Many riders enjoy participating in horse shows, whatever the riding discipline. It allows them to measure their horse’s progress and their own progress, to measure themselves against other riders and of course to get great satisfaction if they win! However, competitions can be a great source of stress for both horse and rider. It is therefore important to prepare well mentally for the show season to be as successful as possible. Find out how to prepare for a competition with your horse.
Set your show goals
Going to a show is good, but setting goals is better! The idea here is to determine the objectives you wish to achieve in a competition, in order to better manage your stress. They can be technical (measure the progress of your horse, link a course or a cover in a fluid way…) or competition-related (do better than the previous competition, obtain such and such a ranking, etc.). Keep in mind the objectives you have set yourself, so that you can concentrate on the important aspects of the competition. Then debrief to note the positive points and possible points of improvement to measure whether you have achieved your objectives. This will allow you to work better afterwards and perform better at the next horse show. Keep in mind that each competition is a step towards an overall goal. This will help you work towards the long term and reduce stress.
Develop a pre-show routine for you and your horse
To relax before a horse show, develop a routine that will keep you focused. For example, review your dressage or jumping routine (if it already exists), visualising each trick or jump.
You can also make a ‘checklist’ of everything you will need in the competition. Check your equipment, your outfit, the transport of the horse, the route, etc. You can also grease your hides so that they are shiny on the day or groom your horse to relax. Also remember to get a good night’s sleep and set your alarm clock.
Doing breathing exercises will help you relax the night before the show or once you are in the saddle. Stress can make you forget to breathe properly before or during your test. It would therefore be ideal to practice some exercises to relax you. The first is to breathe in deeply for 5 seconds, then out for 5 seconds, all for 6 minutes. Repeat this exercise every time you feel the stress coming on, until the tension disappears. This whole ritual will allow you to gradually get into the atmosphere of the competition with your horse and to concentrate well.
Allow yourself the right to make mistakes
Of course, everyone wants to do their best to shine in front of the other riders or their entourage. But keep in mind that you have the right to make mistakes, and that riding is far from an exact science. You are human and your horse is not a football. He too is subject to stress and possible blunders. In order for all the planets to align on the big day, some things will not be within your control. So you have to accept that despite your horse being well prepared for the show, things may not go the way you want them to. Keep in mind that the most important thing is to have fun and learn from each show so that you can better prepare for the next.
