Five things we’re struggling with this competition season

After such a long time out of the swing of competing, there are some inevitable challenges to contend with, aside from regular show day nerves – how many can you relate to? 

We’re all feeling the hype of having the competition season reignite, however, after practically a year away from the show ring, most of us are bound to face some problematic occurrences that we didn’t have before Covid hit. Whether it’s getting to grips with new rules or just that it’s been so long since you set foot in the competition arena, we’re sure most, if not all, of these may sound familiar!

1. Our show gear no longer fits

Sitting around in lockdown may have encouraged you to eat one too many cookies to ease the loss of competing last year – and when we say one too many, it’s probably fair to say we’re being a bit generous. So, at your next competition, you may find your spanking new white breeches – bought just hours before last season’s lockdown began – struggle to pull up over your thighs, jacket buttons fly off left, right and centre, and your shiny riding boots that you save for best no longer do up! This may not just be due to too many sweeties, but also through pure lack of use… at least, that’s what we’re telling ourselves. Whether you’re pleading with the poor event secretary to not enforce the adornment of show jackets as you simply can’t afford to buy a new one, or you’re squeezing yourself in and praying for the best, after a few trips out – and the training in-between – you’re sure to shed those extra pounds in no time!

2. Horses with no experience

If your plans to acclimatise your youngster to the show environment went awry last year, you’re not the only one! We can now expect to see plenty of seven- and eight-year-old horses with eyes on stalks, completely new to the world of competing. Whether that’s because it’s their first ever time out in the big wide world, or their competition career had an unforeseen interval, there may be several poles down, run-outs and rogue dressage manoeuvres from those who you’d expect to know better. The same may also apply to riders themselves, who’ve not only lost course riding fitness, but also haven’t had a run in so long that it may be wise to drop down a level on the first few outings – it’s all experience though, right?

3. Uncooperative transport

Here’s where the trailer owners among us will be laughing – while their engineless modes of transport likely stood idle without a blemish, our lorries have been slowly seizing up and throwing tantrums ready to spite us in retaliation to the ‘only travel if necessary’ rule. If your lorry truly fell asleep during its rest period, then it may be a good shout to get it booked in for a full service to check it’s not going to let you down on the big day. Leave it up to chance at your peril…

4. Confusion over vaccination regulations

One minute it’s six-monthly, then annually, then… who knows! There’s been so much to-ing and fro-ing over how often your horse needs his jabs that, now we’re back and having to produce his passport, we’re unsure what needs to be done when. To reduce vet visits during the pandemic, the rule was changed back to annual vaccinations, but double check with the show’s organiser well in advance so you can be sure your horse meets the rules of entry before you go.

5. Being scatter-brained

Getting out of the habit of competing likely had you forgetting exactly how much there was to remember. Whether you’re packing for one discipline or three, there’s always a huge amount of kit to bring along. Worse still, with some venues shunning tradestands in an attempt to encourage a compete-and-go mentality, you’ll have to rely on the kindness of a friendly neighbour in the lorry park to help you out in your hour of need – whether it’s a hat, bridle or girth – and this can only be a result of becoming a rusty packer. It may be time to refresh your checklist and dig out the fine-toothed comb until you’re back in the swing of things.

How’ve you found going back to competing? Are there any changes you’re noticing in your prep or performance? If so, let us know in the comments!