I'm a larger rider and struggle finding boots that fit my calves and show coats that fit my body (I'm also non-binary and have had top surgery, so finding a coat is a nightmare in more than one way!). But Ramsey, my 17.1+ hh "Amish warmblood" and I still go out there and dance! - Rowan Larson
It’s back!! This July, we are running our Dressage For Every Body campaign on YourDressage, and we’re teaming up with our friends at SmartPak again to offer some incredible prizes for our readers and writers!
Each year that we’ve run this campaign, we’ve used it to highlight size inclusivity in dressage, and to give a voice to those who have felt like they don’t fit the stereotypical image of a rider. We’ve featured stories of resilience, courage, kindness, and confidence, and we want to continue to encourage and inspire riders of all sizes, because #EveryBodyIsADressageBody
We recently asked our social media followers who consider themselves plus-size or were plus-size at one time to share a photo of themselves and their equine partner for a chance to be featured in our Dressage For Every Body galleries or to share their story, and win some awesome prizes! The response was overwhelming and we look forward to sharing their stories all month long!
For every body is a dressage body segment! My thoughts… if you even need them.
My postpartum body has taken me on a long journey toward acceptance. On one hand, I’ve never felt more empowered—I’m an adult amateur who earned her Silver Medal while working full-time and chasing a toddler nonstop. But on the other hand? I can’t zip my custom boots anymore, and I repeatedly return breeches that don’t fit the same body that both trained a horse to PSG AND created life.
At shows, I catch myself glancing around the warm-up ring, eyeing the magazine-cover riders and quietly covet their genetics. But the message I want to say is the one I wish I’d more often heard: Embrace the body that shows up—for your horse, your life, and your passion. Don’t shrink to fit a generic mold. Build strength, stamina, balance, and harmony—not a size. You’re not a stereotype. You’re an athlete. – @kc_and_cadence on InstagramSubmitted by @kc_and_cadence on Instagram; photo by Susan J. Stickle PhotographyMe and my mare Bellatrix in our dressage show debut- we both don’t fit the stereotypical size – Diana KocunikI just dropped 40 pounds, because I gained the mental space to do it by distancing myself from dressage professionals. It is unreal, the criticism you get from dressage professionals when you start losing weight, with very few exceptions. Shoutout to Lauren Sprieser, who was very tactfully encouraging. Dressage professionals need to understand what plus sized riders go through when they lose weight, and they need to better understand that starting the weight loss process is not an opportunity for body shaming. Get the word out. The process doesn’t look good, and it is not easy even with encouragement. Don’t be the reason someone gives up on themselves or delays an important life choice.Submitted by Carol Miller-DaHillBeforeAfter
Thank you for your dressage for every body campaign. A quick story. I started riding as an adult in my mid thirties. Last year I decided to get healthy and went from a size 20/22 to a size 8. That journey with horse back riding was so interesting. I had to relearn my balance, but new tack. But I also learned how to ride a dressage test without constantly worried about my fitness. That I could do several turns around the ring without stopping and wait for the bell. And how to use my fitness to support my horse on his off days. I’ve literally ridden in two different bodies. – Nicole Goyette BillingsleyThis me and the horse I lease. We do a bit of everything from dressage to having fun with spears. – Kelly HartmannSatchel and I. At KHP for Regionals. – Linda Close PhiferSubmitted by @kc_and_cadence on Instagram
