Ride Smarter, Score Higher: Tips for Achieving a Personal Best in Dressage

Ride Smarter, Score Higher: Tips for Achieving a Personal Best in Dressage

March 25, 2026 · 1h 2m

About this episode

In this episode, Grand Prix dressage rider Lauren Sprieser shares practical strategies for achieving personal bests in dressage.

Looking to achieve your personal best in the dressage arena? In this episode of Ask an Expert, Grand Prix dressage rider Lauren Sprieser offers honest and practical strategies to help riders at any level raise their scores and their confidence. Lauren shares wisdom on everything from building a foolproof foundation to overcoming nerves, improving transitions, and decoding what judges really want to see. Episode Highlights: 8:10: How to choose the right test level, build a solid foundation, and improve transitions 13:10: How to prepare for a consistent, relaxed ride and why the basics matter at every stage 21:00: How to manage “horse show brain,” overcome nerves, and practice effectively under pressure 26:00: Tack and warm-up best practices, plus common mistakes to avoid on show day 34:40: Why memorizing your test matters and how to confidently learn and run through tests at home 46:30: How to improve your free walk and halts, plus tips for mastering key movements with effective ring craft Meet the Expert, Lauren Sprieser Lauren Sprieser is a USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalist with Distinction and an international Grand Prix dressage rider. She runs a successful training and…

People in this episode

Guest: Lauren Sprieser

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sprieser Sporthorse, Chronicle of the Horse, Dressage Today, Noelle Floyd, Practical Horseman

More episodes of Ask An Expert: Horse Care and Riding Advice

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Ask An Expert: Horse Care and Riding Advice podcast page.