Competition ready

Being competitive doesn’t come naturally for everyone, but whether your heart is set on a red rosette or you simply enjoy experiencing new things with your pony, it’s so much fun to get involved! 

Our guide to riding at a competition has everything you need to know!

Plan ahead

If you’re set on bringing home the rosettes, then organisation is essential! Not only do you need to organise your kit neatly so it’s ready and to hand when you need it, but you’ve also got to plan your timings for the day! 

Check out the organiser’s website or social media pages for information on class times, then ask an adult to help you work backwards from when you’re set to ride to the time you need to arrive at the yard to get ready. There’s so much involved in going to a competition – from cleaning your pony to walking the course, and everything in between – so you’ve got to be on it from the get-go! 

It’s best to allow yourself more time than you think – after all, things don’t always go to plan with ponies! 

Why not write up a plan of what the day involves, from start to finish, and a list of everything you’ll need at each step? 

 Top tip 

Check the venue and class rules ahead of the day so you’re clued up on how the competition will run and and what kit you need to wear

Familiar feeling

Knowing the venue you’re competing at will give you a huge confidence boost! So, try to take your pony schooling there, if possible, before the big day so you can familiarise yourselves with the surroundings. 

You might even be able to jump the same fences that will be used in a competition, or practise in the white boards and plan where your caller will stand so you can hear them well – how handy! 

Top tip

When you arrive at the venue, head to the secretary’s office straight away to collect your number and check they’re running on time. 

Top tip

Walk the course with accuracy to plan the lines you’ll ride. This means you can check the number of strides in doubles and related distances and be ready to ace them!

Hop on board

Ponies thrive off routine, so when the time comes for you to warm up, stick to a plan that you use at home to get your pony active, responsive and supple. This is a great way to boost your confidence as you’ll be sure he’s fully warmed up and ready for action!

Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to warm up because you don’t want to rush it and risk ruining your competition! 

Top tip

While warming up, be aware of what’s going on around you to help keep you and your pony safe, but try to avoid getting distracted. 

Top tip

Riding with others in the arena at home is great practice for a competition warm-up.

Did you know?

The warm-up jumps will have one red wing or flag. This tells you the direction the fence must be jumped – the red wing or flag should be on your right-hand side.

Take a breath

The thought of riding in front of others and the pressure of competing can make you feel super nervous, but it’s important to remember that your pony can sense your emotions. This means that if you feel worried and tense, he might do, too! 

While some ponies won’t be too affected by this and crack on with their job, others may lack in confidence as a result. So, try to think of methods you can use to help you stay as calm and relaxed as possible. Focusing on your breathing is so helpful – why not try breathing in for four seconds, holding for four and breathing out for four? You’re sure to notice a difference and it will help you feel so confident! 

Time to shine

When it’s time for your test or round, be sure to enter the arena with positivity! If it’s safe to do so, and being aware of anyone who may be finishing their round, pick up trot or canter to check your pony is listening. 

If there are any fences or objects in the arena that you think your pony might spook at, allow him to see them and give him plenty of reassurance with your voice and a scratch on his neck. 

Did you know? 

Coloured ribbons are used to tell you a bit more about the pony – usually they are tied to their tails or in their forelock. A red ribbon means the pony might kick or bite, while a green ribbon indicates that they’re inexperienced. Sometimes, you might see a white ribbon and this means the horse is a stallion!

Top tip

Make sure you don’t go before the bell has rung, otherwise you might be eliminated! If you’re unsure, ask the steward to double check.