Irish rider and brand ambassador Jonty Evans

Competition Prep - Getting it Right

With winter easing up and the weather looking better, we can start to think about getting back out there with the horses!

Getting ready for a competition can be daunting, but here are some key tips for a more relaxed run-up to competition day.

Training to Succeed

Preparation starts before the competition is even entered! Fitness and training play a key role in a successful day, ensuring that you and your horse are ready for any questions that might be asked of you. It’s also important for a safe day! A tired horse going cross country or jumping can lead to making silly and dangerous mistakes; equally, the rider must be fit enough to stay sharp whilst on board.

Making a training plan ahead of the event means you can work on anything you need to iron out; for my youngster, it’s lots of pole work/raised poles to make him focus and be more aware of his legs.

Additionally, utilizing this early time to learn any dressage test or show routine well in advance is highly recommended; leaving it until the last minute will only add unnecessary pressure to yourself, and your horse! This is where you’d usually find me cantering around the living room practicing!

Time to Gear Up

Getting all your gear together a day or two early lets you organize exactly where everything is; that way you’re not having to scramble around at 5 a.m. looking for an overreach boot, or a stud wrench! There are some great ways to keep your equipment organized, such as a saddle carrier, or a tack pack. Super handy for keeping competition gear clean and tidy, ready for the next outing!

Happy, Healthy, Horse Hygiene

Keeping on top of your horse’s grooming can seem a bit of a hassle, especially if, like me, you own a grey swamp monster! But it can make life a lot easier when it comes to competition day, not having to scrub weeks of grease and dirt out, meaning just a quick spray with poo-stain remover and a good brush session can do the trick (I prefer to plait up the night before too).

The Golden Rule

The most important thing to remember is to enjoy it! Most of us do this for fun or as an amateur, and it’s easy to lose the motivation if stress takes over, so just remember to have fun with your horse!

So, to summarise; make an efficient fitness and training plan, have all routines practiced well in advance, keep track of all the gear you will need for the day, stick to a regular cleaning and hygiene regimen, and you can’t go far wrong!

And we wish you the best of luck!