Whether you’re heading to your very first local show or gearing up for a more competitive event, thoughtful preparation can make the difference between a stressful outing and a positive, confidence-building experience for both horse and rider.
Let’s walk through how to prepare your horse for a show in a way that supports performance and protects your partnership.
Start with Health and Soundness
Before you commit to a show, your horse needs to be physically ready for the demands of competition. This doesn’t mean peak athletic condition for every horse—but it does mean soundness, comfort, and overall good health.
Several weeks before the event, assess:
- overall body condition
- soundness at all gaits
- hoof balance and shoeing schedule
- dental comfort
- saddle and tack fit
- recovery time after work
If anything feels “off,” address it early. Showing a sore or uncomfortable horse rarely ends well and can create negative associations with competition environments.
Scheduling routine farrier and veterinary care before show season begins helps avoid last-minute stress.
Build Fitness Gradually
Competition places higher physical demands on horses than casual riding. Even short classes require focus, balance, and stamina, especially in unfamiliar environments.
Conditioning should be:
- gradual
- consistent
- appropriate to discipline
- adjusted for age and fitness level
Avoid sudden increases in workload. Instead, build fitness slowly by:
- increasing ride duration
- incorporating transitions
- adding discipline-specific exercises
- including rest days
A fit horse is more confident, recovers faster, and handles stress better.
Train for Consistency, Not Perfection
In the weeks leading up to a show, resist the urge to “cram” training or push for last-minute improvements. This often creates tension and frustration.
Instead, focus on:
- consistent responses to cues
- calm transitions
- steady rhythm
- relaxed movement
- confidence in familiar exercises
Shows highlight what your horse already knows. They are not the place to teach new skills.
If something feels unstable at home, it will feel even harder at a show.
Practice in New Environments
One of the biggest challenges for show horses—especially green ones—is exposure to new surroundings. Bright banners, loudspeakers, crowds, other horses, and unfamiliar footing can overwhelm even steady horses.
Help your horse prepare by:
- riding in different arenas
- hauling to a friend’s barn
- attending clinics or open ride days
- practicing near distractions
- exposing them to trailers, flags, and noise
The more “normal” new environments feel, the less stress your horse will experience on show day.
Prepare Mentally, Not Just Physically
A calm horse performs better than a tense one. Mental readiness matters just as much as conditioning.
Support your horse’s emotional well-being by:
- maintaining a predictable routine
- keeping training sessions positive
- ending rides on a good note
- avoiding excessive drilling
- allowing downtime and turnout
Horses sense pressure. If training becomes tense or rushed, step back. Confidence is built through clarity and trust, not force.
Grooming and Presentation: Start Early
Show grooming takes time, especially if your horse isn’t accustomed to detailed handling.
In the weeks before the show:
- practice bathing
- introduce clippers gradually
- trim bridle paths and fetlocks
- condition mane and tail
- practice braiding if applicable
This avoids last-minute stress and ensures your horse remains relaxed during preparation.
Clean, tidy presentation isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing respect for your horse and the event.
Tack Fit and Equipment Check
A show is not the time to debut new tack. Ill-fitting or unfamiliar equipment can cause discomfort and behavioral issues.
Before the event:
- check saddle fit with pads you’ll use at the show
- ensure girths and bridles are broken in
- inspect reins, billets, and stitching
- confirm boots or wraps fit correctly
Ride at home in your full show setup to ensure your horse moves comfortably and confidently.
Trailer Loading and Travel Practice
Even experienced horses can become anxious if hauling is inconsistent. If your horse doesn’t trailer often, practice well before the show.
Work on:
- calm loading and unloading
- standing quietly in the trailer
- short, low-pressure trips
- eating and drinking away from home
Travel stress can impact appetite, hydration, and performance, so preparation matters.
Nutrition and Hydration Before the Show
Stick with familiar feed routines. Shows are not the time to experiment with new feeds or supplements.
Leading up to the event:
- maintain consistent feeding times
- ensure adequate hydration
- offer salt to encourage drinking
- soak hay or feed if needed
- avoid sudden dietary changes
Bring familiar hay and water if possible. Some horses are sensitive to changes in taste or forage.
Packing Smart: Reduce Show-Day Stress
A well-organized packing system prevents chaos and forgotten essentials.
Prepare a checklist that includes:
- tack and backups
- grooming supplies
- fly spray and hoof oil
- feed, hay, and water buckets
- paperwork and health certificates
- rider equipment
- first aid supplies
Packing ahead of time allows you to focus on your horse rather than scrambling at the last minute.
Show-Day Warm-Up: Less Is Often More
Warm-up sets the tone for your ride. Overworking your horse before a class can lead to fatigue and tension.
Aim for:
- light stretching
- relaxed movement
- clear communication
- reinforcing basics
- calm focus
Your warm-up should leave your horse feeling confident—not exhausted.
Managing Nerves—Yours and Your Horse’s
Nerves are normal. Horses pick up on human emotions quickly, so managing your own stress is part of preparation.
Helpful strategies include:
- breathing exercises
- sticking to routine
- focusing on process, not outcome
- giving yourself extra time
- keeping expectations realistic
Remember: your horse doesn’t know about ribbons. They just want clarity, comfort, and reassurance.
After the Show: Recovery and Reflection
Once the show is over, your job isn’t done.
Aftercare includes:
- cooling down properly
- checking legs and hooves
- offering water and hay
- allowing turnout or rest
- monitoring soreness
Take time to reflect on what went well and what can improve next time. Every show—good or bad—is valuable information.
Setting Healthy Expectations
Not every show will go perfectly. That’s okay.
Success might look like:
- staying relaxed in a new environment
- completing classes calmly
- loading easily
- maintaining focus
- building experience
Progress matters more than placings, especially for green horses.
The Bottom Line
Preparing your horse for a show or competition is about thoughtful planning, steady training, and emotional support. When preparation is done well, shows become opportunities to grow—not stressful tests of perfection.
By focusing on your horse’s physical comfort, mental readiness, and confidence, you set the stage for positive experiences that strengthen your partnership both in and out of the arena.
A well-prepared horse doesn’t just perform better—they trust you more. And that trust is the real prize.
