{"id":96137,"date":"2023-01-30T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-30T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antares-sellier.com\/?p=96137"},"modified":"2026-04-01T14:05:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T12:05:04","slug":"preparing-riding-competition-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/preprod.antares-sellier.com\/en\/preparing-riding-competition-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing your riding competition season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the end of winter draws closer, so does the start of the competition season<\/strong>. So, after several months of Sunday lie-ins, it’s time to get up at the crack of dawn. But while you may have been yearning to get back in the saddle, it has to be properly prepared for a seamless transition to the arena. Here’s our advice to get your 2023 riding competition season off to a flying start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set yourself specific targets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n


This is one of the best ways to stay focused all season long. Is your main goal<\/strong> to compete in a championship event? Or do you want to change category? Whatever it is, it will be your goal to reach. But to make it more achievable, try to split your ultimate aim into several sub-objectives<\/strong>. If you do this, you’ll have a clear roadmap to follow with each milestone constituting smaller key stages.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Your riding competition season will be planned out and it’ll be easier for you to organise<\/strong> yourself on daily basis. But don’t forget, nothing is set in stone! You should know how to adjust to the ups and downs of riding. Your horse’s well-being<\/strong> is your prime concern, so stay tuned to him or her throughout the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set up a training schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n


Once your riding competition season is clear in your head, you can plan your training sessions<\/strong> with your horse. This schedule should build up gradually. That why thinking ahead to each competition event is crucial because it’s key to spreading out your workload. If your horse has lost some muscle tone after a period of rest, make resolving this your priority. Perfecting your technique comes second.
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Also, mix up<\/strong> your training sessions. Some can target building up muscles while others may focus on stretching. Read our article on the subject for some helpful hints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


[Stretching: What stretching exercises can do with your horse? ]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


If you can, make use of outdoor spaces<\/strong> where you stable your horse. Outdoor exercise is a big boost to your horse’s mood and its posture which will naturally be pointing downwards.<\/p>\n\n\n

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That said, the training plan isn’t just for your horse. It’s best if you have one too! Firstly it helps you to comfortably switch between work and home life and the time you spend at the stables. There’s no denying it, riding is a sport that is very time-consuming<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Also, doing other sports<\/strong> can be good for your mind and body. Lower body joints and core strength are two areas which are strongly affected by riding. Building the muscles in other parts of your body, cardio workouts or yoga can help your riding technique. There are many physical activities that are a good match with riding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tailor your workout the day before you ride<\/h2>\n\n\n\n


There’s no point reinventing the wheel <\/strong>when it comes to the day before a competition. Normally, most of the work has been done in the past weeks and months. Ideally, you should be checking that you’ve the basics<\/strong> covered and getting your horse into its best possible condition. This last workout must be tailored to the type of impending event. Depending on where you are in the season, you should adapt your preparations accordingly. There may be more things you have to work on just before a championship event compared to when the season starts.
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Marie Pellegrin recommends going over the basics<\/strong> just before a competition. In her opinion, it’s the best way to hit the ground running on a show-jumping course. Check out her tips in her interview: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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