4-year-old championship

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Accepted Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question! How lovely to be riding a championship! 🥰 The important thing here, I think, is to remember that this is a very young horse about to do one of the hardest things it has faced so far. A good plan and the right mindset around that really matter. In a test, the judges want to see various movements performed, and they also assess the partnership, the balance, the rideability and so on. 💫🌷 I would focus on schooling the different parts of the test separately. Work on the first third in one session, then do something completely different. Next time, take the second third, then do something completely different again, then the final third, and again finish with something else. That way you keep the sessions short and the quality high, well within what the horse can manage, and afterwards you can hack out, for example, and do something the horse enjoys. ❤️ At some point, ride the whole test through, mainly so the two of you recognise the lines, transitions, changes of tempo and so on. That way you both know where you are going, rather than drilling some tiny detail in fine isolation. Worth remembering is that young horses tire quickly and lose focus, so keep that in mind when you plan your training and your sessions. Let the horse, and you, finish on a positive note, with the work done safely and calmly, so that you both want to carry on. 🥰 In the run-up to a championship it is easy to want a little too much, so it is wise to review the horse's workload so that it also has time for some well-earned rest and can feel strong and fresh. It is a good idea to give the horse a rest after a step like this in its development too, letting it settle and simply be a horse again for a while afterwards. 💫 Your own preparation matters just as much: feeling secure that you know the arrangements, know the test, and have everything packed and ready. 😊 Have a list of what needs to come, anything to keep in mind, feed, transport and so on. That way you keep stress to a minimum and can be fully present for your young horse, who needs you to be the steady point when you head off on an adventure together! ❤️ The very best of luck with your lovely horse! 🌸