Read our branch Dressage page to find out who our Dressage Manager is and how you can get involved in training and competitions.
What is Dressage?
Dressage is a sport where horse and rider perform a series of predetermined movements set out in a dressage test with precision and grace. It emphasises the harmony between the two, showcasing the horse’s athleticism and the rider’s skill in communication and control.
A judge marks the test. They give you a mark out of ten for how well you carry out each instruction. At the end of the test the marks are added up and the winner is the horse and rider with the highest score.
How Do I Get Involved?
The good news is that you have probably already started doing some Dressage! When you are riding at home and getting the pony to do the things that you want him to do you are already practising the basics of dressage.
To improve you and your pony, you might want to have lessons with an instructor. This includes the lessons that you have at a rally, where you will get help with your riding which will make the pony behave better and listen to you more.
How Do I Progress Further?
As you and your pony get better and your confidence grows you may want to take part in a competition. If you cannot remember your dressage test, don’t worry as someone can read the test out loud to you (apart from at Area Competitions and the Championships).
Check out what Events and Competitions you can enter through our Calendar.
Key Competitions & EventsDressage Area Competitions & Championships
The Dressage Championships are the top event in The Pony Club’s calendar. They form part of The Pony Club Championships and see the top Pony Club dressage riders from across the UK competing across multiple classes. Members can qualify through high placings at their respective Area Competitions.
PCIA Dressage Competition sponsored by Agria
We are pleased to be a part of an exciting opportunity for members to take part in an International Virtual Dressage Competition alongside other members from Pony Club International Alliance (PCIA) countries.
Dressage to Music sponsored by Agria
Direct entry classes are available at The Spring Festival Final and at The Pony Club Championships. Perform a choreographed freestyle dressage test to music as an individual or in a pair.
Home International Dressage Competition
Held at RWHS, the competition comprises of teams from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. Each team will be made up of two Open level riders, two Intermediate level riders and one Novice level rider who are selected based on their results at The Pony Club National Championships.
Musical Ride Competitions
The Pony Club offers two Musical Ride competitions throughout the year: a live event at The Pony Club Championships and a virtual alternative. In both, teams of 6 to 12 riders dazzle with choreographed routines set to music, wearing creative costumes or uniforms.
The Dressage Championships are the top event in The Pony Club’s calendar. They form part of The Pony Club Championships and see the top Pony Club dressage riders from across the UK competing across multiple classes. Members can qualify through high placings at their respective Area Competitions.
See below for other Dressage opportunities held at the Championships:
As part of The Pony Club’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating opportunities for all young people, this dressage competition will showcase the often-unseen talent of so many of our young athletes whose different abilities, physical, neuro-diverse, visible or invisible can be a barrier to accessing competition.
The aim of this showcase competition, held at The Pony Club National Championships, is to support such athletes and their horse/pony by providing a pathway to enjoy competitive dressage. The competition will be held on Tuesday 12th August at The Pony Club Championships.
Click here for more information and how to apply!
Direct entry classes are available at The Pony Club Championships. Perform a choreographed freestyle dressage test to music as an individual or in a pair. There will a new team competition in 2025!
Test out your next level training in a Championship environment, but without the pressure of having it on your record. A direct entry competition held at The Pony Club Championships, open to any Member of The Pony Club riding any level of horse or pony. The test to be used will be British Dressage Medium test.
Teams of 6 to 12 riders dazzle with choreographed routines set to music, wearing creative costumes or uniforms.
The Pony Club Dressage at Royal Windsor Horse Show 2025
Held at RWHS on Friday 16th May the Home International Dressage competition comprises of teams from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. Each team will be made up of two Open level riders, two Intermediate level riders and one Novice level rider who are selected based on their results at The Pony Club National Championships.
Click here to see the results! Congratulations to our selected members:
ENGLAND: Gracie Cowley, GraftonJessica Lee, Lord LeconfieldElla Woolmer, VineLeah Roberts, Old Berkeley Hunt (South)Lily Wittich, Newmarket & Thurlow
SCOTLAND: Zara Wroe, Moray & NairnChristina Young, Lanark & UpperwardHonor Casely, Linlithgow & Stirlingshire Alexa Ekin, EdinburghNina Gribben, Linlithgow & Stirlingshire
WALES Carys Dillon, Berwyn & DeeCerys Martin-Jones, Berwyn & DeeBethan Stephens, Berwyn & DeeLatisha Nazaruk, Amman Valley & DistrictEllie Tomkinson, East Cheshire
NORTHERN IRELAND Jessica Mulgrew, IveaghAlice Salters, North DownAmelia Wheeler, Killultagh Old Rock & Chichester HarriersHannah Thompson, Mid AntrimErin McCrea, East Antrim
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND Julie McDonald, Waterford Hunt, Thea Whelehan, Bray HuntEllen O’Hara, Sligo Hunt Jane Fitzgerald, Shillelagh & District Hunt, Zara Kelly, Bray Hunt
