Putting The Horse First

A couple of things to consider…

We all know preparing for a show is stressful and that's just for us, let alone the horse!

Maybe running through a short checklist would be a sensible practice to get into.

Horse Preparation Checklist

• Does my horse get regular visits from the Farrier?
• Does my horse get regular teeth checks from the Vet or Equine Dentist?
• Does my horse get regular saddle checks from the Saddler Fitter?
• Does my horse get regular visits from the Chiropractor, Osteopath, or similar?
• Does my horse get regular visits from the Nutritionist?
• Have I done everything I can to prepare my horse, both physically and mentally?

Rider Preparation Checklist

• Is the rider prepared, do they know what's going to be expected of them, do they know their show?
• Is the tack that's been selected suitable, legal, and is the rider capable and practiced in the tack they are going to be using in the ring?
• Does the rider fall within the recommended 20% rider weight guidelines?
• Has the horse been weighed; has the rider in full riding kit with all the tack been weighed to ensure they meet the required ratio?

It's far easier to get this all done pre-show as more and more shows are adopting the rider weight policy; this is done for welfare reasons and to ensure we all get to ride in the future.

Remember, when you are at a show, that horsey and non-horsey people may be watching; at that point, you are representing equestrianism - You and your horse are very much on show.

Good luck and enjoy!