In this instalment of Making a Champion, from Horseware Ireland, we get an exclusive insight into Irish dressage rider, Judy Reynolds, Rio preparations.

Reynolds gives us exclusive access to her dressage yard based in Germany and introduces us to some of the younger horses she’s working with. Reynolds shares her top training tips to help make a champion horse and rider combination.

One of her top tips is to allow the horse to stretch and relax at the start of each training session and not to jump straight into more strenuous exercises. Reynolds explains the benefits of transitions, which not only improve marks but the elasticity of the horse. She believes patience is key and repetition is a necessity in becoming a champion horse and rider. Reynolds is also The Irish Field’s dressage rider of the year.

Horseware Ireland has created a new series called Making a Champion showcasing a variety of Irish riders such as Sam Watson, Judy Reynolds and Bertram Allen. It launched in the Spring of 2016. Horseware Ireland go behind the scenes to find out from these top riders what it takes to be the best and how Horseware Ireland has helped them along the way. Next in the series is Scott Brash.