1 – A Week Beforehand

It is always good to prepare early, especially if you are staying overnight.  Some of the things you will need to start preparing are your feed and water containers, your first-aid kit, mucking out equipment, spare tack and equipment. It is good practice to check the stitching on your saddle, bridle and stirrups. If there are any issues with them, you have a week to find replacements.  You might also need to fill out health papers and registration documents if you have not already been asked to do so. Always make sure you have your horses’ passport for travel and check-in.

You should also have some protein prepared, such as a protein bar for energy as well as a sports drink that contains electrolytes to keep you going. If your event is held outdoors, you might require suncream too, so don’t forget that. We personally always pack an extra set of waterproofs if we are at a UK event! Also, your own supplies and attire should be washed and ready.

2 – The Days Before

Most events will have overnight stabling for your horses so you can get them tucked in and relaxed with time to spare.  It also gives you a chance to arrange your tack, get checked in at the secretary’s office and find your bearings.

3 – The Preceding Hours

Groom your horse at least a day before the show. This has a calming effect as well as making your horse feel and look better. Anything you can do to prepare beforehand will always help you on the day. Try to warm up in advance of the class starting, if you can give your horse a test ride around the arena and get him used to the surface and the feel of it. Make sure that you feed your horse a couple of hours beforehand and a little ration about an hour before you get going. After that, relax and enjoy the rest of the event.

Here is a good video to help you to prepare…

What is the next event you are preparing for? We’d love to hear your top tips for preparing both physically and mentally on our Facebook page here. Or if you are looking for some training come along for some with Fiona Stuart and ex-international eventer. Get in touch here or call on 07740 986 348 to find out more.

Eventing Packing Checklist

Here is a handy quick print packing list to us as a checklist for eventing:

• Up to date Horse passport
• Grooming kit/hoof oil or grease
• Two buckets (drinking & washing)
• Sweat scraper and large sponge
• A tank of water for horse washing/drinking
• Dressage Test sheets
• Mucking out tools/skip bucket
• Spare clothes
• Bandages / wraps
• Sweatsheet/rainsheet
• Towels
• Saddle
• Stud Girth
• Bridle
• Bits
• Breastplate or Martingale
• Range of Studs & Stud Kit
• Hairnets
• Eventing jacket
• Body protector
• Cross country jumper
• Cross country silk
• Black silk
• Skull cap
• Cross country boots
• Tendon boots
• White Dressage saddle cloth
• Feeds & buckets
• Hay & nets
• Electrolytes
• Directions and contact numbers for stabling, event and accommodation
• Times / number
• Number Bib
• Sewing kit
• Breeches, boots/chaps
• 2 x riding gloves
• Horse first aid kit
• Sewing/plaiting bands
• Ice tight and brown paper

The post Preparing for your Event and What to Bring appeared first on TULLOCHAN FARM.