Image by Thomas G. from Pixabay
Show season asks a lot from your horse. One weekend it’s a long trailer ride in summer heat, the next it’s a drafty stall at a busy fairground. Add in late nights, early mornings, and unpredictable weather, and even the most seasoned competitor can feel the strain.
Comfort isn’t just a “nice to have” in these moments, it’s the foundation for keeping your horse healthy, focused, and ready to perform.
Start With the Basics: Protection and Comfort
Before the hustle of the show begins, check the simple things. Daily grooming does more than make your horse shine. It helps you notice little issues like rubs, swelling, or sore spots before they turn into bigger problems. Don’t forget a quick hoof check too – small stones or a loose shoe can easily derail a weekend.
Gear plays a huge role in comfort. Something as straightforward as horse blankets can help with sudden temperature drops or keep muscles warm between classes. Think of it like keeping an athlete’s jacket handy – small adjustments can keep your horse feeling relaxed and ready.
Protection also means looking at the environment. On warm, buggy days, fly masks or lightweight sheets can be just as important as blankets. And before tacking up, take a minute to double-check saddle pads and girths for signs of rubbing. These little steps may not feel dramatic, but they set the tone for a horse that feels cared for and ready to perform.
Hydration Matters More Than You Think
If you’ve ever had a horse refuse water at a show, you know how stressful it can be. Dehydration sneaks up fast and can sap your horse’s energy, sometimes before you even realize it.
Bringing water from home often helps, since some horses turn their noses up at water that tastes different. Flavored water or electrolyte mixes are also useful, and many riders rely on simple tricks like adding a splash of apple juice to encourage drinking.
Making hydration a routine part of show prep is key. Small adjustments, like offering soaked hay or monitoring the color of your horse’s urine, give you early clues about fluid balance and help prevent bigger problems down the line. Studies and practical checklists from equine experts emphasize that consistency and observation are the best defenses against dehydration, especially during long days away from home.
Keep Things Familiar
Horses love routine. The showground may be bustling with activity, but your horse will relax if mealtimes, hay, and even buckets feel familiar. Packing the same hay and grain you use at home avoids sudden diet changes, and even bringing your horse’s favorite grooming brush or feed pan can give them a sense of normalcy.
If your horse isn’t a seasoned traveler, practice loading and standing quietly in the trailer before the first big trip. It makes life a lot less stressful when you’re trying to park in a busy show lot and your horse already knows the drill.
Make the Stall a Resting Place
Show stalls are rarely as cozy as home. They might be smaller, noisier, or have less bedding. A tired horse is often a cranky horse, so make the stall inviting. Bring extra bedding if rules allow, and hang a hay net to keep your horse happily munching. A stall guard can help with airflow while also giving your horse a chance to look around.
Good stall management not only helps with comfort but also with health. Dust-free bedding and regular cleaning reduce the risk of coughing or irritation.
Warm Up and Cool Down With Care
You wouldn’t run a marathon without stretching first, and the same goes for your horse. A proper warm-up gets muscles loose, while cooling down prevents stiffness. Even ten minutes of walking before and after your ride can make a big difference.
Pay attention to how your horse feels. If they’re stiff, reluctant to move forward, or just seem off, it’s worth easing up. Missing a class is frustrating, but it’s better than risking your horse’s long-term comfort or physical health.
Travel Smart
Hauling your horse to shows is more than just logistics. Comfort during transport can make a big difference in how they feel when you arrive.
Make sure the trailer is clean, safe, and properly ventilated. Mud, old bedding, and ammonia smells can irritate the lungs pretty quickly. A clean, odor-free environment is one of the first ways to ease travel stress.
Protect their legs with good wraps or boots to prevent scrapes and bruises, especially in trailers that bounce or shift with movement. For long trips, plan breaks every few hours so your horse can lower its head, stretch, and have a drink.
Choosing trailer layout matters too. If possible, use a unit that lets the horse face backward or gives them enough room to balance themselves. Limiting time tied up and allowing the head down position during the trip helps reduce respiratory and postural stress. Ensuring airflow and avoiding overly tight restraints are key comforts.
Listen to the Small Signs
Most horses won’t outright tell you they’re uncomfortable, but they drop plenty of hints if you know what to look for. Maybe it’s pinned ears when you tighten the girth, pawing in the stall, or a sudden lack of appetite.
Some horses show it in quieter ways, like shifting their weight from one leg to another, grinding their teeth, or holding their tail stiffly. Even a horse that starts dozing more than usual might be signaling that something isn’t right.
Paying attention to these changes early means you can step in before a minor issue turns into a bigger one. If you notice resistance under saddle, check for rubs from tack or a saddle pad that’s bunched up.
A restless horse in the stall might simply need more bedding, a hay net hung differently, or a break outside to stretch. Horses that go off their feed often benefit from smaller, more frequent meals or even just a bucket hung lower for easier reach.
What matters most is recognizing that comfort isn’t just physical, it’s mental, too. A horse that feels secure in its environment will be more relaxed, more focused, and ultimately more willing to perform.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, show season should be fun for you and your horse. By focusing on hydration, routine, stall comfort, and careful travel, you set the stage for a smoother experience. The little details add up, and a comfortable horse is far more likely to give you their best in the ring.
So as you pack the trailer and polish the tack, remember: the best preparation isn’t just for the show itself, but for keeping your horse happy every step of the way.
