If you’re new to eventing, the sport can be challenging. There are many different aspects to eventing that require a high level of skill and concentration, especially if you want to achieve success. Whether you’re a casual rider looking to have fun with friends in the backyard or a competitive rider looking for a serious challenge, eventing has something for everyone. If you want to reach the next level, here are some helpful eventing horse riding tips to get you started:
Find a horse you like
The most important factor in eventing is your horse. Find a horse you like, and make sure you can ride it. Ideally, you want to find a horse that’s suitable for eventing and that you are comfortable riding. If you don’t have a particular horse in mind, try browsing horse forums to find other eventers with similar interests and find out what’s best for you.If you’re a first-time eventer, it is always recommended to start out on a relatively easy horse that you can get used to eventing on. This will allow you to learn the ropes and have plenty of time to perfect your technique and build up your confidence so you can progress to a more difficult horse when you’re ready.
Learn the basics
One of the best things you can do before you start eventing is to learn the basics. This will help you get more out of your time at the ring and help you in the long run. For example, if you want to canter, make sure you’re comfortable with it before you start jumping. If you canter before you jump, you might end up with a really awkward canter, which isn’t very effective. It’s better to master it before you jump.Find out what type of event you want to compete in and what you need to do to prepare for it. Make sure you practice the basics of your event and don’t skip anything. This will give you a head start and help you have more fun.
Start slow and build up
If you’re coming from trail riding or other disciplines, it’s best to start eventing slowly. You don’t want to put yourself in a situation where you’re expected to win, especially if you’re new to the sport. Start out by doing things that are less stressful, like practising cross-country. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can slowly start to add in some more challenging disciplines.Keep in mind that if you’re doing a beginner level event, you don’t have to win. Your goal should be to have fun, enjoy yourself, and learn as much as you can.
Find the right event
When you’re new to eventing, it’s best to start off with a beginner level event. While it may be tempting to jump right into a higher level event, this isn’t the best idea. You don’t want to put yourself in a situation where you’re expected to win. Instead, choose an event that is challenging, but not too difficult.You can always upgrade as you progress, but you don’t want to put yourself in a situation where you’re expected to win. It’s better to start off on the right foot so that you have a good experience, no matter what happens.
Keep hydrated and rested
As with any sport, it is important to hydrate and rest before you compete. In eventing, you can’t afford to get dehydrated, so make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day. Rest is just as important as hydration. You don’t want to go into an event exhausted. Make sure you get plenty of sleep, especially if you’re competing on a weekend.When it comes to eventing, you want to try to keep your horse’s weight consistent. If you know you’re going to be competing, you should make sure to feed your horse before the event so it has plenty of energy. If you’re on a trail ride, you can supplement your horse’s diet with grain to keep them energized.
Conclusion
Eventing is a great sport for anyone who loves horses. It is challenging, but also fun and rewarding if you’re a skilled rider. It is important to prepare for each event, so you don’t put yourself in a situation where you’re afraid of failing or getting frustrated. Start off with a beginner level event, make sure to keep hydrated and rested, and learn the basics before you compete. If you follow these eventing horse riding tips, you can have a lot of fun and improve your riding skills at the same time!