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Look at me, judges! Expert tips on preparing your show horse to stand out in the ring for all the right reasons this season

Welcome to part four of a five-part exclusive series for Horse & Hound subscribers, in which showing experts share their tips on getting a horse or pony ready to compete, from the field to their seasonal debut. This time, we take an in-depth look at how you can prepare for your performance in the ring, with tips to help you catch the judges’ eye

  • Set yourself up for success this season by preparing your horse for the show ring, so that each part of your performance is slick and confident both in and out of the saddle. Once your horse is fit and ready for more refined work, this is the perfect time to lay a solid foundation for you and your horse.

    From reacquainting your horse with busy environments to perfecting routines and addressing weak areas, careful preparation can make all the difference. This guide focuses on three key areas: the go-round, the individual show, and the conformation section.

    Preparing your horse for the show ring

    Both the ridden aspect and the conformation phase deserve equal attention. As experienced producer and judge Stuart Hollings explains: “There is nothing more frustrating than a beautiful animal being badly stood up in front of you, refusing to stand properly, or needing to be dragged to walk away and trot back.”

    Enjoy reading the rest of this exclusive series for H&H subscribers…

    Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2025 with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

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