Here’s the thing: most riders school their horses too much.
I know that sounds counterintuitive. We’ve all been told that consistent work is the key to progress. That if we just put in enough hours in the arena, our horse will magically become soft, supple, and rideable. That more is always better.
But what if I told you that research suggests 2-3 schooling sessions per week might be just as effective as daily training for developing and maintaining dressage skills?
The Guilt Problem
Most of us operate from a place of guilt. If we don’t ride, we feel like we’re failing our horse. If we have an easy day, we convince ourselves we’re being lazy. If we take a day off, we worry about losing all the progress we’ve made.
So we drill. We school six days a week. We work on the same exercises over and over, chasing perfection in every session.
And then we wonder why our horse is sour. Why they’ve lost their sparkle. Why the throughness we had last month has mysteriously disappeared.
What the Research Actually Says
A study published by the FEI found that training 2-3 times per week in 90-minute sessions was as good as — or perhaps even better than — daily training for developing dressage-specific skills.
Read that again.
Not “acceptable” or “good enough for amateurs.” As good as or better than daily work.
Why? Because learning consolidates during rest. Your horse’s brain and body need time to process what you’ve taught them. That lateral work you drilled on Tuesday? It actually becomes part of their muscle memory during Wednesday’s day off.
What a Balanced Week Actually Looks Like
- 2-3 schooling sessions — focused, productive arena work with clear goals
- 1-2 conditioning rides — hacking out, long trots, fitness work without technical demands
- 1 “easy” day — long and low work, stretching, maybe some ground poles at the walk
- 1-2 days off — turnout, ground work, or complete rest
Notice how only 2-3 of those days involve actual schooling? That’s not laziness. That’s smart training.
Signs You’re Over-Schooling
- Your horse anticipates movements — they’re starting the shoulder-in before you ask
- Resistance has increased — what used to be soft is now tense
- The sparkle is gone — your horse feels flat, checked out
- You’re stuck — progress has plateaued despite consistent work
- Physical issues are appearing — unexplained soreness, reluctance
Quality Over Quantity (Always)
A 20-minute session where you achieve one small breakthrough is worth more than a 60-minute grind session where you drill the same thing over and over.
I run 43 sessions a week at my barn, and I can tell you: the horses that make the fastest progress aren’t the ones who get drilled every day. They’re the ones whose riders know when to quit, when to hack, and when to give them a day to just be a horse.
The Permission You Might Need
If you’re feeling guilty about not riding every day, consider this your permission slip.
Taking days off doesn’t mean you’re uncommitted. Easy days aren’t lazy days — they’re the days where all your hard work actually sinks in.
Your horse will thank you. And honestly? You’ll probably see faster progress.
Ready to make every schooling session count? My From Stiff to Supple in 28 Days course gives you a structured plan that respects your horse’s need for rest while building real suppleness.
