More than 700 enthusiastic dressage riders and fans filled Caledon Equestrian Park for the first day of a two-day master class with Olympic gold medallist and world record holder Charlotte Dujardin. Dujardin did not disappoint.

Spectators enjoyed seeing the British champion’s training system in action as she taught her way up the levels from 4-year-olds to Grand Prix horses. Peppering her lessons with the humourous quips for which she is famous – “Don’t just sit there like a fairy on a Christmas tree!” – Dujardin demonstrated how progression at each level depends on a solid foundation of correct basics and attention to the smallest detail.

The session began with two 4-year-old mares, Brigitte ridden by Inga Hamilton, and Juweel of Lichty ridden by Neil McIntosh. Dujardin described what she looks for in a young horse: three correct but not necessarily huge gaits, a willing character, and a hotter, more sensitive nature. She worked with the riders on establishing good rhythm, steady contact and appropriate self-carriage at each of the gaits.

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