Its completely normal to suffer with competition jitters, but nerves can hamper you enjoying a day with your horse. This can not only interfere with your performance, but also how much fun you have. Whether youre worried you might knock a pole in your showjumping round, forget your dressage test or know youll have butterflies in your stomach in the start box on a cross-country course, pre-competition nerves can turn something which was supposed to be fun into a stressful event.In the following video, equestrian mental performance coach Annika McGivern shares what you can do to control your anxiety before a competition so that you enjoy your day and perform at your best.Symptoms of competition nervesPre-test anxiety is something thats super common and affects so many of us as riders, says Annika. We can be feeling pre-test anxiety if were feeling extra tension in our body this can pass down into our horse and cause them to be tense.Another really common symptom if that we might feel fuzzy headed or have difficulties thinking clearly, and often a result of that can be that we forget our test.Not only can you overcome these feelings, but you can master them to improve your performance.The goal is to be able to calm our minds without losing that edge to our focus that allows us to stay in the zone and get the most out of ourselves and our horse, shares Annika.Fight or flight responseAnxiety stems from perceiving a situation as a threat, which puts our brain into fight or flight mode.This fight or flight mode means that we become focused on the stories around whats happening, such as:Are we going to fail?,Are we going to make a mistake?,Might we let ourselves down or let someone we care about down?,What if we dont measure up to expectations?,What if someone is judging us when we ride?.When were in this mindset, we become hyper-focused on these stories and less focused on the task at hand of actually riding, explains Annika. This can make you a less effective rider, as youre not concentrating in the moment. It can make you forgetful or less confident and decisive.Changing your focusThe solution lies in where were choosing to place our focus and also in how were choosing to perceive the situation, says Annika. So we have a dressage test to ride in front of us, and this is essentially a challenge a challenge that were facing. The choice lies in how are we choosing to perceive that challenge. Is that challenge a threat, or is that challenge an opportunity, possibly even a positive opportunity that were choosing for ourselves?Our brain naturally wants to perceive a challenge as a threat, so it can take some time and practise to overcome this and see things in a positive light.Focus on the opportunity of this challenge, the good things about this challenge and all the things that were choosing the reasons why we have actually put ourselves in this position where were now facing this challenge, advises Annika.Re-framing challenges as positive opportunitiesThere is a series of steps to follow to do this.1 Acknowledge that your thoughts are not always true When were in a state of anxiety our mind can fill with a lot of fearful and anxious thinking, and if we allow those thoughts to seem true, then they shape our reality and keep us stuck in that anxious place, explains Annika. So we have to acknowledge that our thoughts are not always true those anxious thoughts, those worried stories that are filling your mind they arent true, they are just your brains way of trying to anticipate problems and threats as a way of trying to keep you safe.Once youve identified that the thoughts arent true, its time to let them go and choose what you do want to focus on.2. Recognise your choice We need to learn to re-frame all challenges as positive opportunities instead of threats or opportunities to fail or make mistakes, says Annika. We do this by recognising that were choosing the challenge. The challenge is the journey or pathway to grow we cannot grow without challenging ourselves.For many of us, riding and competing were dreams at one point focus on how this dream is now a reality, and youre living it.3. Re-align your focusAs were learning to do this, we may have to repeatedly catch ourselves in that anxious focus and bring ourselves back to that positive challenge mindset over and over again, says Annika. Thats completely normal. The more we practise re-aligning our focus with the fact that this is a positive challenge, the easier itll be to keep our mind and our focus there for longer periods of time. So its all about really anchoring yourself in the present moment.4. Build a ritual or routine This routine needs to be something that allows you to pause and ground yourself in the present moment and disconnect from any worrying stories that may be circling around your head, says Annika. One way to do this is to pause somewhere and take a couple of really nice ground breathes right down into your stomach. Breathe in through your nose, right down into your belly button, and exhale through your mouth. Those breathes are going to stimulate your vagus nerve, which helps your body to relax.Consciously release any tension in your body and remind yourself Im choosing to be here, Im choosing to engage in this challenge, adds Annika.You can do this before you mount up, in the warm up or before you head into the ring.What not to doIt can be tempting to try and overcome our nerves by downplaying how important something is but this can actually affect our performance.It doesnt work because its not true; we do care, and its important that we acknowledge that these moments are important to us and it does matter how we do, the effort we put in and the experience we have, says Annika.So what should you do instead?Its important to recognise that true performance exists in between the balance of caring and believing that what youre doing is important and that this moment matters, but reminding yourself that its not life or death, says Annika. The experience of this moment is going to move you forwards towards your goals, so we have to open ourselves up to experience that moment fully, knowing that its ok if we make mistakes so long as we manage them, learn from them and keep moving forward.Find out more about AnnikaThe post Feeling the pressure? Learn to manage competition nerves *Video* appeared first on Your Horse.

