Competition season is approaching, and whether you're aiming for your first show or returning to the ring after winter, proper preparation is key to success. This comprehensive guide will help you get both you and your horse ready for a confident, successful competition season.
When to Start Preparing
Ideally, begin your competition preparation 8-12 weeks before your first show. This gives you time to build fitness, refine skills, and address any issues without rushing. For horses coming back from winter rest, start even earlier to allow for gradual conditioning.
Fitness and Conditioning
A fit horse performs better, recovers faster, and is less prone to injury.
Building a Fitness Programme
Weeks 1-4: Foundation
- Focus on walk and steady trot work
- Build duration before intensity
- Include hacking for varied terrain and mental stimulation
- Aim for 4-5 sessions per week, 30-45 minutes each
- Monitor for any stiffness or soreness
Weeks 5-8: Building Strength
- Introduce canter work and transitions
- Add hill work for strength building
- Increase session duration to 45-60 minutes
- Include schooling exercises specific to your discipline
- Maintain variety to prevent boredom
Weeks 9-12: Competition Fitness
- Practice competition-level work
- Simulate competition conditions (tests, courses, patterns)
- Include interval training for stamina
- Taper workload in the final week before competition
Monitoring Fitness
- Check resting heart rate weekly (should decrease as fitness improves)
- Monitor recovery time after work (should shorten with conditioning)
- Assess muscle development and topline
- Watch for signs of overtraining (irritability, loss of appetite, poor performance)
Learn to monitor your horse's health: Understanding Your Horse's Vital Signs.
Health Checks and Veterinary Care
Pre-Season Vet Check
Schedule a thorough examination 6-8 weeks before your first competition:
- General health assessment: Overall condition, weight, and wellbeing
- Soundness evaluation: Trot up and flexion tests
- Dental check: Ensure teeth are in good condition for bit acceptance
- Vaccinations: Update flu, tetanus, and any competition-required vaccines
- Blood tests: Consider screening for underlying issues if performance has been poor
Farrier Care
- Maintain regular 6-8 week shoeing schedule
- Discuss competition needs with your farrier
- Consider studs for jumping or eventing
- Ensure shoes are secure and hooves balanced
- Schedule final shoeing 1-2 weeks before competition
Parasite Control
- Perform fecal egg count
- Worm strategically based on results
- Ensure worming is done at least 2 weeks before competition
Skill Development and Training
Discipline-Specific Preparation
Dressage:
- Practice test movements individually
- Ride complete tests regularly
- Work on accuracy, rhythm, and transitions
- Film yourself to identify areas for improvement
- Consider lessons with a dressage specialist
Show Jumping:
- Build confidence over varied fences
- Practice related distances and combinations
- Work on rhythm and adjustability
- Simulate competition courses
- Include gridwork for technique
Eventing:
- Balance training across all three phases
- Practice quick phase transitions
- Include cross-country schooling
- Work on fitness for stamina
- Simulate competition day routine
Showing:
- Practice show movements and paces
- Work on presentation and turnout
- Desensitize to show environment
- Practice standing for inspection
Addressing Weaknesses
- Identify problem areas early
- Break down complex movements into smaller parts
- Seek professional help if needed
- Be realistic about what can be achieved in the timeframe
For position improvement tips: Improving Your Riding Position.
Mental Preparation
For Your Horse
- Desensitization: Expose to sights and sounds similar to competitions
- Trailer training: Practice loading and short trips
- Arena familiarization: Ride in different arenas if possible
- Crowd exposure: Ride with spectators or other horses nearby
- Routine establishment: Create a consistent pre-competition routine
For You
- Visualization: Mentally rehearse your test or round
- Goal setting: Set realistic, achievable goals
- Positive mindset: Focus on what you can control
- Breathing techniques: Practice calming exercises
- Competition simulation: Ride as if competing during practice
Equipment and Tack
Tack Check
Inspect all equipment 4-6 weeks before competition:
- Saddle: Check for wear, ensure fit is still correct
- Bridle: Inspect stitching, buckles, and bit
- Girth: Check for fraying or weak spots
- Stirrup leathers: Look for stretching or cracking
- Reins: Ensure grips are secure and leather is supple
- Boots/bandages: Check fastenings and condition
Competition Wardrobe
Ensure your competition attire is ready:
- Check show jacket fits and is clean
- Ensure breeches are in good condition
- Polish boots and check for wear
- Clean and check helmet safety standards
- Prepare shirt, tie/stock, and gloves
For clothing care tips: How to Care for Equestrian Clothing.
Turnout and Presentation
Grooming Preparation
Start your grooming routine 4-6 weeks before:
- Coat care: Regular grooming for shine and health
- Mane and tail: Trim, pull, or plait as needed for your discipline
- Clipping: Plan any clipping 2-3 weeks before to allow regrowth
- Whitening: Practice whitening techniques for grey horses
- Hoof care: Regular picking and oiling for healthy appearance
Competition Day Turnout
- Practice plaiting if required
- Prepare grooming kit with all essentials
- Plan your grooming timeline for competition morning
- Have touch-up supplies ready
Logistics and Planning
Competition Entry
- Research competitions and choose appropriate levels
- Check entry deadlines and requirements
- Ensure membership and registration are current
- Enter early to secure preferred times
- Confirm entries and times closer to the date
Travel Preparation
- Service trailer or lorry
- Practice loading and short trips
- Plan route and travel time
- Prepare travel documents (passport, vaccination records)
- Pack emergency contact numbers
Competition Day Kit
Prepare and check your kit list:
For your horse:
- Tack (saddle, bridle, girth, stirrups)
- Boots or bandages
- Grooming kit
- Plaiting kit
- Hay and water
- Feed for the day
- Rugs (travel, cooler, fleece)
- First aid kit
For you:
- Competition clothes
- Spare clothes
- Whip and spurs (if used)
- Number bib
- Test sheet or course plan
- Food and water
- Phone and charger
Final Week Preparation
Tapering Work
- Reduce intensity but maintain movement
- Keep sessions short and positive
- Focus on relaxation and confidence
- Avoid introducing anything new
Final Checks
- Confirm competition times and location
- Check weather forecast
- Prepare all equipment
- Plan your timeline for competition day
- Ensure vehicle has fuel
- Get a good night's sleep
Competition Day Routine
Timing
- Arrive with plenty of time to spare (at least 90 minutes)
- Allow time for settling, grooming, and warming up
- Know your warm-up time allocation
- Build in buffer time for unexpected delays
Warm-Up
- Follow your established routine
- Start with walk to settle
- Progress through gaits systematically
- Practice key movements
- Finish feeling confident and ready
Post-Competition Care
Immediate Care
- Walk until cool and breathing normally
- Offer water in small amounts
- Remove tack and check for rubs
- Apply cooler rug if needed
- Provide hay
Following Days
- Monitor for stiffness or soreness
- Provide light exercise or turnout
- Check legs for heat or swelling
- Allow adequate recovery before next competition
Final Thoughts
Successful competition preparation is about consistent, progressive work combined with attention to detail. Start early, build fitness gradually, address weaknesses, and ensure both you and your horse are mentally and physically ready. Remember: the goal is to enjoy the experience and learn, regardless of results. Every competition is an opportunity to improve and strengthen your partnership.
Good luck with your competition season! For more training and care advice, explore our Stable & Sound blog and discover quality competition gear.
