Tyler Russell is a twenty-five-year-old British dressage rider based near Leighton Buzzard in Buckinghamshire. A freelance dressage rider and competition groom, Tyler has own yard with ten stables for full competition or schooling livery with a beautiful outdoor arena and twenty acres of grazing. Tyler has a wealth of experience gained by working for some of the top riders in the sport. After finishing school in 2016, she moved to train with the Eilberg family, and afterwards worked for Laura Tomlinson in 2020.
Tyler is excited for 2026 and added “I’ve been very honoured and privileged to have the opportunity to be the amazing stallion Don Dante’s dance partner for 2026. The aim was to ride him at the stallion show but sadly this unfortunately has been cancelled. This won’t stop us from dancing with one another so watch this space for something very exciting coming up with this sensational horse.”
Which horses are you currently working with?
Pedro IX- Rising 6yr old who Tyler has produced from a 3yr old. Pictured at their second nationals together!
I currently ride and work with a small number of horses at different stages of their training ranging from young horses to advanced.
Pedro IX- I have my rising 6year old Dutch warmblood gelding who I’ve produced and backed myself and now competing at novice level and training at elementary at home. He is the most sensitive, quirky horse but the most talented young horse I’ve ever trained. He is definitely one to watch for the future.
Balito V- I have my 21yr old Belgium warmblood gelding who is the king of the yard! He is still out competing at PSG and looking absolutely amazing! I’ve had Bolly 8 years now and before I had him he competed very successfully in eventing! He really is an absolute legend of a horse!
Thistledown Little Owl- The princess of the yard is my little Welsh section A who I brought from the Blue Cross last year as chief babysitter, and hopefully soon to find her a little person to ride her!
The newest addition to the team is a 5year old black mare called Fame by For Romance who I am so excited to carry on her training! She is owned by a good family friend, the Laughton’s. I am very grateful to have such supportive owners who have trusted and allowed me to be on this journey with Fame.
I am a very firm believer that the key to a happy horse is variety in their work, my horses are in the arena no more than 3x per week and one of these sessions will include poles/jumping. They hack twice a week and will on a normal week have two days off! They go out in the field everyday whatever the weather. I aim to keep the horses mentally fresh while progressing their training. Alongside riding I am also involved in day-to-day care, management and grooming, ensuring the horse’s welfare is always priority!
How did your dressage journey evolve to where you are now?
Tyler and her first pony, Fairlady. The pony that started it all. Owe her so much
Horses came into my life when I was eight, while living in Germany due to my dad serving in the British Army. I spent every weekend and school holiday at the local riding school, often taking part in “own a pony” days, which quickly confirmed how horse mad. I was. It was only a matter of time before my parents agreed to my first pony.
She was a three-year-old, German-bred sports pony who was completely unbacked. With the support of my mum, who is horsey, I backed her myself at the age of nine. She remains incredibly special to me and I owe her everything, and at 21 she is now enjoying semi-retirement with a close family friend, exactly as she deserves. That early experience of producing my own pony laid the foundations for my journey into dressage and has shaped the rider I am today.
Who have been your mentors and who do you train with now?
Tyler’s Welsh section A, adopted from the Blue Cross!
Throughout my dressage journey, I have been fortunate to learn from a number of experienced professionals who have helped shape my approach to training, horsemanship, and competition riding. Each stage of my career — from ponies and juniors through to advanced level — has contributed valuable lessons in correct training, patience, and horse welfare.
One of my earliest and most influential mentors has been my aunt, who played a key role in introducing me to horses and supporting my development from a young age. She instilled in me strong foundations in horse care, management, and correct riding, which continue to underpin my work today.
I currently train with Judy Harvey, who has been a significant influence on my development as a rider. During my time Judy has helped refine my understanding of correct training, feel, and timing at the higher levels. Our work together focuses on producing horses that are supple, confident, and correctly through the body, with an emphasis on building strength and self-carriage without compromising the horse’s welfare.
What do you love about dressage?
I love dressage because it’s a constant journey of learning. No two horses are the same, and the challenge of understanding each individual and helping them progress mentally and physically is what motivates me. The feeling of harmony when everything comes together is what makes the sport so special to me and the bond you have with each horse.
Highlights to date?
Tyler and Balito. “My heart horse. 21yrs old and training/competing at PSG”
My dressage highlights include competing successfully at Premier League level in Ponies and Junior and producing and training my own horses from 3-year-olds through the levels. I’ve had a lot of success with my first pony, Lady, winning the Chiltern and Thames Championships with a score of 78% and training on my own all the way to PFEI! More recently, my rising 6-year-old Pedro qualified for the Nationals as both a 4- and 5-year-old. I’ve also taken my ex-eventer Bolly and trained him all the way up to PSG. I really enjoy developing young horses and ponies for competition, focusing on careful training and preparation to achieve the best results.
Dressage always comes with challenges what have you encountered?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced on my dressage journey is not coming from a background of money. Competing and producing horses at all levels is expensive, so I’ve had to be resourceful, work hard, and build opportunities for myself from the ground up. On top of that, every horse and every training journey brings its own challenges, injuries, setbacks, and learning curves are all part of the process. I’ve learned that patience, persistence, and a strong support network are essential to overcome these obstacles and keep moving forward.
Do you ever have to deal with nerves?
I am very lucky to actually not ever get too nervous! I would say it’s more anticipation as I always want to do my best! I try and channel these emotions into making sure I ride my best and just enjoy the journey!
Any advice for someone wanting to be a professional rider and running their own business?
Tyler and Pedro IX
My advice for anyone aiming to be a professional rider and run their own business is to focus on developing both your riding and your business skills. Produce and school your own horses, seek out mentors, and build a network of clients, but don’t be afraid to start small. Consistency, professionalism, and a genuine love for the horses will always set you apart.
I’m still learning as I set up my own business, but what I’ve realised is that patience and adaptability are essential, and trust with both horses and clients is everything. Equally important is treating your business seriously, planning carefully, marketing yourself effectively, and making decisions that support long-term growth rather than chasing quick wins. Combining strong riding with smart business sense is what makes the difference between a hobby and a sustainable career.
Your Top Tip
My top tip is to focus on the details and build a partnership with your horse. Consistency, patience, and understanding each horse as an individual are everything, great training isn’t just about perfect movements, it’s about communication, balance, and trust. Small improvements every day add up to big results in the long run.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to trust the process and embrace every step of the journey. Progress, whether with a horse or in life, comes from patience, consistency, and a willingness to learn from every challenge—if you stay committed, the results will always follow.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
Dressage is truly a team effort. My support network includes my amazing mum who I honestly could not do any of this without, my amazing team for the horses, my trainer, my farrier, vet, physio, saddler and of course my incredible sponsors. Every one of them plays a vital role in keeping my horses healthy, happy, and performing at their best! Without them, none of my achievements would be possible! It takes an army, but the right one!