Every body is an equestrian body, which is why we celebrated inclusivity last month 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 Samantha Silver
In 2018, I was on top of the world. I had earned my USDF Bronze Medal on my longtime Off-Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) partner, and I was at a super weight, something I’ve long struggled with.
Throughout the next eight years, I would have high times and extreme lows in regard to horses. In 2019, I was trampled by three horses during turn-in, which led to a severe concussion, among other injuries.
At that time, I also had a lease horse who was owned by my best friend. He started out slow and unwilling, but after a few months, he had become a dynamic partner for me, and the future looked bright. Tragically, he was kicked in a pasture accident in December 2020 and had to be euthanized. This resulted in the loss of a longtime friendship as well as the loss of the beloved horse.
A few years went by, during which I had a horse that triggered my PTSD from being trampled. I later rehomed him, and finding myself without a horse to ride led me to gain a ton of weight. I then rode another leased horse from 2023-2024, which also went south, although thankfully, the horse is fine.
I was able to lose a lot of weight while riding that horse in 2024; however, I herniated a disc in my back in April 2025. I spent four and a half months wallowing, feeling sorry for myself, and eating. I put back on all the weight I had lost in 2024.
I got Costello, a twelve-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 exciting! Long term, I’m hoping to earn my USDF Bronze Freestyle Bar on Costello and maybe even scores towards my Silver Medal, if I’m really lucky.
My weight remains a challenge, but I’m trying to get healthy again as we speak. I was so inspired by this feature that I’m actually organizing a Dressage for Every BODY Event! We will have a plus-size-friendly clinician, as well as swag bags, a raffle, and consignment plus-size apparel set up to peruse.
