A Professional Guide for Riders, Horse Owners and Teams

Preparing for a major equestrian event is very different from preparing for a normal competition.

Large venues, international atmospheres, long travel days, unfamiliar footing and intense schedules place physical and mental demands on horses and riders that go far beyond the average show. Whether you are aiming for performance, experience or exposure, how you prepare will directly shape how your horse copes and how you perform.

From flagship events in France such as Le Printemps des Sports Équestres and Jumping International de La Baule, to major Belgian fixtures like Stephex Masters and Jumping Mechelen, the scale alone demands a higher level of preparation.

This guide focuses on how experienced riders and teams prepare for big events, with horse welfare, resilience and long-term development at the centre.

1. Define the purpose of the event before you plan anything else

Before adjusting training schedules or booking transport, be clear about why you are attending the event.

Ask yourself:

• Is this an experience-building event for a young or inexperienced horse?

• A confidence step within a longer season plan?

• A genuine performance target?

Your answer should influence every decision that follows, from workload to expectations on the day. Riders who skip this step often apply unnecessary pressure or make choices that do not serve the horse long term.

Big events reward clarity of purpose more than ambition alone.

2. Prepare your horse first (professional-level preparation)

At major events, horses are tested on their ability to cope, not just their ability to perform.

Preparation should begin weeks in advance and focus on resilience, routine and recovery, rather than intensity alone.

Build event-specific fitness

Major events often involve:

• Longer warm-up times

• Waiting between classes

• Stop-start work in busy arenas

• Mental fatigue from noise, crowds and movement

Training should reflect these realities. Introduce sessions that include longer walk phases, delayed starts, or work in busier environments so your horse learns to stay relaxed even when routines are disrupted.

Protect routine and familiarity

Stress often shows first in digestion, hydration and behaviour.

In the lead-up:

• Keep feeding and turnout routines consistent

• Avoid introducing new feed, supplements or equipment

• Maintain predictable training patterns

At the event, replicate home routines as closely as possible. Familiarity supports calm behaviour and better recovery.

Plan hoof care backwards from the event

Hoof management should be planned strategically, not reactively.

Consider:

• The footing at the event compared to home

• Whether shoeing timing allows for adjustment

• How the horse typically responds to new shoes

Many experienced riders shoe 7 to 14 days before a major event, leaving time to address any issues before travel.

Support hydration and gut health proactively

Travel stress, unfamiliar water and environmental changes can quickly impact hydration and digestion.

In the weeks before the event:

• Encourage drinking through soaked feeds or mash

• Introduce electrolytes early, not for the first time at the venue

• Consider bringing familiar water or flavouring if your horse is selective

A settled gut often equals a calmer, more focused horse.

Prepare the horse mentally

Mental readiness is just as important as physical condition.

Useful preparation includes:

• Schooling away from home

• Exposure to louder or busier environments

• Practising loading, unloading and standing quietly

A horse that stays mentally relaxed conserves energy and copes better across multi-day events.

Build recovery into the plan

Recovery should be planned, not improvised.

Think ahead about:

• Cool-down routines

• Hand-walking or light movement between classes

• Supportive aftercare such as icing, stretching or massage where appropriate

Horses that recover well stay consistent across long events.

3. Align your support team early

Major events expose gaps in communication very quickly.

Before travelling, ensure alignment with:

• Your trainer or coach

• Grooms or support staff

• Any professionals involved in care

Agree on warm-up plans, workload limits and when to step back if something does not feel right. Clear communication reduces stress for everyone involved, especially the horse.

4. Treat logistics as part of performance

Poor logistics drain energy before you ever enter the arena.

Plan in advance:

• Travel timing and rest stops

• Arrival schedule and stable setup

• Equipment and backup tack

• Required documents and checks

When logistics are calm and organised, riders arrive mentally fresher and horses settle faster.

5. Prepare the rider as carefully as the horse

At big events, rider tension transfers quickly to the horse.

Rider preparation should include:

• Managing sleep and nutrition

• Accepting that big venues feel different

• Staying flexible when plans change

• Letting go of comparisons with others

Calm riders create calmer horses. Confidence comes from preparation, not control.

6. On the day: shift from planning to presence

Once you arrive, stop trying to optimise everything.

Focus instead on:

• Familiar routines

• Your horse’s behaviour and comfort

• Adjusting rather than forcing plans

Success at major events often comes from listening rather than pushing.

7. After the event: reflect, recover, reset

The work is not finished when the class ends.

After the event:

• Prioritise recovery and rest

• Reflect honestly on what went well and what did not

• Note lessons for future preparation

• Thank your support team

Progress at big events comes from reflection, not perfection.

Key takeaways

• Big events test resilience, not just performance

• Preparation should start weeks in advance

• Horse welfare must guide every decision

• Calm, consistent planning outperforms last-minute fixes

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I prepare for a major event?

Ideally several weeks. This allows time to build resilience, plan logistics and avoid rushed decisions.

Is it okay to attend a big event without performance pressure?

Yes. Many riders attend major events primarily for exposure and experience, especially with young or developing horses.

What is the biggest mistake riders make before big events?

Trying to change too much too close to the event. Consistency and confidence usually lead to better outcomes.

Final thought

Big equestrian events are demanding, but they can also be hugely rewarding. Preparation rooted in care, clarity and experience allows both horse and rider to step into these environments with confidence.

Learning from others who have already been there, and sharing those lessons, is one of the most powerful tools in the equestrian world.