As riders, we all know that progress in the saddle often comes with a mix of breakthroughs and frustrations. For me, one of the biggest challenges has been improving my seat — especially sitting the canter — with the kind of consistency that builds real muscle memory. I wanted to get better without asking my horse to suffer through every mistake along the way.
That’s why I was so excited when I discovered the Racewood line of simulators. The idea of being able to refine my balance, position, and aids in a safe, repeatable way felt like a dream. But when I started looking, I was shocked to realize there are only a handful of these simulators in all of Canada!
Earlier this year, a few friends and I, went to Ontario for intensive training with Sue Cruickshank at the Interactive Horse Simulator. The simulator she had at the time was an older model, but her training was top notch. Sue not only helped me achieve my immediate goals, she also made me realize just how much I wanted to bring one of these simulators home to Nova Scotia. Since then, she has upgraded to the latest model — and I know her riders will be as inspired as I was.
To solidify my decision, I traveled to Racewood in the UK — the company that builds the simulators. There, I had the chance to ride the newest Dressage Pro model and to be trained on it directly. That experience confirmed it for me: this simulator was the right fit, and I had to find a way to bring it to our riders here.
What’s New with the Dressage Pro?
The Dressage Pro is Racewood’s most advanced simulator yet. Some of the key improvements include:
In practice, these changes make the ride more lifelike, the feedback more accurate, and the learning curve smoother for riders of all levels.
Why This Matters
For me, the simulator isn’t about replacing real horses — it’s about giving riders a space to work on themselves. On the simulator, you can repeat, adjust, and refine until it clicks. You can try again and again without tiring a horse or worrying about safety. Then, when you climb back on your real partner, you bring new awareness and sharper skills into the saddle.
What’s Next at Willow & Withers
We’re currently working on the build and set-up for our climate-controlled simulator room, with the Dressage Pro arriving later this fall. Alongside riders, we’re also looking to connect with coaches and partners — including physiotherapists, massage therapists, and chiropractors who work with equestrians — to help riders get the most out of their training.
If you’re curious and want to be among the first to know when bookings open, or if you’re a professional interested in partnering with us, we’d love to hear from you. https://willowandwithers.ca/rider-launch