Although starting in the world of eventing, Spencer turned to dressage in his 20s. He’s won 13 national titles and with is partner in the arena Super Nova, helped bring home team silver at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and team bronze at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon in 2018.

As a trainer and rider, Spencer comes up with the best exercises….and lots of them! In this interview he breaks down his process for us. We talk about what the hardest thing is to achieve in dressage, the importance of transitions AND discipline as well as trying to balance your training and test riding at home and we also touch on how dressage is evolving.

Spencer also delves into mental preparation and his crazy lead up to WEG at Tryon which was really interesting because sometimes you just don’t realise what’s been going on behind the scenes when you see the perfect combinations step out at the big shows. And speaking of shows, what does Super Nova think about prize givings?! …and is why Charlotte, “so annoying.” ;-)

Spencer was brought out to Australia by Dressage Masterclass and I was lucky enough to watch him teach at the IRT Future Stars Clinic in Sydney.