Want to compete in dressage without leaving the yard? Virtual dressage platforms now let UK riders film a test at home, upload it, and receive scores and detailed feedback from certified judges.
Key takeaway: Dressage Anywhere and E‑Riders let UK riders enter British Dressage tests and global leagues from home, with monthly classes, certified judging, and clear filming rules — no BD membership required.
What is virtual dressage and how does it work?
Virtual dressage is judged competition you ride and film at home, then upload to a platform to be scored under British Dressage rules. You choose a test, follow filming and attire guidelines, submit your video, and receive official scoresheets plus comments to help you progress.
For UK riders, the two most established options are Dressage Anywhere and E‑Riders. Both run monthly competitions so you can set a regular training rhythm, and both are designed to align with British standards on arena size, tack, attire, and judging. You’ll ride in a correctly marked arena, film from a fixed point as specified by each platform, and upload your video either directly to the site or via a link (such as YouTube). Results are published after judging, with leagues and prizes on certain platforms.
Which UK-friendly platforms are best?
Dressage Anywhere and E‑Riders are the top UK‑friendly choices: Dressage Anywhere offers BD‑ruled classes from Intro through Advanced Medium with monthly shows, while E‑Riders focuses on competitive leagues and prizes with global entry. Both accept entries from the UK and beyond, making them ideal if you want flexible, year‑round competition.
Dressage Anywhere runs monthly online shows with classes from Introductory up to Advanced Medium, judged under British Dressage rules and open worldwide. It supports a wide range of tests including British Dressage (BD), Riding for the Disabled (RDA), Pony Club, and British Eventing, without requiring you to be a member of those bodies. It also hosts specialist series such as the Irish Draught and the UK Friesian Federation Online Friesian Dressage League, where riders collect points towards championships.
E‑Riders positions itself as highly competitive, with frequent leagues and prizes that attract riders who love tracking rankings. It’s popular among UK riders who want that extra push of a leaderboard. Riders on the Horse & Hound forum say it’s a strong pick “if you are competitive,” noting its “lot of leagues and prizes.” You can also find similar feedback‑driven options such as Equitest and Interdressage, with riders praising the constructive scoring and comments — exactly what you need to sharpen your training between outings.
“The classes are judged by certified British Dressage judges and have a list of rules and guidelines to follow to insure everyone is competing equally and under the same rules for attire, filming, arena size etc. Totally legit!” — Friesian owner competing in Dressage Anywhere under UK Friesian Federation (source)
“I have used interdressage in the past and been very happy with the scoring and feedback.” — New Rider forum user comparing options (source)
“I use e‑riders and equitest. E‑riders is good if you are competitive, they have a lot of leagues and prizes!” — tobiano1984 on Horse & Hound (source)
Do I need British Dressage membership and what levels can I ride?
No, you don’t need BD membership to enter BD tests on Dressage Anywhere, and you can ride levels from Introductory through Advanced Medium. This makes virtual dressage an accessible pathway into official tests without the cost and logistics of affiliated shows.
Dressage Anywhere’s monthly schedules cover the standard BD progression — Intro, Prelim, Novice, Elementary, Medium and Advanced Medium — alongside non‑competitive and beginner classes, plus para, pony, ex‑racehorse, and breed‑specific leagues. The tests follow British Dressage movements and marking scales, so your scores provide a credible benchmark against UK standards. E‑Riders also offers a broad spread of levels and class types, with series and prizes that reward consistency across the season.
How do I film a test that gets scored (step‑by‑step)?
Follow the platform’s rules for arena size and marking, attire and tack, camera placement, and continuous filming, then upload directly, via YouTube, or by link as allowed. Good audio and a steady, uninterrupted video from the correct letter are essential for a valid score.
Here’s a quick filming checklist that works for both Dressage Anywhere and E‑Riders:
- Set up the arena correctly: a standard dressage arena (usually 20x40m or 20x60m, per the test) with letters clearly visible.
