Last updated on December 11, 2024
7 Tips to Help Your Horse Through a Tough Competition Season
The time has come for the NFR! Anyone in the horse industry knows it’s 10 days of the toughest competition in the rodeo world. It’s fun to watch and (presumably) exhilarating to compete in!
But have you ever thought about what it takes to KEEP your horses healthy and happy in such a tough competition? Grueling days upon days of performing at your absolute highest, against the BEST in your discipline. That’s taxing physically and mentally on both horses and humans! No matter what event you compete in, or at what level, it’s important to head into a tough competition season fully prepared: nutritionally, physically, and mentally! Here are 7 tips that we’ve found helpful for any grueling competition, but we’re certain would carry over to the NFR as well.
7 Things to Do to Perform at Your Best During a Tough Competition Season
1. Go in as healthy, in shape, and rested as possible
This might seem like a no-brainer, but bear with us. If you’ve been out of the arena for a while, or haven’t kept up on your training and exercising, it may not be wise to jump headlong into an intense competition season. When facing a grueling schedule, make sure that your training has prepared your horse for that intensity.
If they’re trying to recover from an injury, or just not right, it’s okay to back out of a competition or two until your equine partner is performing at 100%. This can possibly reduce devastating injuries that could put a stop to your season.
Adding in ample time between competitions, travel days, and training sessions for your horse to REST and get settled is imperative for their nerves and mental health too. No matter how seasoned the horse, competitions can be exhausting for them mentally. Give them (and yourself) time to rest.
2. Keep your pre-competition routine as consistent as possible
Heading into an important or grueling event is not the time to change things up! Horses are creatures of habit and usually do not appreciate anything new being introduced…especially during stressful events. Obviously, not every pre-competition routine is going to be 100% the same due to venue, time, and other circumstances but try to stay consistent. If your horse knows what to expect next, it helps them (and you!) be more relaxed.
3. Know what alternative therapies you like for specific instances
Every equine competitor has a favorite go-to therapy for their horses, whether it be chiropractic care, massage, etc. If you know it works well for that horse and that particular injury/issue, don’t switch it up right before a tough competition. This prevents any adverse reactions or unwanted issues from getting in the way of your performance. Stick with what you know until the off-season.
4. Keep your horse’s immune system built up
Horses can get run down during a period of high stress, just like humans. It’s critical during a tough competition season to make sure that they are feeling their best and have their immune defenses up. Keeping cross-contamination from other horses to a minimum, staying on top of nutrition, and feeding an immune-boosting supplement are perfect ways to help support your horse’s immune system.
- Read this blog for ways to keep your horse healthy on the road.
- If you’re not already, feed your horse Immune Key by Animal Element for an extra boost of vitamins. Packed with antioxidant-rich herbs like rosemary and mullein, Immune Key is the perfect way to fight off contagions naturally.
5. Keep YOUR immune system built up during a tough competition schedule
A tough competition season may be asking a lot physically from your horse, but it also demands a lot from YOU! The long drives, extra work, stress over performances and your horse’s health, not-so-healthy venue food, and a slew of other stressors can run you down quickly. Make sure YOU are staying hydrated, taking your vitamins, and trying to eat healthy. DON’T FORGET TO SLEEP!
If you’re not feeling your best, you may make little mistakes on the back of your horse that will cost you time and possibly cause an injury. Plus, your horse can tell when you’re not right. Show up at 100% for them, just like they do for you.
6. Know your horse’s strengths and weaknesses
You know how your horse acts in different arenas. Spend more time getting them adjusted to the lights and sounds if necessary. You know what makes your horse nervous and what helps calm them down. Being aware of where they struggle and where they flourish, and playing into that will help you have a successful competition.
7. Use ITZ to keep everyone calm, cool, collected (and legal)!
In The Zone calming paste is an all-natural way to take the edge off of your horse’s nerves without violating any competition rules or messing with their energy.
Made with gut-friendly ingredients like apple cider vinegar, aloe vera gel, and calcium bentonite, ITZ calms the nervous butterfly feelings in the gut and helps protect against ulcers. Soothing herbs like fenugreek and red raspberry leaf keep the mind calm and relaxed. ITZ is perfect for traveling, helping with gate issues, or any other stressful events.
Check out this blog to learn more.
Make a Tough Competition Season a Little Bit Easier with Animal Element
While you may not be competing in the NFR this month, competing in any equine event can be stressful for horses and humans alike. Entering a tough schedule in shape and rested, sticking to the same pre-performance schedule, using tried-and-true alternative therapies, keeping you and your horse’s immune systems fortified, and using AE supplements like Immune Key and In The Zone are all ways to ease the stress and expectations of a grueling season.
For more information on how Animal Element can help improve your horse’s health and performance, give Mark a call at 509-301-1798