An equine welfare charity has confirmed it has been given the all clear after two of its rescue ponies tested positive for Streptococcus Equi, commonly known as Strangles, a highly contagious bacterial infection affecting horses and ponies.Robin and Rooster arrived at Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) in Burnley in April after a period of severe neglect. Soon after they arrived, they tested positive for Strangles. Another horse, Maverick, who was rescued alongside Robin and Rooster, was put to sleep a few days after his arrival at HAPPA. Unfortunately the neglect he had endured had taken an irreversible toll on his quality of life.Thanks to strict biosecurity procedures, dedicated teamwork and HAPPAs purpose-built Isolation and Biosecurity Unit, the Strangles infection was fully contained. The wider HAPPA herd and local equestrian community remained protected while Robin and Rooster received the specialist care they needed to recover. Nearly three months later, the ponies have been given the all clear by Ainsworth Veterinary Group.Difficult rescueThese horses were only brought to safety because trust had been built over time, said equine inspector Liz Pharaoh.Before the owner was disqualified from keeping animals, we worked hard to establish a relationship with her and when the time came she chose to work with us. That trust made all the difference.The rescue itself was incredibly challenging. There was uncertainty over whether the horses would still be there, and we had to work carefully with family members while keeping the animals welfare at the heart of every decision.Strict measuresWhen it was discovered that Robin and Rooster had Strangles, the HAPPA team implemented rigorous biosecurity procedures to protect the other horses on site, even during record heatwave temperatures. Office team members helped feed the isolated horses in the mornings because they would not be in contact with any other horses throughout the day, reducing exposure and helping ensure the rest of the herd was protected.Equine Care team members were also allocated daily to carry out afternoon yards in the isolation unit, offering consistent care, reassurance and routine to the ponies during a frightening and uncertain time.Challenging periodI want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has helped us through this challenging period. It hasnt been easy, but the dedication, teamwork and professionalism shown by every single person, including our loyal supporters, has been incredible, said Ella Smith, equine manager at HAPPA.A special thank you to the office team for making sure our isolation ponies were fed in the mornings; to our digital team for helping spread awareness about Strangles and keeping everyone updated throughout the isolation period; to the education team for being so quick and flexible with events, arena hires and clinics; and to everyone who has shown support through kind words, purchasing biosecurity items from the Amazon Wish List, donating and continuing to visit Shores Hey Farm.Most of all, I honestly couldnt be prouder of the Equine Care team. They embraced our strict biosecurity protocols without question, supported one another, stayed positive and put the ponies first every single day.They are a team of passionate and committed people pulling together to do the very best for the horses in our care. Because of their commitment and attention to detail, we were able to manage this situation safely and effectively. It is a real reminder that working together with a shared purpose can overcome even the toughest challenges. Now it is time for the next chapter of these young horses lives: time to bring them down to the main yard and find them loving forever homes, as that is what we do best.Image HAPPA.Related contentWarning to horse owners after significant rise in strangles casesScottish livery yard makes strangles vaccination a permanent policyStrangles: a survivors storyThis is how to check a horses vital signs *VIDEO*Biosecurity: this is how to lower the risk of equine fluThe post Equine charity given all clear after Strangles outbreak appeared first on Your Horse.

