Every horse requires a unique warm-up routine, here are some tips to help you shine in the competition ring EVERY horse requires a unique warm-up routine, depending on their age, breed, fitness level and if they have any underlying health issues. Below are some tips to help you and your horse shine in the competition ring.

1. Crowded arena

If you only ever school or jump at home by yourself in a quiet area with no distractions, your horse is going to find it very hard to keep his cool in a crowded warm-up arena when you go to shows.

If you can, opt for a group lesson every so often instead of private training. This way your horse will get used to working and relaxing with other horses in the arena. 2. Find out what works

It may be a case of trial and error before getting the right routine that works for you and your horse.

Some horses will need to enter the warm-up arena and go straight into an active trot in order to get them to focus on the rider and ignore everything that is going on around them. Other horses may need to spend a lot of time in walk before moving up the gears.

Lunging before you leave for a show or when you arrive at the show grounds can help settle an energetic or spooky horse.

3. Keep a routine

If you normally loosen up your horse with a long rein walk, trot or canter, do that at the show as far as it is possible.

The situation at a show will be different than at home so you will have to use your discretion a little. If you know what works then try to stick to that and only make slight modifications. Work on a warm-up routine at home, so that your horse settles with the familiarity of his work when he gets to a show.

4. Don’t overdo it

While you do need to make sure your horse is listening and warmed up enough to prevent injury, you don’t want to work so hard in the warm-up that there’s nothing left in the tank for the ring. Learn to recognise the feeling of when your horse is ready to do serious work but not too tired to perform.