Let’s face it: Things don’t always go to plan in the show ring. No matter how hard you practice at home, nothing replicates that environment when it’s just you and your horse in the ring and all eyes are on you. There’s no sure way of predicting how he’ll react to the jumps, how the lines will ride or what minor mistakes might snowball into bigger problems.
Many classes aren’t won or lost with the first mistake but rather with the second or third. How you react can often save you a place in the ribbons. At the very least, it will turn a potential disaster into a learning experience. In this article, I’ll explain how to develop essential skills for addressing mistakes quickly and effectively.
1. Fortify Your Flatwork
One of the most important tools we all rely on during competition is basic flatwork. Say your horse lands on the wrong lead at the end of a line. If your flatwork is solid, you can ride a few strides on the wrong lead, set up the change, then ask for it when the timing feels right. No frantic struggle to throw him onto the correct lead before the turn.
I’m a big fan of dressage lessons for anybody who jumps. In my training at home, I focus especially on the quality of the canter—getting it balanced and adjustable. I work on creating smooth, organized canter departs instead of just rising into my two-point and