Millstreet, Ireland, has become the centre of the eventing world this week as the inaugural FEI Eventing Under 25 World Championship gets underway, marking a significant milestone in the sports athlete development pathway.The new championship, contested at CCI4*-S level, has been created to bridge the gap between young rider competition and the senior ranks, giving the sports emerging stars the opportunity to compete for a world title at a pivotal stage in their careers. It also provides valuable championship experience ahead of future senior FEI Championships and Olympic ambitions. A total of 40 athletes representing 14 nations have travelled to County Cork to contest the historic first edition, with competitors from Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United States.Alongside the individual competition, team medals are also on offer, with France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland and the United States fielding teams of four riders.The German team arrived in Millstreet as one of the strongest contenders, led by current FEI Eventing U25 world number one Calvin Bckmann. The 25-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2025 season, finishing fourth individually at the FEI Eventing European Championship in Blenheim, and entered this championship among the favourites for the inaugural title.After the opening day of dressage, Calvin lived up to expectations by taking the early lead aboard his experienced 16-year-old mare Altair de la Cense, who is owned by Jason, Liam and Simone Bckmann. Their score of 27.6 was one of only two sub-30 performances of the day, putting the German combination in pole position heading into the cross-country.I am more relieved than anything, Calvin admitted after his test, before praising the Selle Franais mare, who has been his partner for the past decade.This is our 10th season together. Weve been through all the levels from juniors, and its kind of cute that people get to see another side of my horse. I only warm her up for about 10 minutes now and keep everything very relaxed. I am blessed that she is so cool, with her ears always pricked. Host nation Ireland also made an encouraging start, with team pathfinder Jennifer Kuenhle producing an impressive test aboard Sammy Davis Junior to sit second on 29.2.Competing in front of a home crowd added extra significance for Jenny, who welcomed the opportunity to contest a world championship on Irish soil.It is so exciting to have a championship in our home country, she said. This is my first time as team pathfinder I am usually the anchor rider and we now cant wait to get out there on the cross-country on Saturday and show them what were made of. Jenny also highlighted the experience of her horse, who has twice finished fourth at major championships.Sammy Davis Junior has been fourth at two championships, one with Cathal Daniels and one with me, and it would be lovely to go one better here. France enjoyed a strong opening day with two riders inside the top four. Individual competitor Lisa Gualtieri and A dAunis sit in third, while team rider Clara Cazeneuve and Dolce Gabana occupy fourth place, strengthening Frances early position in both the individual and team standings.Spains Maral Pir Patau sits fifth aboard Eventing De Fay after producing another polished dressage performance. The Spanish rider is no stranger to Millstreet, having previously competed at the venue during the 2024 FEI Eventing Nations Cup.I feel at home here, he said. I feel so lucky to be here in this arena. I was very happy with my horse he did a good job.Austrias Amy Rose Fruhwirth and Gin Tonic 150 completed the top six after the first day, while Great Britains Alice Casburn shares seventh place with the leading American rider, Meg Pellegrini and Dondante.Alice, currently ranked third in the FEI Eventing U25 rankings, is partnered by the experienced 18-year-old Topspin, with whom she has progressed through Juniors, Young Riders and nine five-star competitions.I do feel pressure, and yet I dont, Alice explained. Its wonderful to have a horse that has done all that. He is not the flashiest, but he is a great team horse and he feels as good as ever. She added that British team pathfinder Tom Bird would play an important role ahead of the cross-country phase.Tom is a good friend of mine and we are both excited to get out there on the cross-country and bring back information to our team-mates.Dressage resumes on Friday afternoon at 2pm before the cross-country gets underway on Saturday. Photograph courtesy of Pam Cunningham/Irish Horse Board. Related contentPole exercises that make clever, confident horsesTina Cooks top tips for jumping on grassRichard Waygoods cavaletti exercisesFive common problems with a riders jumping position solvedThe post History made as first eventing under-25 World Championship gets underway appeared first on Your Horse.

