Event coach Caroline Moore:
Eventer and trainer Caroline Moore shares her pre-competition workout for boosting jumping confidence
Going out to competitions can be nerve-racking. Giving your horse a pre-competition tune up a few days before can really help to boost your confidence and performance in the ring.
COMING UP WITH novel exercises that will engage your horse and prepare him mentally and physically for competition day can be tough. If you’re getting ready for a specific event there are bound to be other things on your mind — not least making sure that everything goes smoothly on the day and combatting pre-competition jitters. If you struggle with how best to prepare for a showjumping or cross-country competition, or if you get distracted by battling your nerves, don’t worry as eventer and trainer Caroline Moore has the perfect schooling solution. “I use these exercises with all of my clients. They provide a great workout to get horses thinking for themselves,” says Caroline. “Horses that rush will particularly benefit from the second exercise, as it teaches them not to rely on their canter. “I’d advise doing the full set of exercises as part of your horse’s day-to-day training so that you’re not throwing a whole new regime at him days before a competition,” adds Caroline. “That way there’ll be a familiarity to it, so the next time you perform the exercises they’ll act as a real boost to you and your horse’s confidence. “Use the last exercise in particular — either on its own, or after performing the full set of exercises — as a pre-competition workout four or five days prior to the event to increase speed and accuracy.” Ensure that you and your horse warm up properly before beginning the exercises.
“Don’t let your horse springboard to it; you’re not asking for a sudden lurch over the jump. The movement should feel controlled and smooth”