Training Beyond The Test: Why You Should Ride One Level Above Your Competition

Competing in dressage, eventing, or any equestrian discipline is a thrilling and rewarding experience. It gives riders a benchmark for progress, a chance to showcase their hard work, and a goal to work toward. But one of the most common mistakes riders make is entering a competition at the level they are just beginning to master at home. The result? Stress, tension, and performances that don’t reflect the horse-and-rider pair’s true abilities.

Instead, riders should aim to ride consistently and competently at least one level higher at home than they plan to compete. This isn’t about overachieving or rushing progress—it’s about ensuring confidence, preparedness, and fairness to both the horse and rider.

The Reality of Competition Pressure

The phrase “we don’t rise to the level of the occasion; we fall to the level of our training” is particularly true in the equestrian world. Riding in a competition setting introduces variables that simply don’t exist at home:

• Nerves and Mental Pressure – Even the most seasoned riders feel an adrenaline surge in the competition ring. Nerves can lead to stiffening in the rider, overusing the aids, or forgetting key elements of the test.
• Unfamiliar Environments – Horses are sensitive creatures, and a show atmosphere can change their demeanor. Loudspeakers, flapping banners, different footing, and a new warm-up routine all play a role in their confidence and responsiveness.
• The Challenge of Precision Under Pressure – Even if a rider can execute movements well at home, reproducing them under the scrutiny of judges while managing show-day energy levels is an entirely different challenge.

For these reasons, a movement or test that feels “just barely doable” in training can quickly fall apart in competition. However, if the rider consistently schools at a higher level at home, the test will feel well within their comfort zone at the show, increasing confidence and performance quality.

Taking the Time to Truly Master Movements

Many riders are tempted to push forward too quickly, eager to test their progress in a competitive setting. But skipping ahead before solidifying skills can lead to frustration and setbacks. Here’s why proper mastery matters:

• Execution Under Pressure – A movement isn’t truly learned until it can be performed with ease and consistency, even under less-than-ideal circumstances. If a rider is still relying on extra aids, multiple attempts, or “winging it” at home, those issues will only be magnified in the show ring.
• Building Muscle Memory and Strength – Both horse and rider need time to develop the correct strength, balance, and coordination for higher-level movements. Rushing through new exercises can lead to tension, compensations, or even physical strain.
• Confidence for Horse and Rider – Confidence is built through repetition and success. If a rider feels at home in the movements at a level above their competition test, they can ride into the show ring knowing that what they are being asked to perform is already well within their capabilities.

Avoiding Overfacing Horse and Rider

One of the biggest risks in pushing to compete at the highest level possible is overfacing—putting either the horse or rider in a situation where they feel overwhelmed. This can manifest in many ways:

• For the Horse: Hesitation, tension, evasion, or a decline in willingness to work.
• For the Rider: Loss of confidence, mental blocks, or frustration with inconsistent results.

By training above the level of competition, the movements required for the test will feel well-rehearsed and second nature. This reduces the likelihood of stress responses and allows the rider to focus on quality, accuracy, and harmony rather than just surviving the test.

A Smarter Approach to Progression

A well-structured training program takes into account both short-term and long-term goals. Riders should:

• Introduce New Concepts Gradually – Master the building blocks of each movement before attempting them at full difficulty.
• Polish and Refine – Once a movement is learned, it should be improved until it becomes effortless, rather than moving on too quickly.
• Test Show Readiness at Home – Run through tests under pressure at home, perhaps in front of an instructor or friends, to simulate the show experience.

This approach not only ensures a smoother competition experience but also creates a more well-rounded, capable rider and a happier, more confident horse.

The True Reward: Enjoying the Show Experience

Ultimately, competing should be an enjoyable, fulfilling experience for both horse and rider. By entering at a level where the test feels easy rather than challenging, riders set themselves up for success. Instead of just scraping by, they can focus on riding with precision, relaxation, and finesse.

The best performances happen when a rider feels prepared, confident, and in control. And that confidence is built not in the show ring, but in the everyday training sessions leading up to it.

So before entering your next competition, ask yourself: Am I riding well at least one level above this test at home? If not, take the time to develop your skills further. When you do step into the arena, you’ll do so with the quiet assurance that you’re more than ready—and your results will reflect it.

NOTE: Our beautiful rider Ellyn is wearing her white SteadyHands gloves with the strap in this photoshoot. However, SteaydHands gloves with the strap done up are considered an aid and generally not permitted in competitions or in warm-ups. Check with your governing body if unsure! The white SteadyHands gloves are still perfect as competition gloves without the strap!