Top event rider Gemma Stevens etched her name into the history books at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead by becoming the first rider to win the Ashby Underwriting Eventers Challenge three times in its current format, producing a commanding performance aboard reigning champion Cooley Park Muze.Last to go from a field of 24 starters, the West Sussex rider held her nerve to deliver a smooth, fault-free round over the demanding track, stopping the clock in 117.80 seconds to finish more than six seconds clear of her nearest rival.He is the most wonderful jumper, and safe to say, hes probably the best horse Ive ever sat on, said Gemma of the talented 10-year-old gelding, who is owned by The Rex Syndicate. Cooley Park Muze has incredible form with Gemma having finished second in the prestigious CCI4*-S for eight- and nine-year-olds at Blenheim last September, and more recently won the CCI4*-S at Thoresby Park in March and the CCI4*-L at Royal Jump in France in May. Although best known as one of Britains leading event riders, Gemma continues to impress in the showjumping arena. Her victory capped an outstanding week so far at Hickstead, having also won Wednesdays UNIBED High-Performance Equine Bedding BS Winter Grades B&C Championship with Warrior Special. She also finished sixth in last months Al Shiraaa Derby aboard Envoy Merelsnest Z.Cooley Park Muze has proved equally adept across both disciplines.He could be a pure showjumper, but hes brave enough to be an event horse, and hes got lovely dressage, so at the moment were sticking with that, Gemma explained.She believes this geldings adjustability is one of his greatest strengths.Hes so incredibly adjustable. I can be full speed and go back to a collected canter in less than two strides and there arent many horses that can do that. As defending champion, Gemma admitted there was added pressure returning to defend her title, but her showjumping victory with Warrior Special helped her approach the eventers challenge with confidence.I just thought, Ive had a lovely win yesterday, so lets just enjoy this wonderful horse and do the best we can do, she said. I knew my plan, and I tried to stick to it. Gary [Gemmas husband] and I even watched last years round back to work out where I could take one or two fewer strides. I counted everywhere. That title defence proved too strong for Tara Dixon, who finished runner-up after an impressive debut appearance in the class.The daughter of four-time Olympian Karen Dixon had made the Eventers Challenge one of her goals for the season.At the beginning of this year I wrote a 2026 bucket list, and this was on my list, said Tara. I watched Gemmas round from last year, and I analysed that for a long time. Partnering the 13-year-old Master Smart, 23-year-old Tara produced an excellent clear round, adding just four seconds after knocking a fence down to finish on 124.30 seconds.Third place went to last years runners-up Alexander Bragg and Ardeo Premier, who also jumped clear to complete the course in 125.13 seconds. Gemma on a rollEarlier in the week, Gemma claimed another major victory by taking the UNIBED High-Performance Equine Bedding BS Winter Grades B&C Championship.Riding Nadia Al Mutawas stallion Warrior Special, Gemma was the quickest of six double clears in the jump-off, edging Thomas Pritchard and Princess SW by just 0.23 seconds.Its one of my biggest showjumping wins here, said Gemma. Warrior Special is a big horse, hes really careful with the most enormous stride, so I probably took 10 fewer strides than everyone else. For such a big horse, hes got a real turn of foot. Gemma now turns her attention to next months FEI World Eventing Championships in Aachen, where she will represent Great Britain with Flash Cooley, the horse that won the 2022 Eventers Challenge title. Picture courtesy of Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves. Related contentHistory made as first eventing under-25 World Championship gets underwayPole exercises that make clever, confident horsesTina Cooks top tips for jumping on grassRichard Waygoods cavaletti exercisesFive common problems with a riders jumping position solvedThe post Gemma Stevens makes history with third Eventers Challenge title at Hickstead appeared first on Your Horse.