- Place the camera at the required letter (often C for short arena, but check each platform’s rules) and ensure the whole horse is visible in every movement.
- Use a sturdy tripod or smartphone mount; avoid a handheld wobble and keep the frame level.
- Film the test in a single, continuous take with the rider and horse identifiable; announce rider/horse details if requested.
- Wear permitted attire (neat, conservative colours; gloves; helmet) and use legal tack per BD rules; plaiting is optional but smart presentation helps.
- Upload the video using the platform’s preferred method: direct site upload or an unlisted YouTube/Vimeo link.
Presentation matters on camera. Choose smart, competition‑appropriate clothing that meets BD guidelines from our curated range of women’s competition clothing, pair with approved riding helmets, and finish the picture with well‑fitted horse riding boots and supportive horse boots and bandages for training days. For chilly or wet yard days while you prep and warm up, keep your horse comfortable in weather‑proof turnout rugs, then swap to clean kit for filming.
Quick tip: If you’re filming outdoors between showers, have a helper on “lens duty” with a clean cloth and set the phone to Airplane Mode to prevent notifications interrupting the recording. Always do a 10‑second test clip to check framing before you ride up the centre line.
How do I use monthly virtual feedback to improve faster?
Enter monthly shows, catalogue your videos and scoresheets by date/test, and use judge comments to target one or two improvements per month. Layer video with mirrors or sensors where possible to build feel and measure the small wins.
Virtual dressage shines as a training tool because it creates a rhythm: film, submit, study, adjust, repeat. Keep a simple log of each test (date, arena size, level, judge’s key comments) and file the video alongside it. Over time, you’ll see patterns — maybe your free walk consistently loses marks, or transitions could be more prompt. The next month, design your schooling plan around those priorities.
Pro tip: Pair video with real‑time feedback. Arena mirrors help you check straightness, bend and rider position between “show days,” while wearables and simple phone apps can track symmetry and rhythm. Refine your aids with precise schooling tools like dressage whips, and ride in quality pads from trusted brands such as LeMieux for comfort and a professional look on camera. If your horse needs support through increased work, explore our horse supplements to aid recovery and focus, and use thoughtful grooming routines to present a tidy, plaited mane for filming.
Which platform suits your goals?
Choose E‑Riders if you want competitive leagues and prizes, and choose Dressage Anywhere if you want BD‑aligned judging, global series, and access to BD, RDA, Pony Club, and British Eventing tests without membership. Both are UK‑friendly and run monthly shows.
If you love structured, long‑term goals and championship points, Dressage Anywhere’s series — including the UK Friesian Federation and Irish Draught — provide a welcoming framework with credible British Dressage judging. If you thrive on leaderboards and prize incentives, E‑Riders’ multiple leagues can keep you laser‑focused on consistency. Either way, you’ll be riding under UK‑recognised standards with feedback that transfers directly to in‑person competitions when you’re ready.
How does virtual dressage fit UK weather and yard logistics?
Virtual dressage lets you compete year‑round despite wet winters and muddy seasons by riding at home on suitable footing and filming when the weather allows. Monthly show windows give you flexibility to pick a dry, safe day for your arena.
In the UK, winter rain and short daylight often scupper show plans. With virtual options, you can school under lights on a weekday, then film on a brighter weekend window, keeping your competition momentum intact. Keep your horse warm and muscles supple with appropriately weighted stable rugs on frosty mornings and switch to breathable winter turnout rugs for outdoor warm‑ups. For robust rugging that stands up to British weather, explore trusted brands like WeatherBeeta and Shires.
Quick tip: In muddy conditions, groom legs and tails thoroughly before filming and have a spare clean numnah ready. A tidy horse telegraphs professionalism — and judges can concentrate on your training, not your turnout.
What kit do I actually need for online dressage day?
You need compliant attire, a well‑presented horse, a stable camera setup, and a properly marked arena; add weather‑savvy layers and smart accessories to look and feel competition‑ready. Here’s a practical, UK‑ready checklist:
- Show attire: jacket or tidy training wear per class rules, gloves, and a compliant riding helmet. For a polished look, browse our women’s competition clothing.
