Part 3 – Preparing for Your First Three-Day Event

by Ashley Adams, with Amber Heintzberger

As you map out your competition calendar leading up to your first three-day event, It make sure that you are aware of all opening dates and closing dates. Enter the events you want to compete in and be sure to look over the new dressage tests: learn them, know them, love them.

By now you should already have checked your equipment and made plans to buy or borrow anything you need. Understand that you will need to have extra equipment for the three day: you will need a few extra pieces of tack to have at the cross-country warm up with you, like an extra bridle, stirrup leather and girth in case anything breaks at the last minute. 

Eventing Nation has been on a roll this past week posting articles with amazing tips and interesting stories. Be sure to head over to EventingNation.com to see all of their great posts. Here are some of our favorites:

by Ashley Adams with Amber Heintzberger

* Talking with coach to make sure the plan is appropriate; i.e. limited back-to-back shows, with at least a weekend or two off before the big event

* Meeting with the vet to get a baseline of soundness and possible issues

* Dr. Keith Brady of Old Dominion Equine www.olddominionequine.com explains why this is important. “You want to see your horse at the best he/she can feel physically and start from there. Often times, after a break when the horse’s body has recovered from the past season or event is the best time to do this. In other words, you do not want to be reactive to a situation that comes up-- you want to be proactive to help your horse stay comfortable and perform to his/her optimal level.”

(Left: Vaunted (“Vaughn”) listens patiently to Ashley’s fitness plan for the week ahead: trot, flat, jump, trot, gallop, flat.)