How do you prepare your horse for a competition or event?
Written by Carmen | Paraveterinair |
A competition or event requires preparation not only from the rider, but certainly also from the horse. Good preparation helps reduce stress, prevent injuries and perform at your best. Whether you are going to a dressage competition, show jumping event, endurance ride, inspection or recreational event: a calm and well-considered approach makes a big difference.
Start preparing in good time
A good competition day does not start on the morning itself. Ideally, you should start preparing several days to weeks in advance. Make sure your horse is physically fit and has had enough training that matches the level of the competition. Avoid heavy or intensive training sessions shortly before the event, so the muscles have enough time to recover.
Also check in good time:
- Vaccinations and any required documents
- Passport and start card
- Trailer or means of transport
- Competition clothing and equipment
- Route and departure time
Checking this in advance helps prevent last-minute stress.
Maintain a stable routine
Horses are creatures of habit. Major changes in feeding, training or housing shortly before an event can cause unrest. Therefore, keep to the normal routine as much as possible.
Pay extra attention to:
- Sufficient roughage
- Good hydration
- Regular exercise
- Enough rest
Do not give new supplements or hard feed shortly before a competition without first testing how your horse reacts to them.
Practise transport and new situations
Not every horse is naturally relaxed during transport or in unfamiliar surroundings. If your horse has little experience with competitions, it is wise to practise beforehand.
Think of:
- Calm loading and unloading
- Short trips with the trailer
- Training at a different location
- Getting used to crowds, music or loudspeakers
A horse that is confident with transport and new environments will often stay calmer on competition day.
