Competition season is upon us and for many it’s a time of great anticipation and excitement, with much preparation having gone into readying your horse (and yourself) for the demands of competitions.
However, with COVID-19 forcing many competitions and events into cancellation, with no clear indication as to when the current situation will ease, it’s an uncertain and disappointing time for those of us with hopes and dreams for the season.
But just because you can’t compete, doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of this time in a number of other ways.
Here’s how:
- Focus on training your horse at home. There’s so much you can do in the safety of your own premises. Concentrate on basic ground work first and then try some more advanced exercises.
- Enter online shows/try online coaching. This is something more and more instructors are offering. If you’re a competitive person, then online dressage enables you to compete with others from the comfort of your own home. You can even win rosettes!
- Teach your horse something new. With potentially more time on your hands over the next few weeks and months, use it to do something you wouldn’t ordinarily have had chance to do but always wanted to try.
- Get those odd jobs done around the yard. Life can be busy and it’s often hard keeping on top of everything that needs doing day-to-day. If you can use this time to get ahead, your future self will thank you for it.
- Get the grooming kit out and give your horse some extra love and attention. Just because you’re not competing, doesn’t mean your horse can’t look (and smell) its best!
If you have any other ideas on ways you can cope with cancelled shows and events, please let us know! Feel free to comment below to share your suggestions with our other readers.
Written by: Hannah
