In March, we visited Equitana in Essen, Germany, where we hosted a clinic with none other than Frederic Wandres, German Olympic gold medalist and Maya Delorez Team Rider. For about an hour, he guided Armenian dressage rider Alena Starr (yet another one of our athletes) and the audience through the importance of revisiting and mastering the basics.

A few weeks ago, we asked our Instagram community to write Frederic questions about all things dressage. So, after his master class at Equitana, Frederic took some time to answer these questions. Continue reading to find out how he’d work on an unbalanced canter, what advice he has for young dressage riders, and how he prepares himself for a big show.

How can I help my horse to stay balanced during canter?

– Generally, if you struggle with rhythm or balance, you should take a step back to the basics. Maybe do some transitions; trot to canter, canter to trot. This improves the gaits in general. But also change the rhythm between the gaits – ride a little bit forward and then try to collect a bit, keeping it easy and simple. Then you can try to improve the canter itself.

How have the horses or the sport helped you develop as a person? 

– The horses and the sport always keep you down to earth with your feet on the ground! As a kid, I was very impatient. But being surrounded by horses nearly every day over the years makes you very patient. 

“It’s important not to forget to create strong relationships with your horses and learn to be there for them.”

– Frederic Wandres

Do you ever feel a lack of motivation? What do you do to get out of a rut?

– Of course, I feel a lack of motivation sometimes. I think that’s normal and I’m open about that happening in different situations. Often, I try to remind myself, “Why did I start riding when I was a teenager?” and the answer is “Because I love horses”.

What’s your biggest strength as a dressage rider?

– My biggest strength is that over the years, I’ve learned that it’s sometimes necessary to take a step backward and accept defeat, to become successful later on.

According to you, what is the most important thing to focus on as a young dressage rider?

– In my opinion, the focus of a young dressage rider should not “only” be the vision of success and winning. Of course, as a sports person, you need to have a will to always become better, but it’s important not to forget to create strong relationships with your horses and learn to be there for them whenever they need it (especially when you’re young). If you do this, then success will come from that in either way.

How do you prepare yourself and your horse for a big show?

– Routine is key! 🔑 Try to do things the way you do them at home to as large an extent as possible. To change something at the last second for yourself or the horse mostly ends in chaos, more or less.