News
Dressage For All 25: Cool Ridings x British Dressage
- Written By: British Dressage
- Published: Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:00
Earlier this year, British Dressage was delighted to collaborate with Cool Ridings to run a memorable training camp set alongside a National Academy weekend at the British Showjumping Training Centre in Leicestershire. 
As part of Dressage For All week 2025, we’re shining the light on a very special group, who experienced a taste of dressage earlier this summer.
Created by Lydia Heywood, Cool Ridings is an inspiring community for underrepresented riders, designed to enhance sense of belonging for all. The organisation provides training with like-minded people, whilst celebrating and supporting one another, allowing everyone to thrive. Cool Ridings stems from Lydia’s own experiences within equestrian sports and her passion for increasing representation, together with tackling inequalities from the ground up to create an inclusive sport.
In coordination with the BD Sport and Training & Education teams, we were delighted to team up with Lydia and Cool Ridings to deliver a one-day training camp, bringing the best of BD education to members from the group. Hosted at the BS Training Centre in Leicestershire, the group enjoyed access to an experience similar to training delivered as part of the BD Academy system.
At the start of the day, BD Head of Sport Lou Jones delivered an inspiring introduction and welcome, giving the opportunity for riders to ask questions and learn more about the day ahead. “Our collaboration with Cool Ridings represents an important opportunity to support riders who may not have traditionally had access to programmes like this,” explained Lou. “When riders from under-represented communities feel genuinely welcomed and supported, British Dressage becomes stronger, more vibrant and more reflective of the world around us. This is the future we want to build.”
List 1 Judge, Tutor Judge and Judge Educator Jane Peberdy led a test riding workshop, featuring both classroom and ridden elements. In the classroom session, Jane talked through what the judge is looking for and gave a fascinating insight on where to gain marks through great test riding. Each rider then presented a test in front of Jane, which was filmed for later review in the afternoon.
To conclude the activity, International Grand Prix Rider, Level 3 BD Coach, Academy Coach and World Class Para-Dressage Coach Dan Greenwood delivered individual training sessions, working with the riders to improve way of going and work through feedback from the test riding.
“We’ve all gained so much,” founder Lydia Heywood commented, “we’ve filled knowledge gaps, talked to a judge about what they’re looking for. We’ve even tried to identify championship pathways that would be suitable for our members with all sorts of different kinds of horses. The knowledge and generosity within British Dressage has been really touching and valuable.”
We’re looking forward to building on this memorable day, expanding opportunities for riders from underrepresented communities via outstanding communities like Cool Ridings.
