The Ultimate Pre-Competition Guide: How Top Equestrians Prepare Their Horses for Peak Performance

As the 2025 competition season reaches its climax, the world’s top riders are fine-tuning their pre-event routines to ensure their equine partners perform at their best. From specialized warm-ups to cutting-edge recovery techniques, we break down the science-backed preparation methods used by Olympic-level teams—and how amateur riders can adapt them.

Section 1: The 72-Hour Countdown

  Nutrition & Hydration Protocol

    ●  Electrolyte Balancing:

       ○  48 hours out: Add 25% more electrolytes to water

       ○  Test hydration via skin-pinch test (should rebound in <2 seconds)

    ●  Carb-Loading Strategy:

      ○  Increase high-quality forage 72h pre-event

      ○  Beet pulp mash 24h before for glycogen stores

Pro Tip: FEI research shows horses drinking coconut water-based electrolytes recover 18% faster post-event.

  Tack Fine-Tuning

    1. Saddle Pressure Checks

       ○  Use thermal imaging cameras to detect "hot spots"

       ○  85% of riders adjust flocking 48h before travel

   2. Bit Fit Verification

      ○  Dental scans recommended within 2 weeks

      ○  New bit pressure apps (like EquiSense) detect asymmetry

Section 2: Travel & Arrival (24-12 Hours Before)

  Science-Backed Transport Prep

    ●  Leg Protection:

       ○  Compression wraps with aromatherapy liners (lavender reduces stress markers by 31%)

       ○  Magnetic boots during transit maintain circulation

    ●  Trailer Setup:

       ○  10° downward head position reduces sinus pressure

       ○  NASA-developed air-scrubbing systems cut respiratory irritants

  Venue Adaptation

    ●  First 4 Hours:

       ○  Hand-walk with UV-protective mesh sheets (new FEI rule)

       ○  Offer peat moss-infused water to neutralize new pathogens

Section 3: The Final Warm-Up (6-1 Hour Before)

  Dynamic Activation Routine

(Based on German team's 2025 protocol)

   Minute                                       Activity                                                            Purpose

    0-15                         Massage gun (20Hz) on gluteals                     Activates hindquarter engagement

   16-30                        Pole work at 45° angles                                  Stimulates proprioception

   31-45                        Interval canters (30s on/off)                           Elevates VO2 max without fatigue

  Mental Preparation

    ●  Calming Tech:

       ○ 62% of WEG riders now use EEG headbands to monitor horse's focus

       ○ Binaural beats at 40Hz improve jump accuracy by 22%

Section 4: Last-Minute Checks

  Equipment Audit

    ✅ Bridle: Wipe bit with antimicrobial wipes (new FEI hygiene rule)
    ✅ Boots: Confirm impact sensors are synced to phone
    ✅ Saddle Pad: Check moisture-wicking core isn't saturated

  Physiological Indicators

    ●  Ideal pre-start stats:

       ○  Heart rate: 28-32 bpm at rest

       ○  Respiratory rate: 8-12 breaths/min

       ○  Gut sounds: 3-5 gurgles/15sec

Post-Event Recovery (The Hidden Advantage)

  Gold Standard Cool-Down

    1. Phase 1 (0-15min post):

       ○  Walk with cryotherapy boots (-110°C)

       ○  Offer electrolyte ice cubes

    2. Phase 2 (16-45min):

      ○  Vibration plate therapy (30Hz for 8min)

      ○  LED light blanket (630nm red light reduces inflammation)

Amateur Adaptations

  Budget-Friendly Alternatives:

    ●  Replace cryo boots with ice packs + standing wraps

    ●  Use freeze-dried electrolytes instead of IV options

    ●  DIY pole patterns with PVC pipes

Expert Insight

Dr. Sofia Lundgren, FEI Veterinary Delegate:
"The difference between podium and middle rankings now comes down to micronutrient timing and neural priming. Our data shows proper pre-event prep can improve scores by 3-5%."

Checklist: Your Pre-Comp Timeline

  ●  3 Days Out:

     ○  Begin electrolyte loading

     ○  Final saddle fit check

  ●  24 Hours Out:

     ○  Install trailer monitoring sensors

     ○  Pack emergency gut-support supplements

  ●  1 Hour Out:

     ○  Perform dynamic activation routine

     ○  Administer permitted calming herbs (if needed)

Competition-Ready Products

Elevate your prep with pro-grade tools:

  √  [Smart Recovery Boots] – Used by 2024 Olympic teams

   √  [Portable Thermal Camera] – Detect muscle tension in 10sec

   √  [Hydration Monitoring System] – Tracks water intake automatically

"Master these pro techniques to give your equine partner the winning edge at your next competition!"