How to warm up a horse in the ring

Warming your horse up in the ring is important before a show. Learn the ways to warm up a horse in the ring while keeping him calm and collected.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Lead your horse to the ring if he is nervous about walking in while you are riding him. Horses may get nervous if they are in a new place with many other horses around.
2. Walk into the ring, don't trot or go any faster. The goal is to warm your horse up without causing him to become more nervous or excited.
3. Try to stay on the outer edge of the ring away from the crowd if there are others warming up in the ring also. Riding alongside many new horses can cause a horse to become upset and nervous.
4. Go through your normal warm up routine on your horse. Don't try new things in the ring before a show. Your horse will be more comfortable with a familiar routine. A general warm up starts with a 5-10 minute walk, turning in both directions. Follow with 10-15 minutes of trotting and then 5 minutes of loping or cantering. Remember to bend your horse to the left and right also while performing each gait.
5. Ride your horse long enough to warm him up, but don't get him overworked or tired before a show. Allow him to calmly exit the ring.