How to Prepare for a Horse Competition: A Practical Guide for Aussie Riders

From To-Do Lists to Tack Checks – Tips for a Smooth Ride

There’s nothing quite like the excitement (and butterflies!) of an upcoming horse competition. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or heading out for your first event, solid preparation is your best mate. A little planning goes a long way – for both you and your horse – so here’s a practical guide to help you feel confident, organised, and ready to enjoy the day.

Creating a Reusable To-Do List on Your Phone

Let’s be honest – with so much to remember, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. Setting up a digital to-do list on your phone is a game changer. Apps like Microsoft To Do, Google Keep, Apple Reminders, or Trello let you create checklists you can tick off and reuse for every comp/outing. Include everything from packing your helmet and show jacket, to checking the float lights, to remembering your horse’s favourite treats. The beauty? Once you’ve made it, you just update and reuse – no more scribbled, lost paper lists!

Days Leading Up: Pre-Event Tasks for Rider & Horse

• Gear & Equipment: Double-check your tack, boots, and gear for wear and tear. Clean everything so it’s comp-ready or you can be really proactive and have them professionally cleaned here (if local to the Canberra region). Ensure you have any helmets tagged by regulatory standards (such as Equestrian Australia). Pack extra of items for emergency situations - like your white riding bottoms or an additional halt/lead rope! Prepare clean rugs for your horse for post-bath and competition day.

• Paperwork: Make sure your entries, insurance, and horse paperwork (like numbers, vaccination or registration records) are sorted and packed.

• Training: In the final days, keep rides light and positive. Focus on confidence and responsiveness, not learning new skills. When you are off the horse visualise your ride (including how everything looks in the warm-up ring, entering the arena/competition venue and your ride, and how happy you and your horse are)

• Feed/Hay & Supplements: Ensure you have enough feed/hay and any supplements for the comp. Pack feeds in advance to save time on the day.

• Health Checks: Give your horse a quick once-over for any cuts, loose shoes, or signs of soreness, and engage any health services where needed (yes, you may need to pull out of the competition if your horse is not well - horse welfare always comes first!).

• Route/Facility Familiarisation:

  • Route - Pop onto Google Maps and work out the best float-friendly route, note the time and add a good 30 minutes to your allocated trip time. This will reduce anxiety - better early than late if you ask me!

  • Facility - Where can you park, are there yards you can use? Water Taps etc.

  • Print this info off as you don't know what reception you will have at the venue or even copy and paste it into the event in your phone reminder (see the next point).

• Reminders: Put calendar reminders in your phone for your allocated riding times with details of the class and set yourself at least a 30min alert.

Washing & Grooming: The Day Before

Give your horse a proper spa day! Start with a thorough brush to remove loose dirt and hair. Next, hose down and lather up with a quality horse shampoo – be gentle around the face and avoid getting water in their ears. Rinse well, then towel/walk them to help dry (hot tip: I will often feed my horses in a sunny spot to stop them from rolling and dry off, post-bath). Tidy up manes and tails, trim manes, tails and fetlocks if needed, and finish with a final polish using a soft brush or grooming mitt. (Plait up your fur baby if required and use a mane hood to keep it tight, in-place and not rubbed out.) Pop on a clean rug to keep your horse sparkling overnight (and don't forget to cover the tail - especially for the grey horse owners). Don’t forget to wash and pack your saddle pads, number holders and boots too!

Float Preparation: Safety First

• Check tyres (including the spare) for pressure and tread.

• Test all lights and indicators (if you are by yourself, chuck on the hazard lights and use a brick/heavy item for the foot brake pedal).

• Ensure the floor is solid and mats are secure.

• Check the hitch and safety chains (the area where you attach to your car like the tow ball and pins).

• Check there are no loose items, secure or remove.

• Put up filled hay nets for your horses (one less thing to do the morning of!).

• Pack an emergency kit (spare halter, tools, first aid - both for humans and horses).

• Give the float a quick sweep and wash – your horse will thank you! (I usually do this upon returning from a competition/outing as old stuck poop/muck is a lot harder to remove! If it is too late, the day after is fine as your horse should have a rest/recovery time so another option to consider.)

