Submitted by Eliza Herman; Tara Jelenic 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!
Hi! I am fat, but strong! Still love my horses 💙 I’m a busy AA trying to be my best self, learning all the time for these special horses – Rebecca D.Old and overweight but my beautiful Abby gives me wings! Not many smiley photos but guarantee my heart is happy and I’m smiling on the inside.❤️ – Julie W.Inclusivity means ALL bodies AND ages. I’m petite (4’11:), chubby (125lb), 74 years young, and ride a lovely 23-year-old horse….and we are at our happiest riding dressage! And yes, I deserve my seat in the saddle. Thank you, USDF! – Michelle B.Me at some of my highest weight hauling home off the poles! My little tank carried me through gymkhana, hunter paces, mounted versatility, hours and hours of trail rides and some English pleasure. ❤️ Tina Haddad photo – Aimie S.So glad to see this message making the rounds 🖤 Cavaliere CoutureSubmitted by Marianna L.Me and my Florida Cracker Horse, “Risk it for the Biscuit”, or Buddy, have been through a lot together. From learning how to trot and not gait, to recovering from laminitis from Insulin Resistance, we are now strutting our stuff at home because Dressage is for Every Body! – Ariel H.So glad we are talking on this subject! Pictured is my new Holsteiner, and everything I could have ever ask for in a horse, Nero HS!
In all of the equestrian sports I have tried, I was drawn to dressage for the ability to be judged on how successfully we complete our test versus having the subjectivity some of the other rings do. – Cindy F.This is Romeo, a TB /Warmblood cross. He’s 20 and I am 65. I’m just coming back from 5 broken bones last year (terrible year- rotational fall, and then I found out I have osteoporosis.) I was laid up for 9 months. Gained 20 lbs. So glad to be back to riding now, even with a numb left lower leg. We are going to be at Training Level forever- that’s ok! – Wynne S.This is me and my Percheron/Morgan Joc doing our first Dressage test back in November. This was Intro test B, we’ve since scored a 73% on Test C this Spring and are now considered training level! This fall we are doing a Musical Freestyle entry using Sleep Token and doing Training Level Test 1. Ever since getting back in the saddle a couple years ago I’ve been wanting to do Musical Freestyle and am so excited and blessed to start doing it with my incredible partner!
It was this photo that made me realize I regained some of the weight I lost so I’m a little self conscious of it. #dressageforeverybody2026
Joc and I love Dressage! Joc is 15 years old and was never taught how to engage his hind quarters so he rushed his gaits and hated jumping. We did Dressage and in hand work to work on his body awareness and the transformation is incredible! His trot and canter is now as smooth as butter and I get so many compliments for my sitting trot. Now that he understands how to use his big gorgeous booty he has taken a liking to jumping and is becoming a wonderful All Rounder 🥰 Dressage is our main discipline and will remain that way since we’ve both improved by leaps and bounds since starting it just last year. – Sam L.This is me on my now marginally-retired TB Bobby D from a few years ago. I’ve never been small, even at my absolute skinniest, but I can still be an effective rider for my equine partners! – Adrienne B.After a 10 year hiatus from riding I decided I wanted to get back in the saddle. I grew up riding saddle seat and knew that I no longer fit in that world.
After scribing at a dressage show, my interest was sparked so I began reaching out to local dressage barns. I was terrified of being judged as a plus-sized rider. But I was welcomed with open arms not only by my instructor but by the other riders as well. I’ve never felt more confident in myself as an equestrian! – Sarah W. Read Sarah’s story Finding My Way HomeI ride a halflinger at my lesson barn! Best breed ever! – Stray L.My Fjord Sven and I. I got him as a 2 year old and he’ll be 6 this month. We’ve started with nothing but dressage and working on getting a solid, correct foundation. Planning to get to our first dressage show this year and hopefully event in the future! – Caitlin R.I found Rosie at an Amish auction in 2022. While I originally did not think she would be rideable with all the baggage she came with, the two of us have both shed a little baggage and developed a special bond and are now doing lower level dressage, trail riding, and most recently some fox hunting! – Laura P.Rosie now! – Laura P.We certainly qualify for the big and tall section. He’s an ex Amish plow horse and I am an equine veterinarian by trade. Proof that anyone can be competitive, third place in the Training Level Adult Amateur Championship for Region 3 ☺️ I love my Kerrits competition jacket that I am wearing in the picture! – Becca A.One of my favorite parts of being a trainer is watching a horse and rider grow together. Over the past three months, I’ve had the privilege of working with Heidi Coghill and her 11-year-old Friesian gelding, Quinn. When we began, Quinn had no right lead canter, struggled with his balance, and found much of the work physically difficult. Rather than rushing the process, we focused on building a correct foundation through patience, consistency, and classical training principles. Today, Quinn is confidently picking up both canter leads, moving with greater balance and suppleness, and developing the strength and understanding to carry himself correctly. The transformation has been incredible, but what makes it even more special is Heidi’s unwavering dedication. She has put in the time, trusted the process, and never stopped believing in her horse. Progress isn’t always about quick fixes—it’s about creating a willing, confident horse that understands his job and enjoys it. Quinn is proving that with the right training and a committed rider, amazing things can happen. I’m so proud of both Heidi and Quinn and can’t wait to see what they accomplish together next. – Jeff B. Read Heidi’s perspective on her journey with Quinn in More Than A Dance PartnerRiding our first 4th level test this summer, qualifying for championships and 2 scores towards my Silver Medal all in two rides! VI is a Spotted Draft x Hanoverian owned by a client and we are working towards Prix St. Georges!
Love Kerrits inclusive sizing. In this pic I’m wearing the Competitors Coat and show shirt. My daily riding clothes almost always include at least one article of Kerrits! – Kiersten V.My and my Standardbred, Bellerophon. Musical freestyle, Halloween event. 1st place test, 1st place costume (musical ride to “Little Shop of Horrors.”) – Jennifer A.I came back to riding after 25 years away, switched from Western to English and have been riding again for 2 years. Dantè and I at our first ammy show this year. We have only been together for a year and have been working and learning for a year. We did really well at the show and will hopefully do more. He’s a 7 yr old Percheron/QH. – Sadie F.Cruisin Camnation – Standardbred Pacing Mare. 10 months under saddle. Fox Portrait Photography – Camille S.This is North Star LLRH (Graham, Grammy, Graham Bam, Bam), an 8 year old Haflinger. I’m a 39 year old AA and Graham is one of two heart horses that I’m incredibly lucky and honored to be owned by. I’m 5’9″ and, well, let’s say “thick” 🤣. But you know what?? That doesn’t matter, because I love my boys and they love me and we have the best time together. That’s all that matters….do what you love and forget about the rest! – Kendall V.Here I am w/ Sergeant Studly, my American Brabant. – Holly R.Submitted by Lauren R.Me and Scarlett, a Dutch Harness mare that was pregnant when I pulled her out of a feed lot! – Jennifer M.
