Pre- and Post-Competition: Why Your Horse Needs Support

It’s not just about peak performance - it’s about sustainable performance.

Competition days come with a buzz of excitement, adrenaline, and a whole lot of hard work - not just for you, but for your horse too! Whether you're heading to a dressage arena, a show jumping ring, or a cross-country course, your horse is an athlete... and just like any athlete, they need the right support before and after the big day.

This blog will walk you through why pre- and post-competition support and care is essential - not optional - for keeping your horse performing at their best and recovering well.

Give your horse the support they deserve!

Before the Show: Why Pre-Competition Support Matters

Your horse might look fit and ready, but how well is their body functioning beneath the surface?

Pre-competition osteopathy and prep can:

• Identify and address any tension, asymmetry, or restriction before it becomes a bigger issue

• Improve range of motion and muscular elasticity, allowing for freer, more expressive movement

• Support focus and relaxation, especially if your horse tends to be tense or anxious away from home

• Help maintain correct biomechanics, so they use their body efficiently under pressure

• Think of it like a tune-up before a race. Small adjustments can have a big impact on how well your horse performs—and how safely.

After the Show: Recovery Is Key

After a competition, your horse has likely worked harder, travelled longer, and experienced more environmental stress than usual. Even if they look fine, minor compensations, soreness, or fatigue can build up silently.

Post-competition support helps to:

• Flush out muscle tension and reduce post-exercise stiffness

• Support the lymphatic and circulatory systems in clearing waste and reducing inflammation

• Identify any strains or imbalances before they develop into injuries

• Help your horse return to training and daily life smoothly and comfortably

• Just like human athletes, horses need help recovering from peak exertion - especially if they’re competing regularly.

The Ideal Support Routine

Every horse is different, but here’s a general guide:

Timing	Purpose
3-7 days before	Osteopathy, mobilisation, massage, or movement prep
Day of show	Gentle in-hand stretches, dynamic warm-up
1–3 days after	Post-event osteopathy, light exercise, stretching

Add in proper hydration, rest, and nutrition, and you're giving your horse the best chance to stay happy, healthy, and competition-ready.

Don’t Wait for a Problem

Often, I’m called out after a competition when something has already gone wrong: stiffness, shortness in stride, a loss of impulsion, or reluctance in certain movements. But the best results come when we’re proactive, not reactive.

By integrating regular bodywork and biomechanics support into your horse’s schedule, you're not only maximising performance: you’re protecting their long-term soundness.

Ready to make a care plan for your horse?

Final Thoughts

Supporting your horse around competition isn’t about pampering - it’s about partnership. They give us their all in the ring. Giving them structured, holistic care in return is the least we can do.

Whether it’s soft tissue release, osteopathic alignment, or performance-focused biomechanical coaching, I’m here to help you and your horse move, feel, and perform your best - before and after show day.

Ready to build a personalised competition care plan for your horse?

Get in touch to schedule a pre- or post-competition session, or ask about seasonal performance packages.

Let’s keep your athlete in peak form - without burning out the brilliance.