The optimal number of classes for a horse at a 3 or 4 day show depends on various factors, including the horse's fitness, training level, and the type of classes they competing in.
We asked British Showjumping Coach Andrew Walker how he might advice riders on this matter and he said “This is quite a conundrum with so many variables. As ever, priority has to be horse welfare, we need to make the best-informed decision to make sure our horse is healthy when we arrive home after the show.”
Generally, a fit horse competing at a 3-day show might jump once a day, with the possibility of a second class on the first day if the horse is fresh, or if the horse is particularly fit and experienced. It's crucial to consider the horse's overall workload and avoid overexertion.
“Certainly, at a 3 day show, I think perhaps 2 classes the first day, assuming single phase, one on day 2 and one on day 3 is ok for a fit horse that is used to going out say 3 times a month. I think absolutely have a rest day if you are doing a 4 day show. You could then select the day off to best suit your horse, so knowing your horse and what works best for them is really important” adds Andrew.
Other factors to be considered are:
Class Selection
The height and complexity of the classes will impact how much jumping is appropriate.
Andrew says “When doing our entries we should consider the main goal for the show, asking ourselves ‘Do we have a class we are really aiming for such as a qualifier or Championship?’ and ‘Does my horse need a warm up class?’ If you have a spooky horse and your main focus class of the show is in the main ring, then you probably need to prioritise doing a class in that ring beforehand. These are important decisions and can make a huge difference to the outcome.”
Individual Horse Needs:
All horses are different. Some horses thrive on jumping and need it to maintain their fitness and confidence, while others may need to jump less frequently. Remember to evaluate your horse's fitness, experience, and temperament when deciding how many classes to enter.
Rider’s Needs
The same can be said for the rider. If you are relatively inexperienced, a warm up class can often help dispel nerves and a nice round will always create a good mindset for the rest of the show.
Consult with Trainer
It's always best to consult with a trainer or coach who is familiar with your horse's individual needs and capabilities to determine the optimal jumping schedule.
Focus on Quality
It's often better to focus on a few classes where the horse performs well rather than entering multiple classes where the horse might become tired or bored.
Our coach Andrew agrees “You might choose to jump one or two classes, and if the horse performs well, consider saving him for championship classes rather than entering more classes. There is nothing wrong with jumping twice at a 4 day show. Sometimes less is more.”
Avoid Over-Jumping
Be mindful of the potential for over-jumping and ensure the horse is not being pushed beyond its limits.
Finally, it’s crucial to constantly assess your horse both physically and mentally to see if he is coping with your competition programme.
In this way, you can keep the big picture in mind – keeping my horse happy and healthy for as long as possible!
