Get ready for the season ahead with our handy checklist!

We’re just over a month away from the clocks ‘springing’ forward and we know that lots of you are counting down the days! The evenings are already noticeably lighter which makes evening stables that little bit easier, and hopefully it won’t be long before the weather gets the memo that we’d like some sunshine and respite from the mud...

If you’re busy getting horses ready for the competition season, we thought we’d share a handy checklist to help you out. It’s the product of decades of experience getting horses fit and schooled for competition and ensuring you have everything you need for an enjoyable and successful season.

Saddle checks

Horses change shape as they get fitter, often losing fat while building topline muscle, so it’s important to book regular saddle checks, not just a one-off at the start of the year. A saddle that fitted perfectly in January may feel very different by March, and if there are any issues lurking, you’ll catch them early.

While you’re thinking about tack, take the time to go through all your setup, including any competition kit that might have been stored since the autumn:

●       Check stitching on bridles, girths and reins

●       Inspect billets and girth straps for wear

●       Clean and condition leather so it’s supple and safe

●       Check bits for sharp edges or wear

A quick once-over now can prevent last-minute stress and hopefully prevent unexpected breakages on a competition day.

Feeding and fitness plan

As workloads increase and spring grass begins to emerge, reviewing your horse’s feeding programme is essential:

·         Adjust feed gradually to match work intensity

·         Monitor weight and condition regularly

·         Consider electrolytes or additional support as exercise levels rise

·         Introduce any changes slowly to avoid digestive upset

Attention to detail and keeping adjustments small now can help maintain consistency and support performance as the season progresses.

Check your grooming and turnout kit

Winter can be hard on grooming equipment (who else is sick of everything being covered in mud?!), so giving everything a refresh before the season starts is well worth the effort. Clean and disinfect brushes, replace broken tools, and restock essentials like plaiting bands, shampoo and fly spray. Taking time to organise your grooming kit also makes early competition mornings much smoother, especially if you’re taking several horses with you and always watching the clock.

Is your transport ready?

A pre-season check is essential for all types of transport, trailers, older wagons and very fancy wagons too! We recommend booking servicing early to help avoid the spring rush and give you peace of mind when you begin travelling further afield. Think about the practicalities as well as the mechanical elements, for example is your ramp safe, are partitions secure and is everything easy to access in low light or poor weather? Carrying a headtorch or two is a brilliant idea as you never know if you might end up stuck somewhere in the dark or getting home later than planned. Another note on packing with delays in mind: having extra water, forage, rugs and feed available can make all the difference if you’re held up on the journey home.

Pack first aid kits for horse and human

You should always carry a horse and human first aid kit when you’re travelling, even if you’re ‘only’ popping to the gallops, a clinic or to the vet. Here’s our recommendations for what to include in yours:

Horse first aid essentials might include:

●       Sterile dressings and bandages

●       Safety scissors and some tweezers

●       A clean bowl or bucket

●       Disposable gloves

●       Vet wrap and padding

●       Thermometer

●       Antiseptic spray or solution

●       Saline solution

●       Hoof boot or emergency shoe kit

Human essentials could include:

●       Plasters and sterile dressings

●       Ice packs

●       Pain relief and antihistamines

●       Antiseptic wipes

●       Tweezers and scissors

●       Bandage and safety pins to create a sling

Make sure any wipes and drugs are in date and the packaging is intact to keep dressings sterile. Finally, make sure everything is organised and easy to find when you need it.

Competition admin check

It’s not the most glamorous part of the process, but being organised early removes unnecessary stress later. Renew memberships, double-check your horses’ vaccinations and registrations and make sure passports are easy to locate. We recommend keeping everything in a folder with all your key documents means you’re not scrambling to find paperwork on competition mornings. A little organisation now gives you more time to focus on riding once the season gets underway.

Rider wardrobe and safety kit

Now is a good time to reassess your own equipment and make sure everything is comfortable, safe and competition-ready:

●       Check helmets meet current safety standards

●       Inspect body protectors or air jackets

●       Clean competition jackets, boots and show shirts

●       Replace worn gloves, breeches or accessories

Getting organised ahead of time means if you need to replace anything you'll have time to shop without expensive last-minute purchases. Plus, knowing you have your ducks in a row means the run up to competition dates will be much less stressful! 

Practice away-from-home routines

If your horse is young or green, or it’s been a few years since they last competed consider scheduling a few low-pressure outings before your main competitions (the ones that really link to your goals!). Hiring an arena, attending a clinic or simply travelling somewhere new for schooling can help rebuild confidence for you both. Practicing loading, travelling and warming up in different environments could make all the difference on the big day.

Preparing for the season ahead doesn’t need to be stressful and a little planning now goes a long way towards enjoyable competition days later.  If your checklist highlights anything you’re missing, it’s a great time to take stock. From stocks to boots, grooming kit, bridles, breastplates, martingales and everyday essentials for horse and rider, we stock a huge range designed to support you every step of the way. A quick browse might be all it takes to tick off those final items and head into the season feeling ready!