Knowing how to prepare a horse for an equestrian competition is very important for the many professionals who breed these wonderful specimens and for everyone involved in the equestrian world. Especially for beginners, there are some tips that should not be underestimated. Indeed, we are talking about a gradual process that requires time and dedication.

Just as with humans, you cannot expect to achieve excellent results in just a few days. Preparing a horse for an equestrian competition requires patience and getting it used to facing every single challenge.

Equestrian competition: constant and gradual preparation

Very often we start training a horse as soon as it is a foal, so that it becomes accustomed to and performs well in every aspect. This is the best method to consider if you want to breed horses suitable for competitions of various levels and types.

Preparing a horse for an equestrian competition is therefore a process that actually starts very early. When the horse is still a foal, it is easier to get it used to the use of the saddle, stirrups and harness, especially the bit, so that it can be ridden with confidence. Subsequently, you can begin to work on stamina, carrying out work to get the horse used to fatigue.

All this should be done gradually and in accordance with the animal’s needs. It is essential to give the horse time to gradually get used to the changes and to stop when the time comes, so as not to risk damaging the horse.

Finally, when the initial objectives have been achieved, you can work on the animal’s musculature and strength. By doing so, you can make the horse capable of competing.

The horse’s characteristics are also important

When you start to prepare your horse for an equestrian competition, there are different criteria to take into account. In fact, one must not only pay attention to the training of the animal itself but also to its strictly individual characteristics. Just like people, every horse has its own potential, talents and weaknesses.

With this in mind, it is clear that not all horses are suitable for a particular type of horse competition. Therefore, the age, temperament and abilities of the horse must be taken into account in order to understand whether or not it should be taken to a particular competition. There are horses that are more suited to trotting than galloping, while others are more suited to show jumping or classic racing.

Choosing to prepare a horse for an equestrian competition

Learning how to prepare a horse for an equestrian competition is also an important choice for many breeders. When you decide to breed horses with the intention of training them, it is even more important to follow them carefully from birth. Therefore, it will be essential to start by monitoring the bitch during pregnancy, labour and finally delivery. By doing so, you will ensure that everything goes well from the moment of birth and you will be able to raise healthy and strong foals. To make this easier, please feel free to evaluate the features of our Foaling Alarm.