As exhilarating as it is, preparing for a show can be stressful. Reading about how the pros do it can provide insight and a healthy outside perspective, no matter what level you’re on. Find out what Greek show jumper Ioli Mytilineou, Australian dressage rider Simone Pearce, and Swedish show jumper Johanna Lassnack do to prepare for a show. 🏆

Ioli Mytilineou, Show Jumper

“My preparation depends on what I’m trying to achieve at a specific event. Sometimes I go to shows in order to train certain things and other times to really compete and win. Regardless, my aim is always for both the horses and me to learn something – whether it’s something positive or negative. I like to come away from a show having something to work on and/or towards. In general, I don’t school much at home, as I tend to focus mainly on the flatwork. I trust the quality of my horses when it comes to fences, so I work on keeping them relaxed and working well through their bodies.”

”Take each day as it comes and continue aiming to better yourself. Today's failure could be tomorrow's success if you are willing to use it and learn from the experience!”

– Simone Pearce

Simone Pearce, Dressage Rider

“I'll give you my top three tips:

• The more successful you want to be, the more preparation you'll need. Practice the test and find your weaknesses and try to find the best way to deal with them. I always try to make myself a little "playbook" for the things me and my horses find difficult so that I am equipped to deal with every situation at shows.
  
  

• Don't get too caught up on the results. Of course, we always want to do our best – and winning is amazing. But we are all on a journey – never at the end result – so take each day as it comes and continue aiming to better yourself. Today's failure could be tomorrow's success if you are willing to learn from the experience!
  
  

• Have fun!!! That's why we ride.”

Johanna Lassnack, Show Jumper

“Before a competition, I prepare by training my horses on the tasks they'll be doing, so they recognize it on show day and know what to do. I prioritize getting enough sleep and food, as well as having as much time as necessary to avoid stress. In addition to that, I always follow my routines. That keeps me calm.”