United States Eventing Association

Back to School(ing): 5 Reasons to Take a Field Trip with Your Horse

The following is provided through a partnership between STRIDER and the USEA. As part of our commitment to diversity, enabling access, and building capacity throughout the industry we are pleased to provide this content to benefit the sport of eventing.

It’s back-to-school season, but it’s not just school students who need to be thinking about schedules. Whether you’re gearing up for fall eventing competitions or winding down from a summer season peak, now is a great time to incorporate more schooling outings into your horse’s program. A cross-country school, a dressage lesson, or a show jumping clinic are all great field trip options to ensure your horse is prepared and confident for the months ahead. The team at STRIDER is here with five motivators to get your horse out and about to some more casual outings this season.

Embrace New Challenges

Just like students returning to the classroom, horses benefit from new experiences and environments. Schooling outings offer an opportunity to expose your horse to different settings, jumps, and obstacles that they may not encounter at home. This variety helps in building a horse’s adaptability and confidence. By facing new challenges in a controlled manner, you help your horse become more resilient and focused, making them better prepared for future competitions.

Reinforce Training in Real-World Settings

Training is essential, but applying that training in real-world scenarios is equally important. Schooling outings allow you to test your horse’s skills in different environments and assess how well they respond to various conditions. It’s a chance to reinforce your training, address any weaknesses, and refine your horse’s ability to handle the unexpected. This practical application ensures that your horse is not just theoretically prepared but practically ready for the demands of eventing.

Build Confidence and Trust

Confidence is key to a successful eventing partnership. Schooling outings are an excellent way to build your horse’s confidence. By taking them to new venues and helping them navigate different situations, you foster trust between you and your horse. This trust is crucial for a harmonious partnership, especially when faced with the pressures of competition. The more positive experiences your horse has in varied environments, the more confident they will become.

Maintain Fitness and Prevent Burnout

Schooling outings can serve as a valuable tool to maintain your horse’s fitness and readiness without the strain of formal competitions. These outings keep your horse engaged and motivated, preventing burnout and ensuring they remain in good condition for the upcoming season.

Monitor Health and Performance

Schooling outings also provide a practical setting to monitor your horse’s health and performance. Different terrains and obstacles can reveal subtle issues that might not be apparent in a controlled environment. By paying attention to how your horse performs in various conditions, you can make informed decisions about their care and training adjustments.

As we embrace the back-to-school season, it’s an ideal time for event riders to think about integrating schooling outings into their fall program. By incorporating these experiences, you not only prepare your horse for future competitions but also foster a stronger, more trusting partnership. Whatever your field trips look like, we hope you enjoy the ride!

You can find and enter upcoming cross-country schooling days, jumper and dressage schooling shows, schooling horse trials, clinics, combined tests, and even USEA-recognized competitions on STRIDER. Explore options at https://www.striderpro.com/calendar.

Be sure to also keep an eye on the USEA calendar to plan your upcoming season. Visit https://useventing.com/events-competitions/calendar to see what’s coming up near you.

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