News
Horse & Country - Every Horse Can Dance
- Written By: British Dressage
- Published: Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:33
Now available to watch via Horse & Country, Every Horse Can Dance consists of five eye opening episodes, hosted by trainers Louise Bell, Louise Robson and Alice Oppenheimer.
Episode one is hosted by Louise Robson, it delves into the world of ROR and why thoroughbreds make such great dancing partners. After a successful racing career, life after racing offers many opportunities for these exceptional athletes. It can be a hard, yet rewarding process retraining a racehorse, BD offers pathways for ROR eligible combinations through its Associated Championships.
Louise Robson is a huge advocate for “Every Horse Can Dance”, she spoke to us and said “I think it’s vital for different breeds to be highlighted because ‘dressage’ isn’t just for the Warmbloods and not all of us either have the budget for the Warmbloods, or the confidence to ride a Warmblood.” Louise also stated everyone should work with the ethos of “training the horse in front of you, not the horse you want”.
Trotting onto episode two, the audience is introduced to the draught horse. The breed is typically known for its big build however they have superb strength and a willing temperament, making them the ideal dressage horse. Louise Bell hosts the episode and shows us just how amazing the breed is.
Shaking things up from the show ring to the dressage boards, we meet HOYS Champion Sam Roberts with her native pony Chip. Sam is no stranger to BD and has very successfully competed up the levels; - last year she won the Petplan Area Festivals Bronze Advanced Medium Music, and the duo are now enjoying competing at Small Tour level. Native ponies are fantastic ‘movers’ and can add real character to your test!
Episode four offers a taste of British heritage. Saddling up side saddle, Louise Bell discusses the history of riding ‘astride’ and the opportunities BD offers to those who choose to compete side saddle through our Associated Championships. Side saddle became most popular in the 1800s, allowing women to ride while maintaining decency and modesty.
The final episode meets TGCA Gypsy Cobs and Alice Oppenheimer once again proves why dressage isn’t just for warmbloods. Rider Jenny Medlock states she finds the breed “so willing and easy” which makes them super dressage candidates.
The series is truly a joy and inspiration to watch and includes valuable training advice which our members can take away and learn from. The Associated Championships is a great way for BD members to get involved no matter their horse’s breed or age. More information on the Associated Championships can be found on our championships and qualifiers page.
You can watch all the episodes of Every Horse Can Dance on H&C+, BD members receive an exclusive 15% off an annual H&C+ membership, or 20% off an annual H&C+ Gold membership - H&C's VIP membership option for competitive riders. To access the discount code, simply sign in below, using the log in details you use for your member portal, BD online.
