July is Plus Size Rider Month on YourDressage and we recently asked our social media followers to share stories, photos, memories, goals, and accomplishments of dressage riders who consider themselves “plus size” or who have once been “plus size.” And boy, did they deliver! Follow along all month as we share and showcase their favorite riding partner, go-to brands for the best breeches and boots, and training routines to get that last medal score!
This is my Dutch WB/Welsh Cob mare, Castleberrys Rockette, and I at our first ever USDF recognized show two years ago at Waterloo in June of ‘21! We both had ridden eventing when we were younger, and then had a large chunk of years off before we paired together and began our dressage journey at the end of 2020/beginning of 2021. Since then, we have achieved our first scores towards our bronze medal, and are working together on qualifying for regionals in Region 2 at first level this year, and are hoping to qualify for a freestyle so we can begin on our freestyle bars as well! We hope to tackle second level next year! In July, we are set to attend our first ever National Dressage Pony Cup at WEC! Dressage has been so wonderfully welcoming to all body types, lifestyles, and diversity it has been such a joy to ride for the both of us! – Hayley S.Photo credit to SDH Photography – Adeline J.– Elaine S.– Ashley M.Emily and rescue Morgan, Dakota – Emily J.Diana and Athena – Diana B.Me and m lovely Diesel – Da K.My rescue grade pinto gelding and I at a show in 2021. We compete in Western Dressage and he has earned scores in the 70’s I am 5’5″ and weigh 260 pounds, run a successful program, and own my own barn. – Kat S.– Heather O.– Colleen O. USDF strongly recommends all riders wear protective headgear when mountedHere’s me with my first ever horse (at 48 years old!) my beautiful OTTB boy. I’m loving my learning journey with him and excited for our first test in the near future! – Suzie C.– Jane M.Jessica and Toes – Jessica W.Kathi D. and Toes – Jessica W.– Gail R.Photo by Kathleen Bryan – Christian E.I am a double hippie and my amazing QH Smarty and I placed in the past in the open division- hoping to get back to it – Frankie E.Dulcinea – Crystal W.My OTTB heart horse, Delta Tango. Together we made it to I1. – Jessica S.Erin and Cora, an Andalusian Holsteiner – Erin M.– Lidia T.Jennifer with her mustang, Moonrise Kingdom – Jennifer B.– Shania P.– Michelle C.– Stana H.Sara and her OTTB, D’Ario – Sara G.Fox Ridge Zeva welsh pony x tb mare – Tyra W.– Robin D.– Stefanie C.Never thought id take my childhood horse and ride down centerline in a PSG test. We got her when she was 5 and we dabbled in various English disciplines through United States Pony Club. Duchess and I excelled at dressage so with the push of an awesome trainer we made a huge leap up in the levels. Thankful to have found a shadbelly that fit so I didn’t have to get a custom made one 🙌 At 23 years old my Curly Andalusian mare is now living the semi retired life. – Anna L.Zsir Galahad – Maria S.-C.This is my 2003 TB gelding Bobby D, who is the equine love of my life. He’s on career #4 as a dressage horse, and last year we were lucky enough to show successfully at 4th and PSG. I’ve been plus-size my entire life and finally learned to stop letting my negative thoughts keep me from doing what I love. My best riding tip is to get yourself fit and strong for the level you want to ride, which doesn’t necessarily have to correlate with body size! – Adrienne B.Me and my favorite lesson horse Bandon – Carson D.-F.My gelding, HS Wrosaletti “Rossi”, and I. He’s a 2010 Hungarian Warmblood – SharielleI’m an eventer, but of course I do lots of dressage; this is my equine partner, Mr. Darcy – TaylorMe and my quarter horse, I’m All Dun For You – Duncan – Ava S.– Lisa O.– Meaghan D.These are my 2 boys Winston – blue halter- and Wesley – gray halter – MelissaShannon and Apache – Shannon S.Shannon and ApHC gelding, Just Jak – Shannon S.
Check out our first story to kick off the month – A Dare that Changed Everything by Denise Burrell, founder of the English Plus Size Rider!
In all honesty, it still hurts to be called “ plus sized”- my body fat is calculated at less than 14% yet at 6’ and 155# there is nothing I can do about it. Why do they have a need to label us anyway? If the goal is “ dressage for every body” wouldn’t normalizing it include eliminating labels?
I’ve gained almost 20lbs through the years. I’m now 63 and still competing. I do not like the “normalizing” overweight athletes. We should continue to emphasize health over body shape.
[…] are celebrating Plus Size Riders as our July Featured Riders of the Month on YourDressage! Here, a Region 1 rider from western New […]
In all honesty, it still hurts to be called “ plus sized”- my body fat is calculated at less than 14% yet at 6’ and 155# there is nothing I can do about it. Why do they have a need to label us anyway? If the goal is “ dressage for every body” wouldn’t normalizing it include eliminating labels?
[…] are celebrating Plus Size Riders as our July Featured Riders of the Month on […]
[…] are celebrating Plus Size Riders as our July Featured Riders of the Month on […]
[…] are celebrating Plus Size Riders as our July Featured Riders of the Month on YourDressage! Here, a Region 1 rider shares her […]
[…] Missed Part 1 of this series? Check out Dressage For Every Body – Part 1! […]
I’ve gained almost 20lbs through the years. I’m now 63 and still competing. I do not like the “normalizing” overweight athletes. We should continue to emphasize health over body shape.