Jātnieku ceļš: A Conversation with Linda Josta on Show Jumping, Dressage, and the Young Horse Path
In this episode of the podcast Jātnieku ceļš, we sit down with Linda Josta—a rider, trainer, and horse professional with more than 25 years dedicated to horses. Linda is one of the few Latvian riders who competes seriously in both show jumping and dressage, proving that these disciplines do not contradict each other, but rather complement one another.
The Path into the Horse World – From Childhood to Professional Sport
Linda’s journey with horses began at the age of ten, when her parents took her, her sister, and cousins to their first riding lesson near Tukums as a birthday surprise. What started as weekend rides and summers spent at the stable gradually turned into a serious passion. Her first own horse—a small, simple mare—taught her both joy and her first real heartbreak, when health issues forced her to part ways with the horse.
Show Jumping as the Start, Dressage as the Foundation
As a child, Linda began with show jumping—at a time when even the lowest competition classes started at one meter and training classes were barely considered. Over the years, she moved to different stables and trained under coach Maira Leja, who built strong technical foundations in show jumping. These foundations later became invaluable in dressage as well.
Linda emphasizes that dressage is not a “separate sport for jumpers,” but the basis for any horse. Balance, engagement of the hindquarters, suppleness, and a clear understanding of the aids are what ultimately make a horse stronger and more capable in jumping too.
Young Horses – Linda’s True Niche
Most of Linda’s experience is with young horses. She has backed and prepared many four- and five-year-olds, often starting completely from scratch. “I was never given a finished horse and told, ‘go and jump,’” she admits. This path also means that once horses reach a certain level, they are often sold—leaving the rider without the opportunity to continue progressing to higher classes.
The Walk – The Most Important Gait
In the conversation, Linda highlights the walk as the most important dressage gait. Trot and canter can be improved through training, but the walk is innate—it reflects relaxation, quality, and the horse’s natural movement. That is why a good walk can earn significant points in competition, even though it is often underestimated.
From a Fall to the Trainer’s Path
A turning point in Linda’s life came after a serious fall that resulted in a broken arm. This incident made her realize the importance of thinking about a future beyond active competition. She decided to become a trainer, obtained a Category C coaching certificate, and began working with both children and adults.
In her lessons, the focus is not only on technique, but also on safety, psychology, and understanding the horse—teeth, saddle fit, equipment, and overall health.
Dressage in Latvia and International Experience
Linda shares insights from both national and international competitions, pointing out the differences: stricter controls, veterinary checks, equipment regulations, and higher costs. She also notes that dressage competitions tend to be calmer and quieter, which often makes them an ideal first competition environment for young horses.
Advice for Young Riders
In closing, Linda encourages young riders to be patient. Equestrian sport is one where results do not come quickly—you must first learn to sit correctly, then find the right horse, and only after that set bigger goals. She stresses the importance of a good trainer and realistic goal-setting—building success step by step, on a solid and achievable path.
Listen to podcasts here:
Youtube:
Spotify: