Introduction: Grand Prix Insights and Training Tips
Jeremy Steinberg has trained and competed through Grand Prix and works extensively with young horses and riders. In this interview, Steinberg shares actionable dressage training tips, showjumping exercises, and strategies for long-term horse soundness.
Recently, he switched to riding on Noviun Fibre Footing, and we spoke to him about how this surface has improved horse performance, elasticity, and rider connection.
Steinberg emphasizes patience, repetition, and understanding both the horse’s mind and body. His guidance is aimed at riders seeking consistent improvement and long-term success in both dressage and showjumping.
Common Gaps in Horse Development
Question: What are the most common gaps in horse development today?
“It’s the basics,” Steinberg says. “Horses are missing strength, life skills, and systematic training.”
Riders often rush training, creating horses that are heavy in the hand, low in the poll, or resistant to contact.
“Many horses don’t need to feel tense or heavy,” he adds. “They lack fundamental bit acceptance and understanding of contact.”
These gaps affect horse soundness and performance consistency across all levels.
Correct Dressage Basics for Long-Term Success
Question: What does correct basics look like in daily training?
“A horse should carry itself with very little help from the rider,” Steinberg says.
Key elements include:
- Self balance without constant correction
- Consistent rhythm and tempo
- Light, elastic contact
- Quiet acceptance of the bit
“Small, almost invisible aids,” he emphasizes. “A horse should work its whole life in a snaffle.”
These fundamentals are essential for long-term horse development and rider success.
How Riders Improve Consistently
Question: What separates riders who improve from those who stay stuck?
“The riders who improve study,” he says. “They ride with a plan.”
Consistent habits include:
- Structured daily riding with purpose
- Patience and repetition
- Training both horse and rider physically and mentally
“You are training the horse’s brain as much as the body,” he notes.
Riders who stagnate often repeat movements without analysis. “Every movement has smaller parts. Fix those instead of repeating the mistake,” he explains.
Assessing Rideability and Connection
Question: What do you assess when you ride a new horse?
Steinberg focuses on balance and a responsive mouth.
He recalls a horse struggling with one-tempi changes:
“I didn’t do a single change,” he says. “The horse was behind the leg and running through the hand.”
He returned to basics with transitions. “Canter-walk-canter until the horse understood the half halt and became softer through the back.”
Two weeks later, the rider regained the changes. “Fix the system, not the symptom,” he emphasizes.
Building Elasticity Without Tension
Question: How do you train elasticity and connection without creating tension?
Steinberg relies on transitions in every ride.
Types of transitions:
- Within the gait to improve adjustability
- Between gaits to confirm responsiveness
“They work for lazy horses and hot horses,” he says.
Transitions also act as a measurement of understanding. “Every half halt grows from a basic transition,” he adds.
Noviun Fibre Footing: How the Surface Impacts Training and Horse Soundness
Question: How has changing to Noviun Fibre Footing affected your horses and training?
Steinberg recently switched to Noviun Fibre Footing and immediately noticed the difference.
“What really impressed me about Noviun was the spring, resonance, and feedback,” he says. “It gives just enough under the hooves to move without creating concussion, but is firm enough to give feedback and support. The horses almost float on it.”
Practical benefits include:
- Reduces strain on joints and soft tissue
- Supports balance, consistency, and rider connection
- Improves elasticity, suspension, and confidence in the horse
“The horses land on a surface that’s cushioned but stable, and they can push off with power,” he explains. “It really helps convert thrust into lift and ground cover.”
Even students noticed the improvement immediately. “It makes all the work you’re doing more effective,” he adds.
Common Flatwork Mistakes for Showjumpers
Question: What mistakes do showjumpers make with dressage work?
“They expect results too fast,” Steinberg says.
Dressage work requires time and repetition. Without patience, riders fail to develop consistent control, adjustability, and rhythm.
Weekly Flatwork Focus for Showjumpers
Question: What should showjumpers focus on each week?
Steinberg stresses stride control. “You need to control length and tempo separately,” he says.
Consequences of poor control:
- Shortening without power weakens distances
- Lengthening without control leads to extra strides
Straightness is also critical. “Crooked horses need lateral work to build symmetry and strength,” he adds.
Exercises for Jumping Performance and Adjustability
Question: What exercises improve balance and adjustability for jumping?
Steinberg uses the “three dimensions of the stride”:
- Length (miles per hour)
- Tempo (beats per minute)
- Height (stride elevation)
Riders practice adjusting each independently on a circle.
“Can you change tempo without changing length? Can you lengthen without affecting tempo? Can you add height without affecting the other two?” he asks.
The goal is full control. “Each dimension must be adjustable individually, then combined when needed,” he says.
Closing Insight
Steinberg emphasizes fundamentals above all. Build the basics carefully, support the horse’s physical and mental development, and ensure every ride contributes to long-term strength and soundness.
“Horses will give you everything,” he says. “But you have to give them the right foundation first.”