Maddi Burchell Dressage - Equestrian Performance Coaching

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Maddi Burchell Dressage - Equestrian Performance Coaching

Maddi Burchell Dressage is the official page of Dressage Trainer and Coach, Maddi Burchell

23/06/2026

It’s Day 2 of National Coaching Week, and today is all about the magic behind the scenes: the coach-rider partnership! 🤝✨

Coaching is so much more than just giving instructions from the side of the arena. For me, it’s about building a foundation of absolute trust and open communication. It’s a journey we take together!

Whether we’re working on rider biomechanics or polishing a test for the next competition, my goal is always to create a supportive space where you feel confident to try new things, learn from the wobbles, and celebrate every single win. As a BD Accredited coach, I’m not just there to watch; I’m there to listen, adapt, and help you find that unique ‘click’ that makes the partnership with your horse truly shine. There is nothing better than seeing a rider’s face light up when a plan comes together! 🐴💖

I’m so proud of the amazing community of riders I get to work with every day. You all inspire me to keep learning and growing too!

I’d love to hear from you: what do you think is the most important quality in a coach-rider relationship? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇

22/06/2026

📣 Happy Day 1 of National Coaching Week! 📣

What an amazing way to kick off a week celebrating the impact of coaching! 🥂 I’m so excited to share a bit more about my journey and philosophy over the next 7 days.

To start us off, I’ve been thinking: what actually makes a *great* dressage coach? 🧐 For me, it’s about so much more than just goving instructions amd asking questions from the side of the arena. It’s a blend of deep-rooted classical foundations and a modern performance focus, always underpinned by formal qualifications like being a BD Accredited Coach and BHS APC. 📚✨

It’s about having the tools to ensure every horse is a happy, sound athlete and every rider feels empowered. Whether we’re working on biomechanics or fine-tuning a test, the horse’s welfare always comes first. ❤️🐴 I love the puzzle of finding what works for each individual partnership: being a mentor, a friend, and a technician all at once!

What do you value most in a coach? Is it their qualifications, their energy, or their ability to simplify the technical stuff? Let me know below! 👇

11/06/2026

Sometimes the best progress happens when we step out of the stirrups and focus on the bigger picture! 🌟

Unmounted coaching is a high-performance tool that I absolutely love using with my riders. It’s not just a chat; it’s an intensive deep-dive into performance analysis, mindset work, and strategic performance planning. 📈✨

Taking the horse out of the equation for a moment allows us to tackle those mental blocks and refine your goals with total clarity. Whether we’re building confidence or mapping out your competition season, these sessions create the 'lightbulb' moments that lead to real breakthroughs back in the saddle. It’s all about becoming a thinking, resilient rider!

I’m so proud of the progress my clients make when they commit to this holistic approach. It’s about more than just the riding; it’s about the mindset behind it. 💡🙌

Have you ever sat down for an unmounted performance session to help reach your goals? I’d love to hear how it helped you! 👇

05/06/2026

Do you know the difference between these two images? 👆👇

⬆️ From back to front — open frame, poll as the highest point: The hindquarters drive actively forward, the hand receives softly. The horse moves in an open, natural posture where the poll is free to rise as the highest point. Energy flows from back to front through a free, swinging back. This is how you build a strong, supple and truly relaxed horse.

⬇️ From front to back — round, forced frame: The hand pulls the head into a round, closed position. The result? The third cervical vertebra collapses, breaking the connection from back to front entirely. The hindquarters disengage, the back blocks and because of that the horse can no longer use its muscles and body correctly.
Over time, this leads to injuries and a horse that works with tension and resistance instead of freedom and relaxation.

The foundation is always the same: ride from back to front, keep the poll as the highest point and ride in an open, honest frame.

Only then does a horse develop the way it should, building strength, suppleness and true relaxation with every training session.

03/06/2026

The ultimate shortcut to a better seat! 🚀

Ever feel like you’re fighting your own body to get the right message across to your horse? We’ve all been there! That’s why I’m such a huge advocate for mechanical horse sessions.

Using a simulator is a total game-changer for rider biomechanics. It allows us to strip everything back and focus entirely on YOU. Without having to worry about what the horse is doing underneath you, we can fine-tune your posture, balance, and weight aids with incredible precision. It’s all about creating those positive new patterns that translate directly into the saddle at home! 🐎✨

I’m so excited to be back at Burstow Park RC for our next Mechanical Horse Clinic on June 21st!

These sessions are always such a "lightbulb moment" for riders at every level. Whether you’re looking to improve your core stability or refine your advanced aids, I’ll be there to guide you through every step.

