WHETHER it’s Dublin, Lanaken or Clifden, when you’re attending a show, your horse or pony will spend a lot of time in an unfamiliar stable. Keeping them calm, content and comfortable is the key to a successful experience and could possibly make all the difference in the ring.

Here are some simple ways to help your champion feel at ease during show days:

1. Stick to routine: horses are creatures of habit. Try to feed and exercise them at the same times you would at home. Bring their usual feed and hay to avoid upset stomachs, and make sure they always have access to fresh water.

2. Comfort from familiar items: bring your horse’s usual bedding, feed buckets and water containers if possible. Familiar smells can help reduce stress. A familiar well-fitted stable rug or fly sheet may also be helpful.

3. Stable toys and company: keep boredom at bay with stable toys like a lick, nibble stack or treat ball. If your horse likes company, see if they can be stabled near a familiar companion or somewhere with a good view of other horses to help them feel less isolated.

4. Stretching and walking: take your horse out for hand walks, light exercise, or grazing (if allowed) during the day. This helps with digestion, loosens stiff muscles, and provides mental stimulation.

5. Calm handling and monitoring: spend time grooming or just quietly standing with your horse. Your presence can be reassuring. Keep an eye out for signs of stress such as weaving, cribbing, or pawing, and address them early.

As many top grooms will testify, making a stable at a show feel as close to home as possible can go a long way in keeping your horse or pony happy and focused – ready to perform at their best when it matters most.