It’s very scary in the arena, or what to do when the horse is afraid

Horse — a prey animal, so by nature it is programmed to run away from everything unfamiliar and potentially dangerous. Fright during a tournament is a fairly common problem because the horse is used to working at home in a calm atmosphere. We tell you what the rider should remember if the horse is afraid in competition.

This problem is often exacerbated by the riders themselves, who become nervous and tense, which in turn is transmitted to the horse.

It is equally important to prepare the athlete and teach him to remain relaxed and to keep the feeling that the horse is going “from foot to hand” at all times. If the horse is reacting to things around him at the start, it is important that the rider is ready with his foot, hand and voice to help him deal with the problem. In most cases, it is the rider who notices the stimulus before the horse and tenses accordingly.

An essential part of horse training — take her to at least two tournaments where she won’t compete, but where you can ride around the arena and show the atmosphere.

Sometimes, it’s not bad if the horse is alert. If you learn how to properly channel this energy, it will give you an edge over your competitors.

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The solution

1. Useful basic exercise —leg yield. If you can control the horse with your hand and foot at the walk, trot and canter, you will be able to control the situation when the horse gets nervous, passing something creepy, giving him security and confidence.

Start at the long side of the arena. Ask the horse to move away from the outside leg. Once she has done this at the walk, move to a trot and gradually to a canter.

2. If you know, where exactly the horse will worrypass this place shoulder inward. The inward bend will “trick” the horse into not appearing to be moving towards the object that is exciting it.

3. Work on own confidence. If you feel nervous, it will be transferred to your horse. Try to keep a steady contact and confident leg at all times.

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Consider:

• Some riders try to avoid this problem, without driving up to that part of the arena where the horse is clamped. Don’t follow the horse’s lead looks unprofessional for judges.
• Riders are understandably nervous competing in larger competitions, so do not limit yourself in time. Ride around the arena before the show, take breaks and let the horse feel the atmosphere and calm down.
• There are many on the market sedatives, which can be used during tournaments. Pick one that works for your horse. It could be top dressing, muesli, booster or gel in the nose.
• Walk in Levada before a performance can help reduce excess energy in competition, as well as cord just before the start (or on the morning of the tournament) if your horse is especially energetic.

And remember that your starting experience and your partner’s starting experience is only gained during the competition!