The run up to a big equestrian event is likely filled with anxiety and chores. Whether you’re the rider or the parent, you will potentially be choked with nerves . . . and often wondering what to do to calm them.
Have everything prepared. Get that bridle dipped in Neatsfoot two days before so it’s beautifully supple for comp day and make sure your white jodphurs have been cleaned after their last outing. Don’t leave anything to the last minute - boots polished, saddles waxed the day before.
Have you walked the course/memorised your dressage test? Spend time running up to the event going on site to walk the XC course if possible and definitely learn your dressage test with plenty of time to go. Don’t be in a panic on the day so arrive with enough time to walk the showjumping course properly.
Boots! Don’t forget your boots . . . that’s riders and ponies. Nothing screams “I didn’t prepare” than soiled boots. Pony boots should be cleaned regularly anyway (who wants mud and grit rubbing on their legs), but for comp days it’s a total must.
If you need to plait then do so the night before and (owners of greys, I’m looking at you), poo-pick the stable as late as you can to reduce the likelihood of stable stains in the morning.
Numbers. Print these the day before . . . or two days before. But don’t suddenly realise your printer is broken on the morning of an event. AAAAHHHH.
Check your route, most events will now warn competitors if there are road closures or roadworks so check their social media pages and use Google Maps (regardless if you know the way), so you can be sure of the quickest way.
Snackage. It’s a well known fact that most people (I did say most) can be calmed - or at least distracted - with food. Therefore, it’s mega important to have a trailer load of bacon sandwiches, sausage rolls and perhaps the odd cherry tom to see you (or your jockey) through the day.
MUSIC. Now this is a totally personal choice. For some, the journey to an event will be filled with Radio 2, or perhaps Heart FM. However, for others . . . it’s a blast of Disney songs and a final prelude of Prodigy to kickstart that motivation to do well.
Organisation: It sounds so basic, but simply knowing where you’re meant to be is insanely helpful. Speak to friends if you’re going to a new venue and find out how far you’ll be parked from the comp area (particularly helpful with eventing). If you’ve got space, stash a bike in the lorry to help with getting around the site.
Know the form, who’s hosting the event and where to find the secretary should you need to. It’s sensible to have their number stored on your phone just in case . . .
Don't forget that PADDOX is a great way to see every UK event in one place, making the entire competition experience even easier.
PADDOX is the UK's only comprehensive equestrian event listing website. If you want to find an event for you and your pony we probably have one in our database.
Here is just a sample of our UK-wide listings - or why not Search for an event near you