Competition day is the pinnacle of hard work and dedication for riders. In this article, Anastasia Bondarieva shares her top tips for mastering the arena alongside her equine partner.

Consistent Training and Practice 

“I truly believe that everything that you work on at home will then be seen in the ring. So consistent training and following a good plan for you and your horse is probably the most important aspect.”

Mental Preparation and Rest

“In most cases, I try to have a good night's sleep before an important day as it reassures me that my energy levels will improve and my mind can stay relaxed. It’s been proven that sleep can improve our performance exponentially.” 

Communicate the Plan

“Ensuring that my team knows my exact plan and that everyone is on the same page to avoid any last-minute stress or misunderstandings.”

“Preparing for a competition involves a blend of physical training, mental focus, and meticulous planning.”

–  Anastasia Bondarieva

Familiarize Yourself with the Course

“Allowing myself enough time to familiarize myself with the course and really run it through my head a couple of times so that I feel comfortable and know what I’m doing all the way from start to finish.” 

Stay Calm and Positive

“Maintaining a positive attitude and staying calm is really important for me to keep my cool on the course. Trusting your training and the partnership with your horse."