Competition routine 

Everyone has a unique competition routine that's tailored to their exact needs! Some may have a lucky competition helmet they love to wear, others may have a specific day before the comp and during the comp tasks that help them to be the best rider they can.

Two of our incredible ambassadors, Rhianna and Emma have taken the time to share with us what their competition routine is!

Rhianna - 

During the week prior to a show I try to train my hardest without burning out my pony and I. 

I ride my horses three times during the week prior to my event, this is because I have a job at a riding school which starts straight after school and ends at 7 pm every Monday and Wednesday. However I occasionally end up working my horses in the morning before school if I’m feeling stressed and that we’re really not ready for the competition. The three days normally work for me though as my horses normally work well on the weekend and aren’t to fresh or cranky and over it 😂.

I try not to do the same style of flat work every ride so I mix it up a bit. On Tuesdays we normally do pole work, practice workouts and work on certain things. On Thursday we get a lesson at local riding grounds, And on Fridays we practised the things we learnt from the day before, practice a couple of workouts and then go for a small Trailride.

During the start of the week I clean my gear for the show that I don’t use when I normally ride. For example my show boots, show girth, Numnah, ECT. I also clean and re-organise my fat max(make up and plaiting box) and hair box as they are pretty gross and messy from the show before.

After my horses are worked on Friday I give them a big wash then tie them up ready to be plaited up. Luckily I have an amazing mum that plaits them up while I clean and pack all of our gear for the next day. After they are plaited we rug, feed and lock them in the stables for the night.

In the morning of a show As soon as I get up I go and make up my horses feeds and I get dressed in my competition clothes. (With clothes over top to keep them clean). I then pretty much load on my horses, give them their feed in the float and head off.

Once I get there I prepare my horses first(make up, quarter marks, forelock, tail ect.) and then I prepare myself. Once we are both prepared I go warmup my horse on the lead ready for our led classes. Once they are done I hop on, warm up my horse for the ridden classes then go out into our  classes.

Emma - 

“Success doesn’t come from what you occasionally do- it comes from what you consistently do” Maree Forleo. This quote keeps me going through thick and thin even when something doesn’t go your way you always persevere!

When I think off what I am going to do before a competition I always think has my horse been shod? Or has he had the dentist or vet come make sure he is, ok? This is always something I do before a competition. When I nominate for the competition, I think is my horse ready to do this or that, I will then go through what my coaches have said or what they think I should do then I will nominate myself in what I am doing. 

Before I go to this competition, I always make sure the horses and my gear/tack/brushes/clothes/helmet are all clean, presentable and most of all up to date with the rules (PC, EA).

Practise, practise, practise because practice make improvements. Go to clinics, PC rallies and see your coaches most of all. Make sure you practise your dressage test at home or maybe the height you will be jumping. When it comes to the day before I will always wash the horse make sure it is not sore anywhere and ride it ready for the day.

On the day I will make sure I am at the place at least 1-1hr 30mins before the competition so I can sign in get ready warm-up/pre-ride. I will then go through whatever I am doing (dressage test, show jump round, XC make sure to remember the course). In the ring always keep your cool and if something goes wrong just keep going. Whenever you come out the ring always give your horse a big, huge whether he/she has done anything wrong. When you are at the competition make sure to check on your horse’s water/food and give them treats!!

When it comes to leaving and getting results never get your hopes up and NEVER EVER go brag about your results to anyone!!! I cannot stress this enough. Make sure that you have not left anything behind and clean up your horse’s area (muck, hay). When you get home let your horse have a few days of, check for injuries and discuss what went wrong/right with the competition with your coach/s.

Just little things like staying with your horse while who are waiting or even giving him/her cuddles can help your horse to stay calm!!

We want to hear from YOU! What is your competition routine with your equine best friend?

Head over to both their Instagrams, @rhianna._.williamson and @emmatomlinson_equestrian, to follow their incredible equine journeys and to learn even more about their awesome horses.

Keep on riding, pushing your boundaries and don't forget to tune into our blogs!

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