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 Jen Desforge
I first met Dexter at Ebbers Quarter Horses and Paints, which is owned and operated by Jim and Terry Ebbers, who bred, raised, and trained reining horses in Hagar, Ontario.
It was shortly after he was born, and the moment I saw him, I fell in love. He was absolutely stunning; a beautiful palomino with legs for days, and so well put together. I bought him as a weanling, and we have been together for his entire life. He is 16 now. He is my best friend and the love of my life (besides my husband).
Our journey to western dressage began with learning the foundations of reining. We went to a local competition as a three-year-old, but our next competition wouldn’t be until ten years later. We moved from Northern Ontario to Nova Scotia in 2021.
In November 2022, we took our first dressage lesson with Mary Lew Murray. She was in her 70s at the time, and still riding. She asked me to print out a dressage test to try riding through, and she gave me advice on how to correctly ride it, then called it as we rode. What a rush! I was instantly hooked. I was saddened to hear that she passed away in January 2023. She never knew that she had ignited such a grand obsession in me.
Over the summer of 2023, we participated in a few local shows, mainly competing in ranch riding, horsemanship, and western pleasure classes. It was a lot of fun, and sparked my desire to attend more shows.
In September 2023, we attended our first western dressage clinic, with local legend Lesley Elchuk. From that moment on, my sole focus became western dressage. I love the precision and schooling time required to progress through the levels. I am a very goal-oriented person, and find dressage to be almost like an addiction.
Following the clinic with Lesley, I reached out to an absolutely amazing local dressage coach, Cheryl Webber, and began taking regular dressage lessons. She planted the seed and encouraged me to start competing in western dressage. We rode our very first western dressage test at a competition less than a year after the clinic with Lesley, in August 2024. Since then, our dedication to the sport has only grown.
In 2025, we went to all three of the dressage shows held at Horses at Work (HAW) in Upper Sweets Corner, Nova Scotia. HAW is owned and operated by Jill Barker and Mary-Clare McLaren. These ladies run such a lovely show for all dressage enthusiasts at the grassroots level, encouraging anyone interested in dressage to come out and give it a try. Their shows are sanctioned through Equestrian Nova Scotia, and the atmosphere at all of their shows provides so much encouragement, relaxation, and camaraderie – a truly fantastic introduction to all things dressage.
I was one of four western dressage riders at their competitions, and am so very grateful to be in their company. These women are such kind, encouraging, and dedicated horsewomen. I am also happy to say that we were the 2025 Western Dressage Provincial Champions in Nova Scotia! That ribbon is a special one.
This year, we have committed to some big-time goals. We are competing for the Provincial Championship, as well as hoping to qualify for the National Championship through the Western Style Dressage Association of Canada (WSDAC). There were no shows available in Nova Scotia sanctioned through WSDAC before 2026.
We approached the organization Riders Interested in Dressage and Riding Sports (R.I.D.E.R.S.), who organize the two annual Equestrian Canada dressage shows for English riders here in Nova Scotia, and asked if they could include western dressage in their shows. Not only did they agree to our request and make it happen, but they also applied for sanctioning through WSDAC so that we could accumulate scores to qualify for the National Championship. Inclusivity at its best!
We competed in June at their first show, and I was blown away at the warm welcome we received. Even though our tack and clothes were different, we were still welcomed, encouraged, and included in everything the show had to offer. The feedback that we received from the judge at that level of competition was invaluable. Have I mentioned how much I love getting feedback from judges? I guess I’ve always been a bit of a nerd and love homework!
Show season is really just starting to ramp up as I write this. We have two shows in August (one at HAW, and one in Prince Edward Island organized by Dressage PEI – another EC Gold/EC Bronze competition that is sanctioned by WSDAC), and two more shows in September, in addition to hopefully qualifying for Provincials and Nationals.
I have been a plus-sized rider for most of my life, and I often find myself starting to think negatively when I see pictures of myself riding. But then I remind myself of how much that body has allowed me to do. I reflect on how far I have come, the challenges I have overcome, the friends I have made, and the connection that I have with Dexter, and my thoughts quickly turn to positive ones.
My best advice for others who may find themselves entering the negative self-talk vortex is to surround yourself with friends, coaches, and other dressage enthusiasts who encourage you and motivate you to continue pursuing your goals. Dressage truly is for every rider and every horse. In my experience, it’s been the most inclusive discipline in the horse industry.
As much as I love competing with Dexter, my favourite time with him is that spent doing what makes him happiest: eating! I love to spend time watching and listening to him graze. He also really loves to be groomed, and will stand tied forever if I have a hay net in front of him, grooming him until he is spotless. As a palomino that loves the dirt, that is a never-ending task. His nickname is “The Mud Monster” for a reason!
Over the last 16 years that I’ve owned him, Dexter has evolved into such a wonderful horse, who is incredibly willing and level-headed. He has given me the confidence to pursue my dream of competing in western dressage. The partnership and connection that we’ve developed is, without a doubt, our biggest accomplishment. Seeing Dexter grow up from the cutest foal into a beautiful, kind, affectionate, and athletic partner has been the privilege of my life. Whenever he sees me, he walks towards me with a gentle nicker. It melts my heart every time, and I look forward to enjoying each other’s company for as long as possible.
What a journey it has been so far!
