Some horses and people can build up a lot of tension on the competition grounds. Think about the obstacles or props that are next to the arena. Maybe even going to and from the competition grounds is quite exciting. If you have not been to a competition for a while or if you go regularly, it can be nice for both you and the horse to practice at home. Here are 8 tips to combat competition tension!
1. Training starts at home
Your horse is most at ease at home. Try out scary things at home before you go to a show or a jumping competition. This way your horse gets used to new situations. By training you make sure that you know and feel your horse optimally. This enables you to anticipate difficult situations.
2. Try to find the cause of the exciting things
When you have been at a competition once, you know what your horse reacts to the most. Jury boxes are quite exciting, but the fact that people suddenly move around is even more so. How about unexpected noise? You can often find out the cause of the things your horse finds exciting yourself.
3. Practice loading the trailer
If getting on the trailer causes tension, your horse will build up stress before you even get to the competition area. If this is the case, try to practice trailer loading a lot at home in the weeks before your competition. When your horse has done this more often it will be easier. Of course it is always possible that he or she does not feel like it. We all recognize that, don't we?
4. Take your horse to other terrains without going to a competition.
If your horse suffers from anxiety on the competition grounds, it may help to break the association. That away from home doesn't always mean going to a competition. For example, you can put your horse on the trailer and ride to a nice wooded area. So that you show that going on the trailer to an unfamiliar area doesn't always have to be exciting, but rather relaxing.
5. Make sure you are well prepared
Avoid stress, a horse feels this very well. Make sure you are optimally prepared. Think about the stuff you need and the time you spend on it. When you are in a hurry to do everything one day in advance, but also to arrange it on the day itself, this is not in favor of your horse. Peace and regularity will save you a lot.
6. Enter a practice competition and test out the ring.
Since you are focused on getting winning points, it is good to go on a practice competition once. Enter the ring once when you are not under competition stress. By just experiencing the process, your horse will also learn certain routines. This way he or she will trust you better, and you will avoid stressful unfamiliar actions.
7. Pay attention to your own tension
Not entirely unimportant. Your own tension, pay attention to that to minimize it. No matter how difficult it is, try to keep your own nerves under control. The more you can relax and guide the horse in peace, the easier your horse can relax too.
8. Above all, have fun
Last but not least! Work together with your horse as a team. You are doing it together. By getting through the competition together, the stronger your bond will become. This should be a fun affair. You are not doing this at the expense of your horse, but rather to have fun. That will benefit both of you the most.
