News

Inspiring riders through collaboration: with British Dressage and Cool Ridings at Hartpury

Tuesday, 28 July 2026

The power of partnership and inclusive practice was on full display as Cool Ridings Equestrian and British Dressage to host a successful training day at Hartpury University supported by British Equestrian, creating opportunities for riders from diverse backgrounds to develop their skills with high-quality coaching in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Throughout the day, there was plenty of learning and development on offer – British Dressage List 1 Judge Jane Critchley and youth championship medallist India Durman Mills covered an array of topics. Coaches started by getting to know each rider and their horse, recognising what was already working well while helping them focus on areas they wanted to develop. Riders put their training into action in a dressage test, followed by personalised feedback and exercises to help them continue building on their progress at home.  

Alongside the ridden sessions, participants also enjoyed an IFA FIT pop-up fitness workshop, which highlighted the importance of fitness for riders and provided simple exercises to support performance in the saddle.

As well as gaining valuable technical knowledge, including a better understanding of how dressage tests are scored and identifying where marks were being lost, many left feeling more confident and motivated in their riding. One participant said, "I got some brilliant constructive feedback which I can take forward to continue my training with my young horse and a newfound confidence in my own skills to keep making progress."

From the moment participants arrived, there was a real sense of community, with participants describing the atmosphere as encouraging and welcoming. Many spoke about the value of learning alongside people they could relate to and the opportunity to connect with others from across the equestrian community.

The power of collaboration

The training day showed what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared commitment to inclusion. By bringing together the expertise of Cool Ridings, British Dressage and Hartpury, the event created a positive learning environment where riders felt supported, valued and able to progress.

Rebecca Gibson, Head of Development and Inclusion at British Equestrian, said, "We're delighted to support the partnership between British Dressage and Cool Ridings. It demonstrates what can be achieved by working together and considering the needs of communities who might need a little more support, encouragement or barriers breaking down."

Lydia Heywood, founder of Cool Ridings, said, “Thank you to the entire British Dressage team for another amazing Cool Ridings training day! The feedback from our members has been overwhelmingly positive and really goes to show what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared purpose. We are so excited about what the future could hold and look forward to continuing to build on this impactful partnership.”

Charlotte Osborne, Head of Development at British Dressage added, "At the heart of our sport is the belief that equestrianism should be accessible to everyone. We’re proud to have partnered with Cool Ridings and Hartpury to deliver a day focused on breaking down barriers to participation, creating opportunities to access outstanding coaching, and inspiring greater inclusivity in dressage. Together, we are helping to ensure that more people can develop their skills, build their confidence, and enjoy all that our sport has to offer."

The event was a reminder that collaboration can help make equestrian sport more accessible and welcoming, while giving riders the confidence, skills and connections to boost their equestrian journey. For many participants, it was the sense of community that stood out most, proving that inclusive, supportive spaces can have just as much impact as the training itself.

Learn more about Cool Ridings.