Many riders, at a certain stage of learning, begin to think about moving up to the next level of advancement, i.e. sport riding and taking part in competitions. If you are just thinking about this option, in this article we will try to explain the most important issues related to the transition from recreational to sport riding and the challenges this brings. You will learn, among other things, how to start competing and whether you necessarily have to have your own horse to begin the sporting adventure. And perhaps most importantly — do you really have to give up recreation in order to develop further as a rider?
The difference between recreational and sport riding
Equestrian recreation is a form of activity in the saddle that aims at rest, relaxation or a kind of entertainment. Sport riding, on the other hand, is associated with competition (regardless of the level of the competitions) and the desire to obtain the best possible results. So, in a great simplification, sport riding differs from recreational in that we compete in events, for which we usually prepare regularly and according to a specific training plan. What does this mean in practice? Riding recreationally, we can ride whenever we want and in the way that suits us best (riding in the arena, in the open, etc.). The moment we decide on sport riding and care about results, we have to be prepared to devote a greater amount of time (even if at a given moment we do not feel like it) and to a large extent subordinate ourselves to the training plan and the calendar of competition starts. It is they that dictate the type and intensity of training. This does not, of course, mean that there will be no time there for fun with our horse or more relaxed rides; we must, however, prepare for the fact that we have to plan them in advance.
Do I have to ride competitively if I want to develop my skills?
Many people think that equestrian sport is the only and natural way up if we want to climb the ladder of equestrian skills. This is not, however, a necessary condition. The quality of equestrian recreation has risen significantly in recent years, and many equestrian centres offer recreational activities at a really high level, conducted by qualified instructors and on well-prepared horses. So if you feel that you are “stuck” at a dead point, and you do not care about sport riding, then maybe you simply need more ambitious recreation? How you can keep improving your skills without moving straight to sport:
- Talk to your instructor about the possibility of riding in a smaller group, or individual training (you must, however, prepare for greater costs), where you will be able to work specifically on what gives you the greatest difficulties.
- As far as possible, try also to ride various horses, of different disposition and temperament. Even if not all the rides will then be entirely pleasant, thanks to such experiences you will become a more versatile rider and learn to react correctly in various situations.
- Remember that a good rider learns both in the saddle and outside it. Do not neglect theoretical knowledge. In the offer you will find a huge number of books, blogs, webinars or online training courses on equestrian topics that you can use. Always verify the sources and opinions about them, however, to be sure that they are authored by real experts and the information contained in them is valuable.
- You can also use courses and training with specialists, such as seat clinics or horse massage workshops. Many of them are aimed precisely at recreational riders who want to deepen their knowledge.
Sport riding. Where to start?
If, however, you would like to try your hand as a competitor, there are many ways to begin the adventure with the sport. In this part of the article we will try to answer the most frequently appearing questions related to the first competition starts.
Do I have to have my own horse to compete in events?
Many riders think that owning your own horse is necessary to compete in events. We will not hide that it can certainly help, but it is not obligatory. Whether the horse is ours is not even in a small part as important as it being appropriately prepared. Some equestrian centres make horses of an appropriate level of training available for training and competing. It is worth checking whether such a possibility exists in the stable where you ride, or looking for this type of place in the area. Another option may be leasing a horse. Before you decide on this, however, agree with the horse’s owner whether they consent to competing and sport training and on what terms. An important issue is also choosing the right horse — if you are starting your adventure with the sport, it should be an experienced horse that already has competition starts in the given discipline to its name. A young, inexperienced, or too difficult to ride horse can only intensify your stress related to the first starts, which is unlikely to bring positive results.
From what level should I start?
Although everyone dreams of starting at serious competitions, at the very beginning it is better to restrain your ambitions and try from the lowest possible level. If your stable organises internal club competitions or social contests, then it will be easiest for you to start precisely with them. A start in a familiar place will be less stressful (both for you and for the horse) and will allow you to focus fully on the ride. Often during social competitions contests of a lower difficulty level are organised, ideal for novices. It is also worth testing yourself in such conditions and seeing whether you even like competing at all, before you invest in all the equipment and attire necessary for starting in official competitions.
What formalities do I have to complete before my first competition start?
To compete in club or social competitions, you usually simply have to register for them and pay the fee set by the organiser. The matter looks different in the case of official competitions at regional level or higher. To participate in the lowest classes, i.e. LL in show jumping or L in dressage, you will need a bronze riding badge of the PZJ (Polish Equestrian Federation). If you do not have it yet, then here you will learn more about it. Such a badge enables you to start up to and including class L (jumping) and P (dressage). To compete in higher contests, it is necessary to have an appropriate riding licence. You can find more on this subject in the general regulations of the Polish Equestrian Federation.