Were delighted to welcome WeatherBeeta as the new Main Arena Sponsor for Your Horse Live 2026, taking place from 6-8 November at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.As one of the most recognised and trusted brands in the equestrian world, WeatherBeeta has spent more than four decades helping horse owners provide the very best care, comfort and protection for their horses. To celebrate this exciting new partnership, were getting to know the brand behind some of the industrys most popular rugs, apparel and accessories.A Legacy Built on InnovationWeatherBeetas story began in 1980 with a simple mission: to create better protection for horses.At a time when many turnout rugs became heavy and uncomfortable when wet, WeatherBeeta introduced lighter, stronger and more breathable alternatives that transformed the market. Since then, the brand has remained committed to innovation, continually developing products that improve comfort, fit and performance for both horses and riders.Today, WeatherBeeta products are trusted by equestrians in more than 30 countries worldwide, with every design created around the needs of real horses, real riders and real-life conditions.Putting Horse Comfort FirstFrom pioneering features such as the Freestyle system to the much-loved ComFiTec range, WeatherBeeta has built its reputation on creating products that prioritise horse wellbeing without compromising on durability.Every rug is carefully designed to offer freedom of movement, superior fit and protection against the elements. Products undergo rigorous testing, both in laboratories and in the field, to ensure they deliver exceptional waterproofing, breathability and strength.The result is a range of products that horse owners can rely on every day, whatever the weather.More Than Just RugsWhile WeatherBeeta is best known for its award-winning horse rugs, the brand has expanded significantly over the years.Its collection now includes dog coats, horse gear and a growing equestrian clothing range, all designed with the same attention to detail, quality and performance that has made the brand a household name among equestrians.Whether youre heading to the yard, competing, hacking or enjoying country life, WeatherBeetas products are designed to perform and last.Visit WeatherBeeta at Your Horse Live 2026Visitors to the WeatherBeeta stand at Your Horse Live 2026 will have the opportunity to explore a wide selection of the brands most popular product ranges.Highlights will include:The premium ComFiTec Ultra rug collection, featuring advanced comfort, durability and protection technologies.The ComFiTec Tyro range, delivering everyday performance and value.Compatible rug liners that allow owners to easily adjust rug weights throughout the changing seasons.Coolers and fleece rugs designed to support comfort before and after exercise.Best-selling WeatherBeeta dog coats, bringing the same trusted protection and fit to canine companions.The brand-new WeatherBeeta equestrian clothing collection, combining practical performance features with contemporary style.The WeatherBeeta team will be on hand throughout the event to answer questions, offer product advice and help visitors find the right products for their horses, dogs and riding lifestyle.The post Get to Know WeatherBeeta appeared first on Your Horse.

Eleven-year-old Anya Dewey Clarke had a day to remember at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show when she achieved two unprecedented championship victories in a remarkable afternoon of competition. The Lincolnshire rider became the first competitor ever to win the Pro Ponies UK Winter 128cm Championship three times and, less than two hours later, the first rider to claim both the 128cm and Pony of the Year BS Winter 138cm Winter Championship titles in the same year.Competing in her final season in the 128cm class, which is restricted to riders under the age of 12, Anya produced an outstanding one-two finish aboard her two ponies. While 18-year-old Jim had carried her to the title for the previous two years, it was stablemate Kilcreene Snapdragon who secured victory this time, delivering the fastest jump-off round from last to go and edging Jim by 0.69 seconds.The result left Anya with a unique dilemma as she entered the jump-off, knowing either pony could make history.It was a tough decision to know what to do, she said. I knew that I probably wanted to win on Jim, but I wanted to do the same round as I did on Jim with Snappy and do all the turns. I let him go on to the last and hes got such a big stride, he covers the ground.They are both incredible ponies and I love them so much.The championship proved a demanding test, with only five combinations from a field of 22 progressing to the jump-off. I am always confident with my ponies, said the Brampton-based Anya. I knew I could just go in there and if I gave them my all, they would give it back.Her record-breaking day was far from over.Less than two hours later, Anya returned to the International Arena to win the Pony of the Year BS Winter 138cm Championship, becoming the first rider to complete the coveted 128cm and 138cm winter championship double in the same year.Riding the talented mare, she produced another commanding performance in a six-rider jump-off, crossing the finish 3.55 seconds clear of runner-up Amy Capper aboard Playboy Van De Zoetwei.We went for a strong clear in the first round and then I knew that the time in the jump-off was very fast, so I had to start strong and finish strong with tight turns, Anya said.Having contested the final with the mare for the first time last year, Anya credited their growing partnership for their success.Last year we were just getting to know each other and ever since that, weve kept coming on. Shes giving me brilliant results and I cant wait for the rest of the year.She is just a dream to ride. She is known as the queen of the yard.Picture courtesy of Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves. Related contentHistory made as first eventing under-25 World Championship gets underwayPole exercises that make clever, confident horsesTina Cooks top tips for jumping on grassRichard Waygoods cavaletti exercisesFive common problems with a riders jumping position solvedThe post I love them so much: 11-year-old girl jumps her way into history books at Hickstead appeared first on Your Horse.