Pre-Ride Routine

I prepare for a pleasure ride more or less exactly the same as I would for a 160km. For me it’s all about having a routine, getting to know the horse and being consistent. I guess the only difference would be how training tapers in the run up. I don’t really need to taper for a 16km pleasure ride, as I use it for training and educational purposes.

So in the week running up to a ride no matter how long that ride may be I would do the following.

• Pessoa or Lunge for 20mins 3-4 days out: This gives me the time to really watch my horse move, note how the muscles look and any asymmetries.
• Full body assessment: I really like this book (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Where-Does-Horse-Hurt-Hands/dp/1570764867) but I also use a combination of things I’ve been taught by Physio’s and vets over the years. The more often I do it, the better I get to know every inch of my horse, how it’s responding to training and whether we’re ready for competition.
• Massage: I use an Equillibrium massage pad and then I do a hands on massage for any areas that need it. Shoulders, neck and limbs I usually use my hands but for the back, bum and hamstrings I like to use a roller ball mit. In my normal routine I do this about once a week but pre-ride I like to do it the day before.
• Stretches: I stretch after every training session using baited stretches. But I like to stretch the day before a ride and really note how everything feels and moves.
• Bath time: I try not to bath my horse the day before, mainly because the UK weather is usually a bit chilly and I don’t want their muscles getting cold and tight. So I’ll usually give them a bath 3-4 days out and if they need any spot cleaning the day of the ride I’ll get a cloth and some warm water out.
• Trot up: I like to trot up whenever we lead up from the field but the week before I ride I take particular care to trot up every day properly. It helps with trot up training but it also means we’re super tuned in to the way their moving and making sure at no point we have any doubt about their soundness. I always trot up just before loading too, you can never be too sure with horses can you!

I quite like to see and learn about other peoples routines. I think it’s interesting what works for each individual and horse. What keeps a riders mind relaxed and prepared for an event, we all know it’s as much to keep us happy as it is to prepare our horse.