Posted: 27th April 2015 | Back to news feed
Whether you are new to the competition arena or compete regularly, knowing how to warm up your horse prior to your test can make all the difference.
Firstly always allow a little extra time when planning your journey to the show, running just five minutes late can cause stress to you and raise adrenalin levels that will transfer through to your horse.
If you are new to competing remember that your horse may react differently in the warm up to how they would at home, be prepared to get off if your horse is starting to get tired or you think they are ready to do their test.
Get your horse as relaxed as possible before you really start working him during the warm up, the length of time you spend on your horse prior to your test depends upon your horse, with some requiring longer than others.
As a general rule 45 minutes should be sufficient, although if your horse suffers from nerves you might need to take a bit longer. Pony stallion Cyden Oostings Amigo only requires a 25 minute warm up – it really is about knowing your own horse and what suits them.
Spend the first 10-15 minutes walking, allowing your horse to stretch, before moving on to 10 minutes of stretching at trot and canter.
Go back to walk for another five minutes before picking up the pace to do 10 – 15 minutes in a competition outline, working on suppleness and correct balance, as well as making sure your horse is reacting to your leg.
Always respect others when warming up and stick to the inner track when walking to allow other riders to pass on the outside track. Give priority to riders performing lateral movements to avoid disturbing their line or rhythm.
Warming up when on a stallion
If like Lara you are competing a stallion, warming up presents its own unique set of issues to consider.
A young stallion must be introduced to being worked around other horses prior to attending a show, get them used to working in a confined space with other horses passing closely behind.
With an older more experienced stallion it is still wise to keep your focus and try to avoid getting too close behind other horses.
Always wear a stallion tag on your horses’ bridle to make other riders aware that your horse is a stallion.
The highs and lows
The best prepared horses and riders still sometimes make mistakes, something Lara found out at a recent Regional Final.
Riding her KWPN-approved stallion Cyden Bodyguard Moorland she missed out three of the compulsory movements and only completed three minutes of the five allowed, walking where she should have been cantering and then halting and saluting when she should have walked.
When Bodyguard was still awarded a score of 68.67 percent, she was left wondering what might have been!
Cyden Cadans M and Cyden Bodyguard Moorland will be standing at Stallion AI Services from June 17 – July 15, with frozen semen available from Cyden Oostings Amigo.
For Further information contact Lara Dyson on 07920 452739, visit htwww.cydendressage.com or like the Cyden Dressage facebook page for news of all three Cyden Stallions and other horses and ponies for sale.
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