The show must go on
Think winter’s dull? Think again! Find out how you can stay competitive with your horse this season
Words: Kiera Boyle.
Photos: Jon Stroud
Just because the cold season’s upon us, doesn’t mean your competitive dreams need to be put on hold. From unaffiliated indoor dressage to arena eventing and more, there’s still plenty to get excited about at this time of year for the competitively minded. With options to suit everyone and plenty of opportunities to qualify for the big occasions, there’s no reason why your weekends can’t be laden with competitive plans this winter. Not sure where to begin? We’ve got the ultimate guide to how and why winter competing’s the one.
Aim high
Ready to up those scores and come home consistently clear from your jumping rounds? Well, now’s the perfect time to turn your attention to your training, whether that’s introducing your youngster to the big wide world or refining your eventer’s jumping technique.
Before you start submitting entries here, there and everywhere, take the time to assess what you need to do more of to achieve next season’s goals. Perhaps it’s time to attend some low-key dressage competitions to get your horse used to the warm-up arena? Maybe a winter of showjumping’s in order, so you can practise shaving off those seconds and riding nimble turns within the confines of an indoor school? Whatever it is you need to do to progress, now’s the time to action it.