The show must go on

Just because the cold season’s upon us, doesn’t mean your competitive dreams need to be put on hold. From unaffiliated indoor dressage to arena eventing and more, there’s still plenty to get excited about at this time of year for the competitively minded. With options to suit everyone and plenty of opportunities to qualify for the big occasions, there’s no reason why your weekends can’t be laden with competitive plans this winter. Not sure where to begin? We’ve got the ultimate guide to how and why winter competing’s the one.

Aim high

Ready to up those scores and come home consistently clear from your jumping rounds? Well, now’s the perfect time to turn your attention to your training, whether that’s introducing your youngster to the big wide world or refining your eventer’s jumping technique.

Before you start submitting entries here, there and everywhere, take the time to assess what you need to do more of to achieve next season’s goals. Perhaps it’s time to attend some low-key dressage competitions to get your horse used to the warm-up arena? Maybe a winter of showjumping’s in order, so you can practise shaving off those seconds and riding nimble turns within the confines of an indoor school? Whatever it is you need to do to progress, now’s the time to action it.

Between the boards

With more time bound to the arena after work, your schooling sessions may start to drag if you lack purpose or a goal for your training. Well, winter dressage competitions are the perfect way to put that extra flatwork to good use. With smart clips on display and indoor arenas to shelter you from the elements, heading out to show off your training to a judge can help provide that sense of direction and achievement you’ve been missing. It’s also a great way to track your progress. Why not strive to step up a level before spring comes, or achieve that 70% score? Whatever your goals or experience, winter dressage has something for everyone.

A lot of venues run an unaffiliated winter dressage series, where you can compete each month and gain points that count towards a place in the championship at the end of the series. Or, if you’re a British Dressage (BD) member, why not expand your horizons and try out a freestyle to music test, for example?

Lots of British Eventing (BE) regulars turn to their attention to a different affiliation over winter so they can refine their skills for next season, and BD offers a Winter Membership option that suits eventers perfectly, running from October–March each year. If you aren’t yet convinced about affiliating, a great way to dip your toe in comes from competing on a ticket – you’ll just need sign up for a free BD community membership and then a ticket costs £10 per class. Why not give it a go and see what you think?

Find out more ways you can stay competitive with your horse this season in January Horse&Rider – get your copy today!