Classical Dressage Training for Horse and Rider
Wanda Bendisch offers high-quality classical dressage training in Hertfordshire, helping both horse and rider progress with clarity, patience and respect for the horse.
With decades of experience, her lessons focus on correct foundations, confidence and long-term development.
Where Horse and Rider Learn to Move in Harmony
Wanda Bendisch is a classical dressage trainer based in Hertfordshire. Originally from Germany, she has dedicated her life to training horses and helping riders develop confidence, balance and harmony through classical dressage principles.
Early Journey
My passion for horses began in Germany, where I first started riding at the age of six. Very early on I discovered that what I loved most was not only riding, but also helping others experience the joy of horses and the beauty of dressage.
As a teenager I worked at my local riding school and eventually became Head Girl, which first sparked my interest in teaching and developing riders.
In 2012 I moved to the UK with a European Union scholarship. While working in London, I quickly realised how much I missed horses and began teaching at Hyde Park Stables on weekends, where a colleague suggested I train with Tina Layton at Contessa Riding Centre in Ware, Hertfordshire.
My training has also been influenced by classical dressage and inspiring trainers such as Arthur Kottas of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.
Training & Competition
I started as a trainee and over the years worked my way up to Yard Manager, Advanced Trainer and Rider. Tina became not only my mentor but also a close friend.
During this time I had the honour of riding and competing Tina’s Lusitano mares and stallions, including a reserve Olympic dressage horse which I competed up to Grand Prix.
Alongside this, I developed my own horse from an unbacked three-year-old — a Rheinländer by Sir Fashion (by Sir Donnerhall). Training him step by step through the levels has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my career, and today we are training at Prix St Georges.
My education has been strongly influenced by classical dressage, and I have trained with inspiring trainers including Arthur Kottas of the Spanish Riding School, as well as Dan Greenwood, Isobel Wessels and John Bowen.
Teaching & Philosophy
Alongside riding, teaching has always been at the heart of my work. I hold an ABRS teaching qualification and the UK Coaching Certificate Level 2, and have taught riders from young beginners through to advanced competitors.
For several years I ran my own training yard, supporting owners who wanted help developing both their horses and their own riding, always with the aim of developing confident riders and happy, sound horses.
My philosophy is deeply influenced by classical dressage principles, where the goal is to bring horse and rider together in harmony — a balance of purpose, athletic development and partnership.
Today my base is in Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, from where I travel across the county teaching riders and training horses of all levels, and regularly run clinics across the UK and Germany.