International show jumping competitions are exciting, fast-paced events that require not only skill, but also knowledge of the rules, strategies, and customs of the game. If you’re preparing to compete in an event like the Olympics, or even just a prestigious local competition, it’s important to put in the time and effort necessary to succeed. There’s no one way to prepare for a specific event. What works best for you depends on your own unique set of strengths and weaknesses as a rider, as well as the level of competition you’ll be facing. If you’re just getting started as a rider, keep reading to discover some great tips for newbies! If you’re already well established in the sport, keep reading for some helpful advice on how to prepare yourself for a major competition like the Olympics or the World Equestrian Games (yes, there are such things!). Whatever level you are at, make sure you read up on the following topics before your competition: - Equipment: What do you need for your horse? - Riding techniques: How do you ride? - Competition strategy: How will you position yourself on the course? - Diet and environment: What should you eat and drink? - Recovery: What should you do after the event?

Train like an Olympian

One of the best ways to prepare for a major competition is to train like an Olympian. You don’t need to train for hours on end, but you do need to put in some time, practice and effort if you want to perform at your best on the day of the event. If you want to compete in the Olympics, you need to be prepared. You can’t just show up at the event and expect to win. You need to be well-equipped, well-trained, and most importantly well-prepared as a rider. Here are some ways you can train like an Olympian: - Train often: While you don’t need to go to the gym five days a week to be an effective rider, you do need to be consistent. If possible, schedule a training session every week. If you’re a rider competing in the Olympics or another major event, you won’t have time to miss a single week of training. - Train with intensity: If you want to be an Olympian, you have to be able to perform at the highest level for an extended period of time. You can’t expect to be explosive on your first few attempts, then gradually fade away as the event progresses. You need to be consistent and be able to perform at your peak every time you step into the ring. - Train with variety: The best way to stay sharp and avoid getting bored when you’re training is to vary your activities. If you only ride in one style, you’ll quickly become bored and plateau as a rider. You need to switch up your activities every so often so that you don’t get too comfortable or too used to a certain way of going. - Train to win: No matter what level of competition you’re at, you need to train to win. You don’t win by playing around. You win by pushing yourself, challenging yourself, and trying to achieve excellence at all times.

Train with a coach

If you’re new to the sport or just need a boost of confidence, a coach can be extremely helpful. You can find coaches at almost any level of competition. You can also find coaches who specialize in other sports, including tennis or soccer. If you can find a coach who is familiar with the rules and regulations of show jumping, as well as the nuances of the sport, you’ll be well-prepared for your event. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a coach, but you do need someone willing to put in the time and effort necessary to properly prepare you. If you can’t find a coach, you can also set up a Skype chat with an experienced rider or trainer who can help you out. There’s no shortage of resources to help you learn how to train like an Olympian. If you do a little bit of research and put in the time and effort necessary, you can become a top-level competitor.

Watch the competition

If you want to be an Olympian, you need to be able to watch other riders compete. Ideally, you’d want to watch at least five or six different riders compete. You can do this in person at a show, or you can watch online. If you want to compete in the Olympics, you need to be as prepared as possible. However, you don’t need to be perfect. It’s impossible to be exactly like the other riders. No two riders are exactly the same. Your goal should be to be as close to the other competitors as possible. You can use the competitors around you as a guide. You can learn from their mistakes and find ways to improve your own performance.

Don’t forget to have fun!

No matter how focused you are on winning, make sure to take time out of your schedule for some fun. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress and pressure that comes with being an elite athlete. It’s important to stay positive and remember that the main goal is to have fun. If you have fun, you’ll be more likely to come back for more. If you’re an elite athlete, you can’t let the little things get you down. You need to be able to push through the tough moments and look forward to the next event.