Getting ready for a show isn’t just about running through your test over and over. It’s about refining the basics, checking in with how your horse feels that day, and strategically preparing the movements that you know will be tricky in the ring. In this video, I take you behind the scenes of a schooling session with Kensington, my nine-year-old horse whom I’ve had since he was five.
We’re getting ready to show the I-1 this weekend, so I wanted to share a real look at how I ride him at home leading up to a competition. You’ll see how I mix in the test movements with basic exercises, how I troubleshoot moments that go wrong, and what I focus on to help Kensington feel confident and prepared. From the dressage basics that support flying changes to the collection needed for pirouette work, it all starts with the quality of the basic gaits.
Building the Canter for Dressage Flying Changes
We started this ride with a long walk warm-up and stretching before moving into walk–canter–walk transitions. This is one of my go-to exercises for show prep because when the canter quality is good, balanced, forward, and in front of the leg, everything else becomes easier, including flying changes and more collected work.
Kensington has a big canter, and one of our challenges has been teaching him to collect and find a quicker, more active step behind. These transitions are the perfect tool for that. I also use moments like moving him slightly off the inside leg to reinforce that he’s reaching into the outside rein.
Building Activity for Pirouette Dressage Work
From there, we moved into half-pass, where I always like to prepare with shoulder-in first. I also played around with half steps, which aren’t required at I-1 but are helpful for building strength and increasing activity behind. This kind of strength and engagement is also important as you progress toward more advanced movements like pirouette work.
For Kensington, these exercises help improve his trot quality overall. His trot is naturally more balanced and uphill than the canter, so I use it as a place to build confidence and add variety to the session.
Next, I practiced shoulder-in on the centerline, which is one of the trickier movements in the I-1 test. It’s hard to maintain the line and angle without the rail to guide you, so I make sure to include it regularly in our schooling.
We also practiced medium trot, though I don’t overdo it in training since it can be taxing on the horse’s body. Closer to the end of the ride, I attempted a canter half-pass zigzag, but the canter didn’t feel quite right on the turn up the centerline. I repeated it, and that’s something I always tell my students: if something doesn’t go well, fix it. Don’t just ride on and hope it works next time.
Preparing for Flying Changes and Advanced Dressage Work
Although we’re not showing Grand Prix yet, I like to play with piaffe and passage at home. These movements take years to develop, so I want them to be part of the program early. Not only does this help Kensington’s strength and balance long-term, but it also improves the engagement and quality of his trot in the present.
In dressage, the same principle applies when developing movements like flying changes and pirouettes. The finished movement doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from gradually developing the strength, balance, responsiveness, and understanding your horse needs.
As you’ll see in the video, it’s still a work in progress, but that’s part of the fun. It’s exciting to see it starting to come together and to celebrate the small improvements.
Training with Purpose for Flying Changes and Pirouettes in Dressage
Kensington is a super talented horse, but not always the easiest to train. That’s what makes it so rewarding. I’m proud of the progress he’s made, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to develop him over the years. As we head into the show this weekend, I’m reminded that good test riding comes from good training at home.
I hope this gave you ideas for how to structure your own schooling sessions, especially when you’re preparing for a show. Whether you’re working on the basics, flying changes, or pirouette exercises, mixing test movements with strong foundational work is the best way to build both confidence and quality.
Happy Riding,
Amelia
P.S. If you’re working on flying changes, be sure to check out my Flying Changes Masterclass. I walk you through each movement step-by-step so you can feel confident teaching and riding them. Click here to check out this Masterclass.
