Competing in winter

From indoor showjumping and arena eventing to Petplan Area Festival competitions and hunter trials, there are plenty of riding competitions to keep you and your horse busy this winter.

While it makes more sense for some riders to slow down over winter or give their horse some time off due to lack of time, others enjoy keeping their horse fit and competing. Indoor schools and all-weather surfaces ensure there are still plenty of competitions for riders to aim for in winter. We take a look at the options and find out how best to ensure your horse’s welfare through the winter show season.

Whether you’re an experienced dressage competitor or just starting out between the white boards, the Petplan Area Festivals are friendly and relaxed, and the perfect way to experience the excitement of qualifying and competing at a championship show.

Riders can compete at regular British Dressage shows to qualify for the Area Festivals in a range of classes from Prelim to Inter 1. Qualification for the Winter series begins in July and runs through until December, with the Area Festivals taking place in January and February the following year. The series also concludes with the Petplan Winter Area Festival Championships in April.

For those who enjoy showjumping, many equestrian centres with indoor and outdoor arenas offer winter showjumping competitions, both affiliated and unaffiliated, with a variety of different height classes.

If you want to aim for championships and compete in leagues, British Showjumping offers a host of championships to qualify for, across all levels. These range from young horse classes to pony classes and amateur classes – and run throughout the winter.

If eventing is your game, the British Eventing (BE) Bates Winter Series comprises arena eventing, which combines showjumping and cross-country fences on a surface.

This competition format is open to members and non-members of BE. Arena eventing is open to riders from age 12 and up, and includes a showjumping round followed by a simulated cross-country round with heights from 80cm to 100cm. Find out more on the BE website.

If you love the thrill of galloping over fences across open land, then hunter trials are for you.

Hunter trials are events where riders tackle a set course of solid cross-country fences, aiming to jump clear and finish within the optimum time. The competitor with the fewest penalties and closest to the optimum time is the winner.

Riders can often compete as individuals or sometimes pairs. In the pairs class there are often ‘dressing fences’, where riders must jump side by side in perfect synchronisation.

Hunter trials are great for riders of all abilities, and most offer classes from 50cm through to more technical 100cm courses. Search online to find events near you.

Our horses work hard for us, so it’s important we take good care of them during the winter show season to prevent injury and illness that could require a horse insurance claim. Petplan Equine vet, Gil Riley, offers his advice for ensuring your horse’s welfare at competitions during the colder months.

Your horse may drop fitness during the winter months due to the lack of daylight hours in which to exercise them, so make sure the competitions you are entering are appropriate for your horse’s current level of fitness.

Try to still fit in riding during the week if you are expecting your horse to compete at the weekends.

Horses are more prone to respiratory illness during the winter months, which can affect their performance. Soak dusty hay for 30 minutes in cold, clean water and feed it wet, and opt for dust-extracted bedding.

Your horse and their muscles are going to be colder in general during the winter, so spend extra time (at least 10 minutes) on both your and your horse’s warm-up routine to ensure muscles are ready for action. This will also help to prevent injury.

The cool-down is just as important, especially if your horse gets hot and sweaty. Walk them sufficiently after competing, for at least 10 minutes, to help them cool down and prevent them catching a chill or tying up.

Use a thermal exercise sheet to keep your horse’s hindquarters and back muscles warm when warming up, and especially when standing around in between classes at a show. Keep them moving by walking them around so they don’t stiffen up.

Don’t put competition bandages, wraps, boots or travel boots on dirty legs as this can cause irritation and other winter-related skin conditions. Make sure they are clean and dry before you put anything on your horse’s legs.

It’s tempting to remove lots of hair during the winter months, but only remove as much hair as necessary to prevent your horse losing weight due to being cold.

Very few horses work hard enough in the winter to require a full clip or even a hunter clip. Only remove the hair where your horse sweats.

Similarly, don’t be tempted to feed your horse unnecessary hard feed in the winter, especially if they are spending more time stabled – you could end up with a very spritely, fresh horse that puts on unwanted weight.

Forage is key during the winter, as the process of forage fermentation is what keeps them warm. Adding electrolytes to feed will aid rehydration after exercise, and feeding fibre before exercise and travel will also reduce the risk of gastric ulcers developing. Make sure your horse always has access to fresh water to reduce the risk of impaction colic.

Even the best arenas can freeze over during cold spells, or become boggy from excess rain. If you are concerned, call the show venue before you leave to check the surfaces are safe to ride on.

There’s nothing worse than being cold and wet at a show, so make sure you’re wearing enough layers to stay warm. Base layers are a brilliant way to add extra warmth without bulk to your competition outfit, and are also wicking if you perspire during your performance.

You’ll find thermal socks cosy as well as thermal gloves, and there are even waterproof and thermal competition breeches and boots available on the market. A good tip is to always have spare dry clothing in your car or lorry, so if you do get wet, you can get changed into something dry. And don’t forget your waterproof layers for wearing over your competition gear while you warm up.