uses her body.
- When and how she gives an aid.
- How she recovers when something doesn’t go as planned.
Spend one full viewing just watching the rider’s seat, another focused only on the hands, and then on the timing of the aids. You’ll be amazed at how much your eye and your feel improve just from this kind of mindful observation.
7. The Takeaway: Be Inspired, Not Intimidated
Watching riders like Lottie Fry reminds us what’s possible when harmony, feel, and athleticism come together. But remember—every great rider started where you are now.
Stay inspired, stay curious, and let these examples fuel your growth. Each ride is a step toward better balance, better connection, and better understanding of your horse.
If you want to improve your own position and balance, I have a free Rider Position Training you can join here. It’s a great next step to build the kind of connection and independence you see in riders like Lottie Fry.
