Handling travel fatigue

FOr riders on the international circuit, managing travel fatigue and jet lag could make the difference between a good or a bad day in the ring.

“The earlier they can get on that time zone, the better their training is going to be, and the more they are going to be able to retain,” adds Dr Bender.

The BeF is also focusing on the impact time differences at the 2018 World equestrian Games in Tryon 2018 and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will have on riders, and is planning jet lag strategies for both.

“We all deal with jet lag and travel fatigue in different ways and it is about tailoring plans for each rider as much as we can,” says Dr Bennett.

Showjumper emily moffitt, who bases herself in both Britain and the US, has found her ability to “sleep anywhere” highly useful.

“On competition days I like to get a solid eight hours of sleep — I will probably take a nap after I’m done riding, too,” she says, adding that listening to music helps her to clear her mind.

“As long as I have air conditioning I’m set; I’m like a polar bear when it comes to keeping my room cold.

“I haven’t had to deal with the jet lag situation yet, as usually when I travel to a different place with a huge time difference I have a few days to adjust.

“I just force myself to stay awake in order to adjust to the time change.”