Siobhan Records is fine-tuning months of preparation as she targets peak performance at the 2026 Toyota South African Dressage Championships at Kyalami Park Club from September 8 to 13.

For Records, competing at championship level is about much more than simply getting into the arena. Her preparation with each horse begins three weeks before a competition, with tests and freestyle routines filmed and analysed alongside her team, including the horses’ owners, coach Vay Snyman and physiotherapist Sasha Chelin.

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The second week is dedicated to fine-tuning movements, whether that means improving the bend in the shoulder-in, making flying changes more expressive or achieving straighter halts. The horses also receive additional physiotherapy, while their shoeing is carefully timed ahead of competition.

The final week is about tapering their training, with individual plans designed to have each horse at its best when championship day arrives.

For Records, however, the foundation of dressage remains the relationship between horse and rider.

“The foundation of any successful partnership with horses is built on trust.”

Groundwork forms part of her regular training, including desensitising, suppling exercises and long-reining sessions. After training, the horses also receive carrot and leg stretches and core activation exercises.

Records’ connection with dressage stretches back decades. Her competitive journey began with an Eventing pony called Zemaituka in 1993. Although the pony excelled in dressage, Records said he did not have enough heart for the cross-country phase.

His dressage scores nevertheless helped her make the Provincial Children’s Team in 1994, setting her on a path that has continued ever since. Today, Records remains driven by the enjoyment of spending time with her horses both in and out of the saddle.

The 2026 championships will bring together riders under the eyes of international judges, while Toyota’s support has added further excitement with a new Toyota Starlet Cross up for grabs.

Records welcomes the international judging panel, describing the fresh perspectives as beneficial to riders. Ahead of the championships, she has set goals for each horse and spends time visualising their tests, focusing on each movement and improving her reactions and sensitivity in the saddle.

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But she knows the work cannot be done alone. “Shows like this take a village,” Records said, crediting the horses’ owners, grooms, family, partners and sponsors.

Her groom, Trojan Maphosa, plays a particularly important role, helping with tack, logistics and keeping her grounded during shows.

“The heroes of it all though are our grooms.” With the preparation now complete, Records is ready to put the work into action. “All the work is done now, so it’s in God’s hands.”

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