I’m Elspeth Day, an international dressage rider and Level 3 coach based in Nottingham. Life on the yard is structured around the horses - keeping them happy, producing them correctly, and building everything day by day for long-term progress.
No two days are exactly the same, but the routine behind them always is.
Early Morning: Yard Routine
The day starts quietly with a walk around the yard, checking each horse - how they’re moving, how they’ve eaten, and how they feel in themselves. It’s a small but important part of the day that sets everything else in motion.
Most of my horses wear Hy Equestrian turnout rugs from the StormX range, which are practical and reliable for a on a busy training yard where horses are out grazing during the day and stabled at either end of it.
Morning: Riding
Mornings are dedicated to ridden work.
Each horse is at a different stage, so the focus varies - from young horses building balance and confidence, to more established horses working on collection and advanced movements. The aim is always the same: correct basics and steady, consistent progression.
For day-to-day training, I always wear the Elevate clothing because they’re comfortable and practical when riding multiple horses. The horses are usually in ProReaction saddle pads and boots, keeping everything functional and straightforward.
Midday: Reset
By late morning, the ridden work is done and the yard quiets down. I’ll grab lunch and take a short break before the afternoon. It’s a useful reset - time to reflect on the morning and plan what each horse needs next.
Afternoon: Coaching & Yard Time
Afternoons are a mix of coaching and general yard work.
I teach a range of riders, which keeps things varied and interesting. In between lessons, it’s back to the horses on the ground - bringing them in and out, managing routines, and making sure each horse is comfortable after its work.
It’s a slower part of the day, but often when you really notice how each horse is feeling and progressing.
Evening: Wind Down
By evening, horses are brought in and settled for the night. Recovery and routine are a big focus, especially when managing a competition string through the levels.
Before finishing, I’ll plan the next day - who’s working, what they need, and how everything fits into the bigger picture.
At the heart of it
Every day on the yard is built around the horses, from careful morning checks through to structured training and a steady routine of care and coaching. It’s a simple focus, but one that underpins everything - producing correct, happy horses that can develop and progress over time.
