At a time when developing as a competitive amateur dressage rider is full of complexity and challenge, it’s worth asking – how can we build our village? A village that understands the balancing act of the amateur rider and helps transform what is often an individual sport into one rich with community, support and belief – in ourselves, our horses and our competitive aspirations.
What do we do?
Dressage is more than a sport; it’s personal development in motion. We set goals, learn skills, build resilience, and develop relationships with horses we feel deeply connected to. We don’t just ride horses; we embrace a process filled with challenge, exhilaration and learning.
As amateur riders, we juggle work, family, training challenges, illness and injury (both ours and our horse’s), isolation, insecurity, financial pressures, and so much more. Having a supportive village can make all the difference – they add joy when we’re progressing and provide essential support when we’re struggling. Isolated? Anxious? Plateauing? Lonely? Negative thinking taking over? You need your village.
Who belongs in the village?
The AOR village has room for many, each with a role to play:
The Professionals: Vets, coaches, farriers, dentists, bodyworkers, agistment managers, and our human health care team, who guide, advise, and provide the essential professional services we need for our horses and ourselves.
The Family: Those we live with, who celebrate the highs and share the heartbreaks, supporting our passion even though they may not quite understand it.
The Stablemates: Our like-minded friends who share our passion for horses, for the sport of dressage, and double as training partners, counsellors, competition advisers and so much more.
When we spoke to the Amateur Owner Rider community, it was the Stablemates that are sometimes more challenging to find – especially for those who often ride alone, compete infrequently or live rurally. So, what do we do when we need to grow our village?
1. Ask the professionals
Your vet or coach can be a valuable intermediary to assist in building connections. They often know other riders in your area and may be able to introduce you, particularly in regional communities where opportunities to meet others can be limited.
2. Think beyond your own property
Even if you keep your horse at home, local agistment centres can be great social hubs. Many offer casual arena hire, giving you a chance to ride alongside others. If you can, choose a time when other riders are around – then take the opportunity to introduce yourself, offer a compliment, or start a simple conversation about their horse or yours!
3. Make contact before competitions
If you’ve entered a competition, check the draw for other AORs. Reaching out ahead of time can make the day feel less intimidating. You might offer to video their test or suggest catching up for something to eat once your tests are finished.
4. Volunteer at events
Offering to help at competitions is a great way to become a familiar face. It also gives you the chance to meet others in a relaxed, low-pressure environment while other faces become familiar to you!
5. Get involved in the AOR community
Whether it’s joining the AOR committee, volunteering your time at or before AOR events, or attending events like the AOR Development Weekend, involvement creates connection. These environments make it easier to meet like-minded riders, without the added pressure of competing
Every rider’s village will look different, but its heart is the same: a network of people who lift us, challenge us, and share the journey with us. Because even in a sport that feels solitary, we don’t have to go it alone.
You can find out more about the Victorian Amateur Owner Rider Group here.
