Horse shows are often discussed in terms of performance, but far less attention is paid to the strain that surrounds them. Travel, scheduling, logistics, and constant decision-making create a layer of pressure that exists before anyone ever enters the ring. In Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation, Geoff Teall addresses this reality directly, reminding riders that showing “takes time, energy, and money” and “puts a certain amount of stress on you and your horse.”
That stress is not always obvious. It often shows up quietly, affecting focus, confidence, and consistency. Teall’s guidance points to a practical solution: preparation. When uncertainty is reduced away from the ring, riders are better able to focus once they enter it.
Stress Begins Before the Trailer Leaves
Much of the show-related stress has little to do with riding ability. It comes from avoidable problems like arriving late, missing paperwork, forgotten equipment, or not knowing where you need to be. Teall describes a “great recipe for disaster” that includes wrinkled or dirty show clothes, muddy boots, not knowing which class you’re entered in, incorrectly filled-out entries, or realizing too late that something important was left at home.
These issues create pressure before a rider ever tacks up. That pressure does not disappear when the class begins. It narrows attention and undermines confidence. Thorough preparation helps eliminate unnecessary stress so the rider can focus on the job at hand.
Why Preparation Is Essential Regardless of Talent
Teall makes clear that successful show experiences depend as much on logistics as they do on riding skill. Even capable riders on well-prepared horses can struggle when the day begins in chaos.
Knowing where the show is, how to get there, which classes you are showing in, and when you need to be ready removes guesswork. When those details are handled in advance, mental energy is preserved for riding rather than problem-solving.
Preparation matters just as much for the horse. Rushed arrivals, inconsistent schedules, and last-minute scrambling can unsettle even experienced mounts. Teall emphasizes the importance of planning ahead so riders can arrive with enough time to unload, settle in, and allow the horse to acclimate to the showgrounds.
He also stresses having the horse ready well before the show. They should be sound, schooled, bathed, clipped, and trimmed in advance. Leaving these tasks until the last moment increases pressure and the likelihood of mistakes. Preparation helps the horse stay relaxed and focused on his job.
The Value of Routine
Routine plays a significant role in reducing stress. Teall notes that regardless of how big or small a show may be, certain preparations are essential every time. Repeating the same core steps before each competition helps prevent oversight and second-guessing.
Packing the night before, confirming transportation details, and checking equipment ahead of time provide structure in an otherwise unpredictable environment. These habits create consistency, which reduces anxiety and distraction.
Clean tack and organized equipment serve more than an aesthetic purpose. Teall instructs riders to clean tack until it shines and ensure that show clothes and boots are spotless and accounted for. This attention to detail reinforces readiness.
When riders know their equipment is in order, they eliminate a layer of distraction. There is no last-minute scrambling or uncertainty about whether something was forgotten. Preparedness creates steadiness.
Planning for What Can Go Wrong
Teall does not assume that preparation prevents every problem. Instead, he advises riders to plan for things that may go wrong. Traffic, weather, missed exits, and equipment failures are all possibilities. Bringing extra reins, stirrup leathers, or tack allows riders to respond calmly rather than react under pressure.
This approach does not remove stress entirely, but it contains it. Problems become manageable instead of overwhelming.
Managing the Demands of a Long Show Day
Showing places cumulative demands on both rider and horse. Long days, multiple classes, and constant stimulation can wear down focus and energy. Preparation helps manage those demands.
Knowing class schedules, arriving early enough to avoid rushing, and allowing time between efforts all contribute to a steadier experience. Teall’s guidance reflects an understanding that showing is not just about individual rounds, but about managing the entire day effectively.
Reducing Stress Starts at Home
The stress of showing is real, but much of it is preventable. Many of the pressures riders experience can be addressed days or weeks before the trailer is loaded.
Approaching logistics with the same seriousness as riding allows competitors to arrive ready to do their job. Preparation does not guarantee ribbons, but it increases the likelihood that both horse and rider can perform to their ability.
Read more of Geoff Teal’s riding philosophy in Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style on Audible and Kindle.