- Legwear and footwear: comfortable, close‑contact women’s jodhpurs and breeches and supportive riding boots for secure aids.
- Tack and training: a clean saddle and bridle per BD rules, neat saddle pad (LeMieux is a rider favourite), and a schooling or dressage whip for precision at home.
- Horse presentation: bath or spot‑clean, brush and shine from our grooming essentials, and consider plaiting for a smart frame.
- Protection and comfort: well‑fitted horse boots and bandages for schooling, removed if the class rules specify bare legs.
- Weather management: reliable turnout rugs for wet yards and layered stable rugs for pre‑ride warmth; check out value options from Gallop Equestrian.
- Filming kit: a solid tripod or smartphone mount, spare battery, and a helper if possible. Mark your arena clearly with letters.
- Treats and motivation: reward a confident centre line with something from our horse treats collection.
- Budget savers: keep an eye on last‑chance finds in our Secret Tack Room clearance for seasonal bargains.
At Just Horse Riders, we recommend doing a full “dress rehearsal” the week before your target class: ride the exact test in full kit, film it, and tweak anything the camera reveals — from geometry to jacket fit.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
The biggest pitfalls are incorrect arena size/marking, poor camera placement or zoom, and not following attire/tack rules — all of which can cost marks or invalidate your test. Fix these first, then focus on accuracy and rhythm for easy points.
Top avoidables:
- Arena errors: 20x40 vs 20x60 confusion, letters too small or misplaced, or cones blocking the view. Measure and double‑check.
- Filming faults: camera not at the correct letter, rider going out of frame, or pixelated video. Test your setup, then film once more if needed.
- Rule slips: non‑compliant bits, martingales in forbidden classes, or missing gloves. Cross‑check the platform’s tack and attire list.
- Untidy presentation: muddy legs, flapping tails, or ill‑fitting pads. A quick brush and tidy pad swap can lift your overall impression.
- Pacing and geometry: cutting corners, drifting off centre line, and hurried transitions lose easy marks. Ride the markers and breathe.
Quick tip: Before you upload, watch your video once as if you are the judge: can you clearly see every movement? If not, refilm now — it’s faster than appealing later.
Bottom line: make virtual dressage your monthly training engine
Virtual dressage is the simplest way for UK riders to ride British‑standard tests, collect expert feedback, and keep progressing through dark, wet months. Pick your platform — BD‑aligned Dressage Anywhere or prize‑driven E‑Riders — schedule a monthly filming day, and let consistent scoresheets steer your schooling. With the right attire, a reliable camera setup, and weather‑savvy rugging, you’ll present your best work every time.
FAQs
Do I need to be a British Dressage member to enter?
No. Dressage Anywhere lets you ride British Dressage tests without BD membership, while still being judged under BD rules.
What levels are available on Dressage Anywhere?
Classes run from Introductory through Advanced Medium, plus non‑competitive, beginner, para, pony, ex‑racehorse, and breed‑specific leagues.
How do I submit my video?
Upload directly to the platform, or submit a YouTube/Vimeo link as allowed. Ensure your video follows the rules on arena, attire, tack and filming position.
Are the judges qualified?
Yes. Dressage Anywhere uses certified British Dressage judges, and competitions are run under BD rules for fair, consistent scoring.
Which platform has the best leagues and prizes?
E‑Riders is known for its competitive leagues and prizes, making it a great choice if you want leaderboards and season‑long targets.
Can I compete year‑round in the UK?
Yes. Both Dressage Anywhere and E‑Riders run monthly shows, ideal for UK winters when travel is tricky and outdoor arenas are wet or frozen.
What kit should I prioritise for filming?
Start with compliant attire and helmet, a steady tripod, a clearly marked arena, and weather‑ready rugs for warm‑ups. Explore competition clothing, helmets, and turnout rugs to get set.
