How to prepare your horse for a successful horse show season

With the spring horse shows just around the corner, it's time to prepare your horse for success in the show ring. Whether you are an experienced rider or are new to the sport, there are a few key steps you can take to ensure that your horse is ready to perform at its best in the horse show ring.

 One of the most important steps you can take while preparing for horse shows is to follow a comprehensive equestrian training program. This should include a combination of riding knowledge and techniques, as well as physical fitness and mental preparation. Riders and horses must be able to perform a straight and organized working trot for at least twenty minutes without a break before they even consider horse showing. Many horses do not build up enough forward momentum and balance in their training to engage and build musculature their hind-end, core and topline.

Additionally, when horse showing, excitement and nerves can take over — and those feelings can be transferred to your horse. Working with a mental skills coach along with your riding trainer can help you develop a training plan that is tailored to your horse's strengths and abilities, allowing you to focus on specific areas for improvement.

Equestrian training develops a rider’s mental acuity, both in and out of the saddle. Through equestrian training, riders learn discipline, perseverance, grit and hard work. They cultivate a feel for what is correct while learning to be brave and in control of their emotions and challenging themselves. They also learn how to accept feedback and gain physical and emotional strength through showing horses. Show horse training allows riders to learn to cooperate with their animal to achieve great success.

Another important aspect of preparation is to ensure that your horse is healthy enough for show horse training and is in top physical condition. One way to support your horse's health and performance is by providing the proper nutrition. Lifeforce Elite can help. Lifeforce Elite is a performance supplement specifically designed for horses, providing them with the essential trace minerals they need to maintain healthy cartilage and synovial fluid in their joints. By providing them with these essential nutrients, Lifeforce Elite can help support your horse's health and performance, allowing them to perform at their best in the ring.

In addition to proper nutrition, it is also important to ensure that your horse is well-rested and hydrated leading up to the show season. This may involve adjusting your horse's exercise routine or providing them with additional time to rest and recover between show horse training sessions.

Finally, it is important to have a plan in place for the day of the show. This may involve coordinating with your coach or trainer to ensure that you and your showing horses arrive on time, have a clear understanding of the schedule and are prepared for any unexpected events. Learn the proper warm-up ring etiquette, and have a plan established before you get on your horse. By having a plan in place, you can help minimize stress for both you and your horse and ensure a smooth and successful showing experience.