Here at Country & Stable, we love nothing more than doing our best to look stylish and feel comfortable with our trusty steeds on competition day. Now, we all know this is not as easy as turning up on the day with little to no preparation. When you finally get on your horse at the competition, so much time and effort has been invested in getting not only yourself but your horse there too. This is where our 5 steps to be competition ready will help you to succeed.

Here, we give you 5 tried and tested steps to ensure you and your horse are competition ready and well prepared when it comes to trotting down the centre line, heading out of the start box, or entering the show arena.

1. Set your goal

Sit down with somebody you trust and work out a date and level of competition that will suit both you and your horse. You need to feel comfortable with the goal you are aiming for. If you aim too high you may worry about failing and you could knock the confidence of both you and your horse. There is nothing wrong with starting small in order to work towards the bigger end goal; whether your dream is to ride at Badminton Horse Trials or take part in a prelim level dressage test.

2. Plan of Action

Once you have ascertained your goal you need to work out the level of fitness required and the amount of training you may need to help you achieve success. The best thing to do is tailor a training and fitness plan which caters to your needs. Unless you are aiming for a three-day-event, your fitness plan need not include regular visits to the gallops. However, it should include schooling, hacking, and lunging to ensure that your horse is in optimum health and condition ahead of the competition. Remember, if you are unsure ask a trusted professional for their advice.

3. Practice, practice, practice

It is important to not only practice at home but at other locations too. This can be hiring an arena or jumping course somewhere away from where you usually work your horse. It can help settle competition day nerves and aids your horse to feel comfortable in a new environment. Getting your horse used to ‘scary’ things like mirrors, spooky fillers plus, other horses in the arena can help overall success. Also, if you are going to compete on grass, ensure you practice on grass not just a surfaced arena.

4. The day before the competition

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Make sure to give your horse a good bath and groom. Smarten up your horse by trimming up any unwanted hairy bits such as mane, bridle path, and tail. By doing this, you create an overall finished, tidier look.

Most competitions require you to plait. Plaiting the day before can help in saving time on the day of the competition. We offer an extensive range of horse care products to aid with preparation, be sure you check them out!

Prepare all your kit in advance, this will help keep things calm for both you and the horse on competition day. Make sure all equipment is clean and you have checked it is all in good working order.

Finally, have this all packed on the lorry or trailer so you are ready to go the next day. We also find that putting travel equipment outside the stable and tying up a hay net ready in the horsebox is helpful and means you are less likely to forget things!

Why not check out our useful, downloadable checklist to make your packing easier and to ensure you don’t forget anything for the big day. Not everything on this list will apply to you it will depend on what event you are attending.

5. On the day of the competition

If you have followed our step by step guide, all you need now is to load up your horse and away you go! Don’t forget to give yourself plenty of time to avoid any last-minute panics and unsettling of you or your horse. Once on board, stick to your plan and no matter what happens, you can always look forward to that sausage and egg bap at the end of it all – just remember not to spill it on your competition outfit!

These 5 steps to being competition ready should help you have the right tools to go out competing stress free and prepared. Don’t forget – have fun!

Competition Clothing

Looking and feeling the part is a big step in building your confidence and producing a stronger performance in the show ring. If you need some outfit inspiration, why not take a look at our vast range of dynamic competition clothes and accessories. You will find everything you need to compete in our equestrian competition range, including show-stopping jackets and shirts, flattering breeches, and elegant riding boots to finish off your outfit.

Not too sure what would best suit you and your horse? Our knowledgeable customer service team are happy to help and provide advice. Give us a call on: FREEPHONE 0800 0542205.