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Pre-season prep
Posted 30th March 2021
The competition season’s almost here. Follow Fizz’s plan to give your horse an MOT and get set for success
After a long winter at home, you’re excited to be sending off the first entries of the season. And while that competition might feel ages away as you click ‘enter’, suddenly you look in your calendar and the date’s looming. You feel totally unprepared. You’re not even sure the last time you saw your horse’s passport. The panic rises. We’ve all been there.
Using my simple plan will help you get to your first show feeling that your horse, at least, is ready for what’s in store. The simple-to-follow timeline makes sure all the crucial details are taken care of and will set you up to start the competition season successfully. Let’s get started!
Three months to go
Fitness programme If your horse had an extended break this winter, you’ll need to allow a minimum of 12 weeks to get him fit enough for competition around the level of BE90, BS Discovery or BD Novice. A mix of fitness work out hacking, schooling, gymnastic polework and lungeing or long-reining is key to conditioning him for all-round performance.
Vaccinations Think about your plans for the year and whether you’ll be competing under any organisations that require your horse to have had a booster vaccination within six months of the competition date. Vaccination rules vary, so it’s worth familiarising yourself with the requirements of all the ones governing your chosen discipline. For unaffiliated competition, the organisers will stipulate vaccination rules in their conditions of entry. Chat to your vet about how to manage his programme if you’re not sure how to time it to fit in with your plans.
Teeth Your horse’s teeth can be done at any point in the year depending on when he was previously attended to, or any directives from his last treatment. Some people prefer to have their horse’s teeth rasped at the beginning of the year, so have a chat with your dentist or vet about moving your appointment date if this is your preferred course of action.
Get your horse ready for the competition season ahead. Pick up a copy of May Horse&Rider, on sale 1 April 2021, for lots more advice.
