Submitted by Beth Kite-Darby: When I first started dressage, I honestly wondered if I belonged. I'm not the young rider with the perfect seat or the expensive horse. I'm a middle-aged amateur balancing multiple jobs, caring for my husband as he battles Stage 4 Lung cancer, and finding every spare moment to ride because it's where I find peace. Dressage has taught me that this sport isn't about fitting a certain image. It's about showing up, learning, trusting your horse, and celebrating every little victory. This year, Annie and I have accomplished more than I ever imagined. We've grown together, learned to trust one another, and are now chasing our dream of qualifying for the Southwest Dressage Regional Championship. There are riders of every age, every size, every background, and every story. That's what makes this sport so special. To anyone who's ever wondered if they belong...You do. Because every body deserves the chance to experience the joy, partnership, and confidence that horses give us. Thank you, Annie, for reminding me every day that strength comes in many forms. Every Body Is A Dressage Body. 🖤🐴 Christina Stewart Photography
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 atHorse DazzleandKerrits Equestrian Apparelhave graciously partnered with us to sponsor a#DressageForEveryBody2026giveaway for three lucky readers!
We recently asked our social media followers to share a photo of themselves and their favorite equine partner, and share a little about themselves for a chance to be included in an upcoming gallery on YourDressage, and we received an overwhelming response from riders around the world!
This is my 2007 mare, Irish Sonsation, “Claire”. We tried our hand at western dressage this year – dressage is for every body and every horse! While not wearing in this photo, @kerrits are my first pick for riding gear – thank you for inclusive sizing! My English show coat, show shirt, show breeches are all Kerrits. Please make some shirts suitable for western dressage! (And maybe some show quality pants? I love the boot cut pants, but something with a bit more structure and I’d buy them to show in!) Franke Photo Design – Dana C.I got Costello, a 12 year old Morgan/Friesian cross in September 2025. He was only in my budget because he’s quite balky, but I’ve improved slow horses before and felt confident I could improve him. By December 2025, I was getting frustrated and even starting to get intimidated. I decided to take a step back and focus on groundwork to try to improve our relationship. Things have slowly gotten better and, after months of working with him in hand, I’m back in the saddle and things look bright! Long term, I’m hoping to earn my bronze freestyle bar on Costello and maybe even scores towards my silver if I’m really lucky. – Samantha S.Two big bones gals living the dream! #dressageforeverybody2026 – Madison C.This is my gelding, Broccoli. He’s a 2014 OTTB who raced from 2016-2021. I got him in 2024. Since getting him, a lot of my focus has been making sure he’s fit and healthy. This year, we’re finally starting to push him harder by starting to work on 1st level movements and he’s been doing wonderfully. He’s sassy but has a lot of potential! We primarily do eventing, but have been focusing on our dressage a lot since it’s a good foundation! We’ve been through a whole lot with his health at the beginning and our bond has continued to grow through it all. – Makenna F.Nesta and I! My Belgium Warmblood mare. I have lupus and she has lymphangitis so every day is an adventure. We’re currently working 20 meter circles at the canter. I’ve ridden hunter jumper for years and my mare does not have any talent for jumping so we’re dancing in the square. Wish us luck were doing our first off property show in September!! – Carrie Ann F.This is me and my rescued Haflinger. He was 8 years old and not broke to ride when I pulled him out of the “kp” at a local auction. I broke him myself and a few wonderful trainers helped me train him in dressage. Having the classical dressage foundation helped him excel in everything he’s tried which includes jumping, cross country and western riding. These days he’s loving life as a trail horse, but I can still take him for a hack in the ring and he goes right back to all his dressage training with ease. The best foundation I could have ever given him. – Julie Marie#dressageforeverybody on my partner of 20 years, “Shorty”. – Rachel R.Not an “action shot” but this was taken at a dressage show when I was just shy of 4 months PP from having my second baby. It was my first dressage show in a very long time and we did quite well! This was in 2024 and I tragically lost my mare this past fall. She was truly a unicorn 🦄. – Danielle M.Quarter horse 💪 – Sarah K.I recently purchased D’Vigne as a 3 year old and we are tackling training and first level this year. As a big moving horse, I have really had to step up my fitness on top of being a curvier rider. Q2 Photography – Kate LynnIn my Kerrits show shirt! – Bobbi K.Me and my Arabian Saddlebred gelding GV James Blond marsbwrenphotography.com – Darci B.I am a newly minted Silver Medalist and have always thought of my body as a disadvantage because I didn’t have “the look”. I have aspired to be an upper level professional rider my entire life and am living proof that the size of your heart matters more than the size of your waist. – Becca SThis is my favorite time of the year, however, I wish we could make this year round! Dressage should be for #everybody all the time! I share myself and my horse Brolic (JC name), aka Righ every year! #dressageforeverybody2026 📸Erin Gilmore Photography – Erica H.I’ve been a plus-size rider my entire adult life. Despite chronic health issues and injuries, I’ve worked hard to stay fit for riding. As a saddle fitter, I spend my days helping riders and horses become more comfortable, confident, and effective in their tack.
Being plus-size while consistently owning short-backed horses can present some fitting challenges, but it has never prevented me from riding successfully. If anything, finding riding clothes has been the bigger challenge.
We know that rider balance matters more than rider weight alone. A balanced rider has less impact on a horse than an unbalanced rider, even if they weigh more. Research conducted by the Society of Master Saddlers in 2007–08 demonstrated this.
No matter our size, our goal should be the same: to ride with balance, feel, and kindness so we have a positive effect on our appropriately sized horses.
This is my current boy, a 15.2 hh Morgan × Iberian. – Krystl R.My Registered Appaloosa “LNR Andy Stargazer” – bred Walkaloosa (TWH / Appaloosa) reject because he is non gaited – found him on Craigslist as a 3 yr old and he became an amazing partner for Dressage and Working Equitation – Jenniver T
