Competitions and shows can be overwhelming for even the most seasoned horses. New environments, loudspeakers, crowds, unfamiliar horses, and the general buzz of show day can trigger stress, tension, or explosive behaviour. This guide explains how to keep your horse calm from the moment you load the trailer to the moment you leave the arena — so you can both enjoy the day.
1. Preparation Starts at Home
A calm show day begins long before you arrive at the venue.
Practise:
-
Loading and unloading
-
Standing tied
-
Riding in different arenas
-
Working around distractions
-
Short trips to new places
Exposure builds confidence.
2. Travel Calmly & Comfortably
1. Keep the Journey Smooth
Drive steadily — horses balance constantly.
2. Offer Hay
Chewing helps reduce stress.
3. Travel With a Companion (If Possible)
Many horses relax when travelling with a buddy.
4. Arrive Early
Rushing increases anxiety for both horse and rider.
3. Settle Your Horse on Arrival
1. Walk Them Around
Let them look, sniff, and take in the environment.
2. Keep Your Energy Calm
Your horse mirrors your emotions.
3. Avoid Overcrowded Areas
Give them space to decompress.
4. Warm‑Up Strategies for Nervous Horses
1. Start With Groundwork
A few minutes of:
-
Walking in‑hand
-
Yielding hindquarters
-
Backing up
-
Circles
This resets their brain and focuses them on you.
2. Keep the Warm‑Up Short
Nervous horses often get more anxious the longer they’re in the warm‑up ring.
3. Avoid Busy Warm‑Ups
If possible, warm up during quieter moments.
4. Use Familiar Exercises
Stick to what your horse knows:
-
Transitions
-
Circles
-
Serpentines
-
Polework (if available)
Familiarity builds confidence.
5. Managing Show‑Ring Nerves
1. Enter the Arena Calmly
Walk in with purpose — don’t rush.
2. Give Your Horse a Moment to Look
Let them take in the surroundings before asking for work.
3. Breathe & Ride Softly
Tension in your body = tension in your horse.
4. Focus on Rhythm
A steady rhythm helps settle nerves.
6. Common Show‑Day Problems & How to Fix Them
1. Spooking
Solution:
-
Keep the horse moving
-
Use circles
-
Don’t stare at the spooky object
2. Calling to Other Horses
Solution:
-
Keep them focused with transitions
-
Avoid standing still too long
3. Tension or Rushing
Solution:
-
Ride deeper corners
-
Use serpentines
-
Slow, steady breathing
4. Refusing to Go Forward
Solution:
-
Stay calm
-
Use gentle leg aids
-
Avoid over‑correcting
7. After Your Class
1. Cool Down Properly
Walk until breathing returns to normal.
2. Offer Water
Hydration reduces stress and fatigue.
3. Reward Generously
Praise, scratches, treats — make the experience positive.
4. Let Them Relax
A quiet walk around the venue helps them decompress.
8. Build Positive Associations Over Time
The more shows your horse attends, the more confident they’ll become.
Tips:
-
Start with small, quiet venues
-
Bring a calm companion
-
Keep early outings short
-
Celebrate small wins
Confidence grows with experience.