Manage your horse to win part three: staying away

Separation from friends, unfamiliar environments and changes in routine can make being away from home a stressful time for many horses. And if you’ve ever experienced a fit horse who’s full of adrenaline and eagerly anticipating what’s happening, you’ll know it can also be a stressful time for riders and carers, too.

But as much as we might tell our horses that it’s okay and there’s nothing to worry about, actions speak far louder than words, so here’s my practical advice on how to keep your horse cool, calm and collected while staying away from home.

Top tip

It’s essential your horse’s vaccinations are up to date – usually within six months of your competition date. But it’s a good idea to check the governing body’s rules for your discipline, as they may vary.

Plan ahead

Whether you’re going to a day competition or staying away for a week, planning ahead and writing lists of everything you’ll need is key. But when overnight stays are involved, it’s a whole new level of organisation.

The most important thing is your horse’s food, so note down how many feeds and how much hay he’ll need based on how long you’re away for. It’s a good idea to take extra as you don’t want to fall short – plus, if your horse is going to be stabled more than normal, he’ll likely require more hay than he might get at home.

Did you know?

Stressful situations and sudden changes to a horse’s diet can upset the gut’s microbiome, which can cause a whole range of issues, including colic. If dietary changes are necessary, ensure they’re done gradually and consider feeding a gut balancer to maintain digestive health.

Top tip

Don’t forget to think about bedding! The options may be unsuitable for your horse, especially if he’s sensitive to dust, for example. Consider taking your own if possible as this can help your horse feel more at home.

Stock up

Now you know what you need and how much, check your supplies. If you don’t have enough, head to the shop and stock up on the essentials.

Then, make up your horse’s feeds and sort forage into haynets, or check you have enough small bags of haylage, so it’s all ready – it may feel like a time consuming task, but this way you can be sure you have everything you need and more.

If you don’t have enough nets to make up the total number you need, you could use empty feed bags. And why not portion out your horse’s bucket feed and/or supplements into sandwich bags?

Discover more of Alicia’s tips for keeping your horse happy away from home in September Horse&Rider – out now!