Dressage Champion: Sadie Smith’s Journey from Riding School to Grand Prix

Dressage rider Sadie Smith joins Pippa Funnell and Tristan Phipps on this week’s Talk Horse to talk about life inside one of equestrian sport’s most precise and demanding disciplines. Sadie became British Dressage National Champion at Grand Prix level in 2025, made her World Cup debut at the London International Horse Show, and was shortlisted for the FEI European Dressage Championships. Known for her sympathetic training style and ability to produce horses through the levels, she’s quickly established herself among the UK’s top riders. Sadie talks about her incredible partnership with Swanmore Dantina, the horse that helped take her to the top, as well as her journey producing horses from young prospects to Grand Prix performers. She also reflects on her time working with Carl Hester, gaining experience around legendary horses like Valegro, and riding professionally in the Netherlands. Do share your horsey stories with us [email protected]