Spaces are very limited and usually fly out, so don't wait too long!

Who’s joining us for a tune-up? Let me know in the comments or drop me a message to book your slot! 📩

01/06/2026

Hello June! ☀️ I am so ready for a busy and productive month ahead! There’s something about the start of summer that really kicks the motivation into high gear.

This month is all about leveling up! On a personal note, I’m ramping up my own fitness routine: being a rider and coach requires serious stamina, so I’m back in the gym to ensure I’m at my best for every session. 🏋️‍♀️

For the horses, we’re hitting some big training milestones. Whether it’s refining lateral work or building strength, the focus is always on a happy, sound athlete. I’ve also got a packed competition diary and can’t wait to see my clients smashing it at Dressage events! 🏆

It’s going to be a month of hard work and results, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Let’s lead by example and trust the process!

What are your plans for June? I’d love to hear your goals, whether you’re aiming for a first show or just perfecting your transitions! Let me know below. 👇

28/05/2026

The secret to a truly harmonious ride? It's all in the seat! 🐎✨

We often talk about 'hands' and 'legs,' but the real magic happens when we start using our weight aids effectively. Think of your seat as the primary communication channel between you and your horse. When we refine our biomechanics and learn to use our weight with precision, we stop 'telling' the horse what to do and start 'inviting' them to move with us.

It’s about being a supportive partner, not a passenger. Subtle shifts in your seat bones can influence everything from the balance of a transition to the overall quality of the gait. It’s also a huge game changer for the lateral work! It’s that feeling of effortless connection that we’re all chasing, isn't it?

Learning to trust your seat and weight aids allows the horse to move more freely and stay through over the back. It’s amazing how much more they can give when we stop interfering with their balance!

Who else has had a 'lightbulb moment' with their weight aids lately? I'd love to hear about your progress in the comments! 👇

25/05/2026

Phew, it is a scorcher out there today! ☀️ While I love the sunshine, training in high heat requires extra care to keep both you and your horse safe, healthy, and performing at your best.

Here are my top tips for the 'Golden Hours' and beyond:

For the Riders:
💧 Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Keep that water bottle handy all day.
👕 Choose breathable, technical fabrics: modern sun shirts are a game-changer for UV protection!
🕒 Know your limits. If you’re feeling dizzy or sluggish, find some shade immediately.

For the Horses:
🌅 Train early or late in the evening when the temperature drops.
💦 Fresh, cool water must always be available.
🚿 Post-work cooling is key. Hose down and scrape off the water immediately to help regulate core temperature!
👃 Monitor recovery. If breathing doesn't return to normal quickly, shorten your next session.

It’s all about working smarter to keep our equine athletes happy and sound! 🐎✨

What’s your top tip for keeping your horse cool during a heatwave? Let me know below! 👇

23/05/2026

The long weekend is finally here! 🥂✨

I don’t know about you, but there is something so special about a three-day bank holiday weekend. Whether you’re heading out to a competition, planning a long hack in the sunshine, or just looking forward to some extra quality time at the yard, it’s the perfect chance to reset and enjoy our horses.

I’ve got a busy few days ahead with some lovely clinics and coaching sessions, but I’m definitely hoping to squeeze in a bit of downtime too! It’s all about that balance between working hard and enjoying the journey.

I’d love to hear what everyone is up to! Are you tackling some training goals, hitting the trails, or giving your horse a well-deserved pamper session? 🐴

Let me know your plans in the comments below! 👇

21/05/2026

Peace of mind is everything when it comes to your training journey! 🌟

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a qualified coach? It’s so much more than just giving instructions in the arena. Choosing a coach who is BD Accredited or a BHS APC means you’re working with someone who has been rigorously assessed to meet high professional standards.

For me, being a qualified coach is about providing a safe and supportive environment for every rider. That’s why I’m committed to maintaining my First Aid, Safeguarding, and enhanced DBS certifications: it’s all about your peace of mind! 🤝

Beyond that, we never stop learning. I’m currently undertaking my Level 4 and a MSc in Sport Performance Coaching. Through continuous CPD, I’m always evolving my methods and staying up-to-date with the latest methods and research and horse welfare to bring the very best performance solutions to our sessions. You and your horse deserve a coach who is as committed to their growth as you are to yours!

How much do you value having a professional support system behind you? Let me know in the comments! 💬

Address

Canterbury

Telephone

+447403415680

Website

http://www.MaddiBurchellDressage.com/

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