Whether you enjoy eventing, dabble in dressage or show off in the show ring, we asked four of our professional riders for their top tips for competition success!

 

International dressage rider and trainer Amy Stovold believes visualisation plays a big part in competition success;
 

"Once you've settled your horse at the venue, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the arena layout. Visualise yourself riding the test and plan where you'll execute your half halts. This preparation will ensure you're ready when you enter the arena."

Amy is particularly experienced with training young horses and likes to include arena hire ahead of those early competitions, as she explains;

"Hiring the arena ahead of planned competitions can help riders and those with young or nervous horses. If you can hire with all the markers and flower pots, then even better! However, even just being able to school your horse in a strange arena can help keep your horse feeling more relaxed when you arrive to compete when the atmosphere is different."
 

Alongside planning, Amy also recommends you know your test before arrival;

"Ensure you know your test inside out so you can think about riding the horse in the test rather than just riding a test on the horse. Knowing where you are going and where all the movements happen allows you to concentrate on your horse and your riding, enabling you to prepare in plenty of time for each movement."

Professional 5* event rider Adam Trew believes that planning is a crucial element to a successful outing;
 

"Arrive prepared. Regarding competition day, the saying 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail' rings true. Each horse and rider needs different preparations for different competitions, so it's important to work out what works best for you to ensure you arrive feeling relaxed and ready for what's to come. Turning up knowing you have left no stone unturned and done everything you can to prepare you both for the competition ahead is also a good way to eliminate any unwanted nerves or doubts on the day." 

Eventer & BE Accredited Coach Louise Bradley agrees with Adam;

"Have a plan for the day. Knowing your timings will help you to feel under control and more confident on the day. When you arrive at your event and have settled your horse, go to the secretary to check that everything is running on time and any earlier announcements you might have missed."
 

Adam says that focusing on your personal journey is also important;

"Be realistic with your expectations. Each horse and rider is at different stages of their journey and will have different goals, so be realistic about where you are in your training. Don't worry about what anyone else is doing, and focus on yourself and your horse."
 

Adam goes on to say:
 

"Control what you can control. It's important to remember that there's absolutely no point in wasting energy and worrying about things you can't control, so make sure you make the most of what you can. Taking control of Simple things from the start can make the day much smoother. Turn up with plenty of time, have all your equipment organised and ready for when you'll need it, give yourself plenty of time to warm up properly, trust in yourself and your horse and take all your training to the event."

Louise Bradley recommends that you create a routine and stick to it;

"Trust your system and set a goal for your outing. You have already made the necessary preparations to be at the competition, so believe in yourself. Sticking to a familiar routine will help you and your horse relax into your day and enjoy yourselves. Setting a tangible goal will help you to identify your improvements."

*photo credit: First Class Photography

Show rider and producer Helen Newbold believes first impressions really count in the show ring and has this advice;
 

"First impressions count! Make sure your horse walks into the ring with swag - it's the first time the judges will assess your horse, and the walk is a very important pace. The judges want to see the horse 'looking through the bridle' whilst staying soft through its body, showing a good over track and travelling willingly forward. Yes - lots to think about. Ensure you take enough time at home to work on your walk, not just warm up/cool off on the buckle end! Also, take a moment to make sure you, as the rider, are ready - the back of your jacket needs to be sitting neatly over the back of the saddle, check your reins aren't twisted, and that the loops are on the left side of the horse. Shoulders back, deep breath and smile!"

Manners from the rider are also important, as Helen explains;
 

"When interacting with judges, always be polite but confident! Ensure you address the judges as 'Sir' or 'Madam' and say Good Morning/Afternoon. When you present your horse for the in-hand section, a judge will often ask a couple of questions: how old is your horse, or how is he bred - make sure you have this information stored in your head! Wherever you finish in the lineup, always thank judges, stewards, or even someone holding the gate open - these people give up their time to make shows happen, and everyone should show their appreciation."
 

When it comes to nerves, eventer Louise Bradley has some excellent advice for those with butterflies in their tummies on competition morning;
 

"As hard as it can be to eat on competition day when you are nervous, it's always best to have something to combat that sick feeling you might be experiencing. My favourites are a banana and some water with electrolytes to help with hydration. You need to put some fuel in the engine, but it's also important to remember that we do this for the joy! If you're really struggling with nerves, it might be worth getting a few sessions with a confidence coach to help get you re-focused on the fun, not the fear."

The final piece of advice comes from our top show rider, Helen, with this gem for showing newbies;
 

"Never stop learning. It's always worth watching others; when you have finished competing, you could grab a coffee and find a spot at the side of the ring to watch a few classes. Watch how the horses are going and see what the judges are favouring. Presenting a horse in hand is an art in itself; it's not just standing in front of the judge - watch how some are showing their horses off and soak up as many tips as you can."

 

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