Horse guides & advice

Performance & training

At Petplan Equine, we know that success starts long before you get in the saddle. From building fitness and confidence to developing skills and strengthening the partnership between horse and owner, there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes.

Explore expert advice on training, polework, rider fitness, competition preparation and performance, designed to help both you and your horse progress, whatever your goals.

Competing in winter

From the exhilaration of hunter trials, the accuracy of showjumping, and the intricacy and elegance of dressage, there’s a wide range of competitions for you and your horse to enjoy this winter.

We look at what’s on offer through the winter months and offer tips for surviving shows when it’s cold and wet.

Horse training videos

Petplan Equine have teamed up with Charlie Hutton from the renowned Talland School of Equitation to produce a series of videos to help dressage riders achieve those extra marks during a dressage test.

Back in the saddle: How to stop nerves holding you back

Got butterflies at the thought of getting back on your horse or competing again? From happy hackers to dressage divas, we’ve all been through a riding confidence crisis. Riding Mindset and Confidence Coach, Jane Brindley, shares her strategies for banishing nerves when you get back in the saddle.

More guides & advice from Petplan Equine

Buying & loaning advice

Daily care & management

Health & veterinary care

Behaviour & wellbeing

Confidence building exercises

From happy hackers to dressage divas, we’ve all been through a riding confidence crisis. Riding Mindset and Confidence Coach, Jane Brindley, shares her strategies for banishing nerves when you get back in the saddle.

Groundwork exercises to improve your horse's strength and suppleness

Groundwork, or in-hand work, is a valuable tool for improving your horse’s physical condition, body awareness and manners – all without even getting in the saddle.

What is horse hydrotherapy

Equine hydrotherapy isn’t just for top competition horses – it can be a great way to improve fitness and build muscle, especially after an injury. We spoke to Petplan Equine veterinary expert Gil Riley to find out more.

Step-by-step guide to lunging

Lunging is a great way to keep your horse fit, but are you working them correctly? In this guide, BHS Level 4 complete coach and dressage rider Stef Eardley discusses how to lunge your horse safely and effectively.

Step-by-step guide to long-reining

Long-reining offers a host of benefits for both young and experienced horses. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started and long-rein with confidence.

Horse training videos

Warming up and cooling down

The warm-up is a vital part of any routine, and skipping it could put both you and your horse at risk of injury. We speak to experts who share their rider and horse warm-up routines.

Improve your horse's performance with polework

Do you want to add some fun to your schooling, while also developing suppleness, balance and responsiveness in your horse and yourself? These polework exercises can help you do just that.

Four ways to build your horse's core

Ensuring your horse has a strong core will help him to fulfill his athletic potential and avoid injury. Emma Dainty, ACPAT and chartered physiotherapist, discusses why having a strong core is important, and how to achieve it.

13 releases in total

Petplan Equine is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited (Registered in England and Wales with company number 1282939) and Allianz Insurance plc (Registered in England and Wales with company number 84638). Pet Plan Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Allianz Insurance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority reference number 121849. Registered address: 15 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 3AR