Suggestions on how to prepare your horse for competition. Discuss fitness programmes before the event as well as tips for the big day.
When the competition that you are aiming for has been decided on, one of the first things that needs to be considered id getting your horse fit.
Approximately 8 weeks should be allowed to get a horse fit for basic competition, with this increasing to 16 weeks for more intensive competitions such as three day eventing. The actual time required depends on:
Age and condition of horse: an older horse or one that has been completely out of work for some time will take longer to get fit.
Actual type of competition you are preparing for: An endurance horse requires stamina whereas a showjumper will be required to use short explosive energy. Building stamina will take a longer period of time.
Size of horse: bigger horses generally take longer to get fit than finer bred horses.
Previous problems: a horse known to have problems such a s leg conditions may require longer to get fit as progress will be slower.
Remember feed rations should be increasing slightly ahead of the increase in exercise so that condition is maintained.
An average plan may look something like this:
Week 1: Exercise up to 45min (walking) at a time.
Week 2: Up to one hour walking. If the horse is eager to trot, let it. Start introducing short bursts of trot by the end of week 2.
Week 3: Gradually increase the length of time in trot. Total exercise time can now be 75 min a day, hill work can be introduced.
Week 4: Increase the amount of hill and trot work.
Week 5: Allow the horse to do short periods of canter, gradually increasing this throughout the week. Total exercise time should now be 90 - 105 min a day.
Week 6: Canter for longer stretches but only 2/3 times per week.
Week 7 & 8: Continue as week 6, jumping can be introduced if required. Give the horse a short sharp gallop to open up the pipes a day or two before the competition.
Remember that a horse should always have 1 rest day per week.
Ensure that all injections are up to date before training programme commences.
The day before the event the horse should be given its normal exercise. Do a thorough check of the horses's limbs to ensure that he is completely sound and fit for the event. Make sure that his shoes are in good condition. Give an extra feed later in the evening, e.g. 8pm.
The morning of the event is important as horses are very good at sensing anxiety; having an organised approach will help ease the tensions often felt.
Give the horse his breakfast at least 2-3 hours before setting off but as close to his normal time as possible.
Plait (if you are going to) after breakfast has been finished. (This can be done the night before but you so risk them coming loose overnight and thus spending considerable time on the repair job!).
Prepare the stable for your return - it is no fun at the end of a hard day.
Put all of the travelling equipment on the horse, (rugs, boots etc.).
Ensure that you have packed:
Appropriate tack
Water
Grooming kit
Your own competition clothes
Any entry confirmation you may require.
