Dressage training: Background and Tips All riders, whether competing or riding for pleasure, want to have a tractable, relaxed and motivated horse when they are ready to get into the saddle. This depends primarily on the riders' understanding of training and training methods. The more riders know about their horse's physiology and psyche, the better their understanding of these training methods. By following the practical advice in this book, riders will be able to achieve their desired training goals most efficiently, while at the same time handling their horses gently and keeping them physically and mentally sound.