What’s in the brain goes down the rein
Showjumping success doesn’t all happen in the saddle. Mark Hallion shares his behind-the-scenes advice to help you keep calm on show day
As told to Kiera Boyle.
Photos: Peter Nixon
Our expert
Mark Hallion is an international showjumper and trainer. He’s competed regularly on the European circuit and runs a successful breeding programme that has produced horses who’ve won the four- and six-year-old championships at Hickstead.
On the day of a competition there’s so much to think about – making sure you don’t forget anything, leaving enough time to walk the course, and that’s all before your horse even sets hoof in the ring. On top of that, you need to try and stay relaxed and focused throughout the day as well. The way I deal with the stresses of competition day is by enlisting a trusted routine that I always follow, every time. By making sure everything’s ready in advance then sticking to the same techniques when I arrive and while I prepare to go into the arena, I know that I’ll be on track and in the right headspace to go out and win. If you struggle to keep your cool at a show, here’s how I do it – why not give it a go?