When I first learned about the United Dressage and Jumping Club (UDJC), I immediately connected with its mission of making equestrian sports more accessible, more affordable, and more focused on developing great riders.
As a horse mom, I’ve spent the last five years trying to understand this sport alongside my daughter, and one question keeps coming back to me: What are we actually teaching our kids through horses?
Are we building confident, capable riders, or are we unintentionally rewarding expensive horses, polished rounds, and shortcuts?
In this conversation, David Reichert, founder of UDJC, shares why he believes our current system has drifted away from rider development and what he’s doing to change it. Whether you agree with all of David’s opinions or not, I think this episode challenges all of us – parents, trainers, and riders alike – to think differently about what success really looks like and what kind of horse people we’re raising.
episode summary
David Reichert believes American equestrian sport has drifted away from developing riders by rewarding expensive horses, early specialization, and convenience. As the founder of the United Dressage and Jumping Club (UDJC), he’s building an alternative system focused on horsemanship, rider education, affordability, and long-term athlete development.
David believes riders should learn multiple disciplines instead of specializing too early. We discuss why horsemanship should matter just as much as ribbons and how trainers are often forced to work within a system that rewards short-term success over long-term development.
We also discuss the role parents play in the sport, why horse shows have become so expensive, and how horse moms can support their riders. If our goal is to raise confident, resilient riders instead of simply collecting ribbons, we may need to shift our approach.
Whether you’re brand new to horses or you’ve been doing this for years, this episode offers a look at where our sport is today and where it could go next.
key takeaways
Why David Created the United Dressage and Jumping club
David shares why he founded UDJC and how it differs from traditional horse showing. The organization emphasizes rider skill, horsemanship, and education over expensive horses and polished appearances.
Are Horse Shows Rewarding Riders or Horses?
We discuss whether today’s competition system places too much emphasis on the quality of the horse rather than the development of the rider, particularly at the beginner and intermediate levels.
Why Every Rider Should Learn Dressage
David explains the difference between “little d” dressage and competitive Dressage, including why flatwork benefits every riding discipline.
Why Grit Still Matters
One of David’s strongest messages is that resilience, independence, and hard work can’t be replaced by convenience. We talk about why developing grit may be one of the most valuable lessons kids can learn through horses.
What Horse Moms Should Really Focus On
Instead of worrying about ribbons or keeping up with everyone else, David encourages parents to prioritize long-term rider development, horsemanship, and finding trainers who value education over shortcuts.
Each question is designed to build confidence gradually rather than overwhelm new families.
Learning the Horse World One Conversation at a Time
The goal isn’t to become an expert overnight. It’s simply to know a little more tomorrow than you do today.
Asking thoughtful questions helps horse moms become better advocates for their children, stronger partners with their trainers, and more confident members of the equestrian community.
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