2 mins read
Preparing Your Horse Physically
Has your horse had some time off over winter? As the competition season starts up again, it’s time to prepare your horse for training and competing.
Using the correct exercise program with relevant supplements as required can help your horse stay happy and healthy as you work towards your competition goals.
Our top tips:
- Don’t expect your horse to perform at the same level as they did the last time they competed after any break. All athletes must practice (and rest) to maintain their peak performance.
- The time they’ve had off will dictate your preparation timeframe. A long break will mean more time spent on regaining fitness and strength before competition.
- Be prepared for your training to gradually increase in intensity and be spaced out with numerous days “off” from ridden work and intensive exercises.
- The use of products such as CEVA’s V.A.M. paste and Tripart paste supports peak performance by facilitating energy supply, improving overall muscle function, counteracting the impact of lactic acid build-up, and supporting overall performance.
- As the weather starts to heat up, don’t forget that sweat can become an issue in excess. Sweating in large quantities has the potential to deplete water and electrolytes from the body, which decreases the body’s ability to function correctly and increases the risk of weakness, collapse, constipation, and can lead to death or severe illness if left untreated. CEVA’s Energetic Isotonic Oral Powder is an electrolyte supplement designed to meet the needs of specific electrolytes (and a quick boost of bioavailable energy) to help combat the loss through strenuous work and excess sweat.
Preparing Your Horse Mentally and Emotionally
A competition environment can be very exciting for your horse, especially if they haven’t been out for a while!
Separation anxiety or hyperactivity is not uncommon when we take horses out of their comfort zone. Not only are they away from home, but they’re also confronted with lots of distractions, including cars, loudspeakers, and other horses. Attending a training day or booking an arena hire at a new location can help your horse reacclimatise to new environments before entering a busy competition. Making the most out of your preparation will set you and your horse up for a successful and (most importantly) FUN competition season.
At Horseland we want to ensure that you and your horse are performing your best at competitions. Browse our wide range of products at your local Horseland store or online, and take a read of our other blogs on competitions: 9 Tips And Tricks To Remembering Your Dressage Test and Competition Gear Must-Haves.
Written in partnership with Sarah Gallagher, BAppSc Animal Science from CEVA.
