How to Prepare your Horse for Competition

Participating in competitive events with your horse could be as enjoyable and memorable as riding the animal only for leisure. Not only does it hone your riding skills, but it definitely strengthens the bond between you and your horse. There are several competitive events to choose from. These include complicated dressage movements, hurdle jumping or rope calves.

When you think about any competitive equestrian events, you usually think of hunt seat sport, which consists of two parts – flat and jumping classes. When you are judged by the team spirit displayed between you and your horse, it is called flat classes. On the other hand the style and grace with which your horse performs the jumps, is the judgment criteria for jumping classes.

A snaffle bit, a hunt seat snaffle bridle and a hunt seat saddle for your horse are the equipment you need in case you are interested in hunt seat competitions. The specific dress requirements for the rider include a white riding shirt, breeches, a wool riding jacket, riding boots and a hunt cap or helmet. Ensure that the breeches are either black or blue or any other dark shade. 

Of all the competitive events that you can participate in, the dressage events give you adequate opportunities to both the owner and the horse to work in close association. Both of you can be together as a team to work out some of the most challenging routines. However remember that participation in such events require intensive practice. Though extremely demanding, the sheer splendor of this event makes you forget the hard work that went behind the participation.

To participate in dressage events, there are some specific dress codes which you have to adhere to. For instance, you would need the following items: a dressage bridle, a dressage saddle and a snaffle bit over and above a white shirt, a stock tie, white breeches, black dress boots, a black jacket and a black derby hat. Novices competing in such events are also seen wearing tan beeches and a hunt cap in stead of the usual white breeches and a derby hat. 

Saddle seat events are most suitable for people who like to brandish their chintzy horse. This event has two types of classes called equitation and pleasure classes. In the former type of class, the rider is assessed and evaluation, while in the latter the animal is under the scanner’s eye. Your horse has to posse adequate style and grace to win the judge’s heart. To participate in saddle events, there are special dress requirements and these include: a show saddle and a double bridle for your horse and a white shirt, jodhpurs, saddle seat coat, jodhpur boots and a derby for yourself.

Western pleasure, equitation or horsemanship classes are best for people who like Western style riding. The emphasis is more on the horse’s individual talents in pleasure events, much like the English style classes. But equitation events stress more on the rider’s abilities. The skill and talent of the rider in managing his horse from the ground is an important judgmental criterion in horsemanship classes.

Owners who are more active with their horses would prefer events like barrel racing, pole bending, reining and calf roping. The most critical element in all these competitions is team work. The dress specifications demand that you buy a saddle and a mechanical hackamore or traditional bridle for your horse for participating in Western events. For yourself, you could wear shirt, jeans, chaps and cowboy boots. 

If none of these mean much to you, there are other events which might seem interesting and more challenging. These include cross country jumping, show jumping, events and competitive driving classes. These events are known to have their characteristic challenges and trials but one aspect is common to all. You and your horse need to have plenty of resilience and stamina.