Competition Day Tips

• Morning Routine: Feed your horse before you travel. Allow ample time for this and your float trip (my quick tip is double the time Google Maps says it will take - better to be early than late). Arrive with plenty of time. Offer your horse water and hay. Settle them into their yard or float area or even take them for a walk to stretch their legs and pick at grass. Ensure you are fed too! Fueling your own mind and body is super important too!

• Staying Organised: Follow your checklist, lay out your gear, and keep everything in one spot. Give yourself plenty of time to tack up and warm-up (without tiring you or your horse out too much).

• Reflection: Have a friend video your round(s) so you can reflect on how far you have come and look for training opportunities. It also helps capture the fun times you have!

• Managing Nerves: Take a few deep breaths, visualise your round, and remember – everyone gets nervous! Chat with mates, walk your course, and focus on doing your best rather than winning. (Or for the dressage divas, have someone call your test so you don't have to worry about mind blanks from nerves.)

• Last-Minute Checks: Recheck your tack, numbers, and helmet (maybe even wipe down your boots). Give your horse a final brush and a kiss/Smoochie treat for luck.

• Celebrate and Support: After you, or your mates, have finished, always celebrate the small and big stuff. Remember, just getting there is a big enough goal to say YAHOO to! If you find yourself focusing on the negative, switch your thought pattern to "What did I do amazingly?" At the end of the day, a competition is a form of a training day. So don't beat yourself, or your horse, up! Have fun and grow with each experience. Turn frustration and anger on themselves, by going out of your way to say "good luck" to someone or congratulate them on something specific you noticed about their ride (e.g. "I am so inspired by how in sync you two were. You looked like your were at one, dancing together.") Seriously - try it out!

Extra Tips: Nutrition, Hydration & Mindset

• For Your Horse: Stick with familiar feeds, make sure they have access to water, and offer hay to help them relax at the venue. I will add additional salt, electrolytes and magnesium to their feed, 2 days before the event and continue until the day after (it helps keep them hydrated and assists with muscle recovery).

• For You: Pack snacks, stay hydrated, and don’t skip breakfast – you’ll need your energy! Also, pack your favourite beverage for afterwards!

• Mental Prep: Set achievable goals, have a back-up plan for the unexpected, and remember to enjoy the day. Every comp is a learning experience, so celebrate the little wins.

Being a Supportive Friend

Even if you are not competing, being a supportive friend during events can have a significant impact on your friend's experience. Here are some ways to show your support:

1. Attend the Event

Going to watch your friend compete demonstrates that you care about their efforts and achievements. Your presence can boost their confidence and morale.

2. Cheer Them On

Make sure to cheer for your friend during their performance. Positive encouragement can help them feel more motivated and appreciated. Offer to video even so they have something to reflect on.

3. Celebrate Their Efforts

Regardless of the outcome, acknowledge the hard work and dedication your friend has put into preparing for the event. Celebrating their efforts shows that you value their commitment.

4. Offer a Listening Ear

After the event, be there to listen to your friend’s thoughts and feelings about their performance. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to can be incredibly comforting.

5. Provide Constructive Feedback (if asked)

If your friend is open to it, offer constructive feedback that can help them improve in the future. Make sure to frame it positively, as opportunities, and focus on their strengths. I love to use phrases like "What an opportunity to look into..."

6. Plan a Post-Event Celebration

Whether they win or lose, consider organizing a small celebration afterward. This could be a meal together or a fun outing to help them unwind and feel appreciated.

Being a supportive friend means being present, encouraging, and understanding. Your support can make a significant difference in how your friend experiences their competition, contributing to their overall enjoyment and growth.

Conclusion: Set Yourself Up for a Great Day Out

Preparation is the key to a successful, stress-free competition. With a solid to-do list, a sparkling clean horse, a safe float, and a calm mindset, you and your horse can focus on having fun and doing your best. Good luck and happy competing!

What else do you do that you can share that makes your comp prep/days easier?