Our juniors are getting ready for their next offsite adventure at the HITS VHSA League Show. We have a big group heading offsite, featuring both show-leased horses and junior-owned horses.
As with all things horses, success lies in the preparation and attention to detail. Essential to this success is the comfort and well-being of our equine athletes, from the trailer ride to their show stalls.
The Importance of Routine
Horses are prey animals with a built-in fight or flight response. Maintaining a regular and consistent routine helps keep them calm and relaxed. Even the smallest break in their normal habits can instinctively cause them anxiety. This is why routine is crucial for show success.
Managing the Journey
Traveling to a competition disrupts our horses' routine, so we do everything possible to keep their environment consistent. Here’s how we manage it:
- Bringing Our Own Hay and Shavings: Familiar smells and tastes help keep horses comfortable.
- Consistent Grain: We ensure their diet remains the same to avoid any digestive issues.
- Meal Timing: We stick to their usual feeding schedule as closely as possible.
Benefits Beyond Comfort
Maintaining routine benefits not just their mental well-being but also their physical health. Nervous horses are prone to gastric ulcers, and keeping them calm and relaxed is a crucial step in preventing this condition.
After all, happy horses are healthy horses. It’s our job to ensure they have everything they need for optimal health, allowing them to perform at their best.
Wishing Our Athletes Success
Good luck to our athletes—both human and equine—as they compete in the upcoming HITS VHSA League Show! Your hard work and dedication are the foundation of our success.
Join us in cheering them on and witnessing the culmination of meticulous preparation and teamwork. Let’s make every show a stepping stone to greater heights!
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