Finding Dressage, Friendship, & Dixie
Every body is an equestrian body, which is why August is focusing on size inclusivity on YourDressage. As we share the stories, struggles, and triumphs of plus-size equestrians from across the country, our friends at Horse Dazzle and Kerrits Equestrian Apparel have graciously partnered with us to sponsor a #DressageForEveryBody2026 giveaway for three lucky readers!
By Morgan Wagner
My name is Morgan Wagner. I’m a 44-year-old wife, mother, and amateur dressage rider.
My entry into riding came late in life. My daughter, Vera, has autism, and for years she participated in therapeutic riding. As I watched her love for horses grow, I began to wonder what my own life might be like with horses in it.
In 2022, we made the decision to buy a horse for our family. Until that point, I had only been on a couple of trail rides, and neither had gone well. When we started our search, I reached out to one of Vera’s former instructors, Amanda, who was certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Riding International (PATH). I had no experience in the horse world, so I relied heavily on Amanda to help guide us in the right direction.
The initial thought, of course, was to find a kid’s horse. Vera was only eight years old at the time, so we needed someone safe and well-broke. The advice was to look for a 12- to 15-year-old Quarter Horse, no taller than 15 hands, and preferably a bay gelding for easy cleaning.
I reached out to a friend and feed store owner, and she had just the horse for us: a 15-year-old, 14.3-hand bay Quarter Horse named Dixie Doo. She wasn’t a gelding, but I know we made the right choice. I took my very first lesson that week. I was 40 years old.
Soon after we got Dixie, Vera lost interest in horses. Luckily, I was obsessed!
Due to some issues with Dixie’s hind end, I made the decision to switch from western to English riding in the fall of 2022. We needed lighter tack on Dixie’s back—and a lighter me. I lost 20 pounds, and going from a heavy western saddle to a lighter dressage saddle made a world of difference for both of us.
We did our first show in the winter of 2024. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced. I was never a competitive kid, so I had no idea I had such a intrinisic drive to earn a $3 ribbon. Our first show included a rail class, English Pleasure, English Equitation, and a halter class. We placed in all three!
It was such a great experience to have my family and all my “Barn Girls” there with me. I think that is a big part of what makes showing so fun; I love having everyone there cheering each other on. I feel like watchign me compete has also been a great lesson in sportsmanship for Vera. Not every ride is great, but you buck up and go watch your friend.
Later, we moved into dressage-only shows. We started by riding Introductory Level Test B, and by the end of our show career, we were getting ready to attempt Training Level Test 2. Our final show was on April 12, 2026. We had a great warm-up, so I was feeling confident. We had just entered the arena for our first attempt at Training 2.
As soon as the test began, the judge rang the bell. I had no idea what was happening, and my team was all looking at each other, too. Dixie had lost a shoe and was coming up looking lame. It was hard, but I withdrew from the second test and stayed to watch my friend ride.
One of the hardest things I’m facing now is not just my own aging, but the aging of my horse. Dixie is 19, and that comes with some “jewelry,” as our vet Dr. Murphy calls it.
Shortly after the show in April, Dr. Murphy came out, and Dixie was diagnosed with Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD). I would love to pretend I didn’t cry uncontrollably, but I did—for about three days. After that, I needed a game plan.
I wasn’t done, and Dixie was not ready to be a pasture puff. We changed some things; we only walk and trot now, and she has to wear polo wraps every time we’re out. She had already been receiving a great joint supplement and orthopedic shoeing. I’m finding that by going back to the basics, she’s making me a better and stronger rider every day. She’s my best friend, and I’m thankful to have her in my life.
Even though our show career did not end the way I imagined, it did not take away what Dixie and I had built together. If anything, it reminded me that riding has never been only about scores, levels, or ribbons. It has always been about partnership.
Dixie will always be my heart horse, and I love the special bond we share. She has taught me true horsemanship, not just riding. She brought out a competitive edge I didn’t know I had—or needed—and she has given me love, confidence, and companionship along the way.
So what comes next? For now, I’m still riding Dixie, just less often and only at the walk and trot. I’m lucky to have amazing friends who are letting me continue learning on their horses. And I do mean learning, because riding has shown me that there is always more to discover.
That is what I love most about dressage: you are never done growing. You are never too old, never too big, and never too small to begin. Every ride, every horse, and every stage of life has something to teach us. That is why dressage is for everybody.
