Making the Most of Down Time at Horse Shows

So, you’ve made it to the horse show, and the excitement is electric. But then, after the thrill of your last ride, you’re stuck in that awkward lull between classes. What do you do? Sit there and let the nerves build up? Nope, not on my watch! Here’s how I turn those stretches of down time into something that’s both calming and productive—because who says waiting around has to be boring?

1. Breathe, Girl, Breathe

When the nerves start creeping in, I remind myself to just breathe. Not the kind of shallow breathing that only makes you more anxious, but the deep, calming kind. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and take a slow, deep breath in through your nose. Hold it for a moment, then exhale through your mouth. Picture your next round going perfectly—every jump, every stride, smooth as butter. It’s like hitting the reset button on your brain.

2. Tune Into Audible—Your New Best Friend

Let me tell you about my secret weapon: Audible. Seriously, it’s like having a library in your pocket. When I’m waiting around at a show, I pop in my earbuds and dive into an audiobook. Whether it’s something about riding, a little self-help, or even a good ol’ mystery, listening to a book helps me stay calm and focused. Plus, it’s a great way to learn something new or just escape into another world for a bit.

If you’re not on Audible yet, you’re missing out. They’ve got tons of great books, and you can start with a free trial. Trust me, once you start listening, you’ll wonder how you ever survived horse shows without it.

Amazon Audible

Subscribe to Audible today and transform your routine chores into an opportunity to learn from the best, be inspired by champions, and prepare for your next big event. It's like having a horse show in your pocket! So why wait? Sign up for Audible and never miss a beat in the equestrian world. Saddle up for a listening experience that keeps pace with your equestrian lifestyle!

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

3. Get Your Gear in Gear

If you’re like me, staying busy helps keep the jitters at bay. So, I use down time to get all my gear in order. I’ll go through my grooming kit, clean my bridle, or reorganize my tack trunk. It’s not just busywork—it’s making sure everything is ready to go when it’s time to ride again. Plus, it gives me a little extra confidence knowing that I’ve got everything in tip-top shape.

4. Chill Out with Your Horse

Sometimes, the best thing to do is just hang out with your horse. A quiet hand walk, a gentle grooming session, or even just sitting together can work wonders for both of you. Horses have this amazing ability to calm us down, and those quiet moments can help you feel more connected and relaxed when it’s showtime again.

5. Jot It Down, Plan It Out

I’m a big believer in using down time to think ahead. Whether it’s jotting down a few thoughts in a journal, planning out my next goals, or just reflecting on how the day is going, it’s all about staying focused and positive. It helps me keep my head in the game without getting too wrapped up in the nerves.

6. Stay Fueled and Hydrated

It’s easy to forget to take care of yourself when you’re so focused on your horse, but staying hydrated and grabbing a healthy snack can make a huge difference. Keep your energy up and your mind sharp so you’re ready to give it your all when it’s your turn in the ring.

7. Chat with Your Show Fam

Sometimes, the best way to chill out is to catch up with your fellow riders. Share stories, swap tips, or just have a laugh. Horse shows can be stressful, but they’re also a great time to build friendships and share the love for the sport. Plus, a little distraction never hurts!

The Bottom Line

Down time at horse shows doesn’t have to be a drag. With a little creativity, you can turn it into time well spent—whether you’re organizing your gear, bonding with your horse, or escaping into a good audiobook. And hey, if you haven’t checked out Audible yet, now’s the time. It’s my go-to for making those long waits fly by.

mojawa Run Plus Bone Conduction Headphones, IP68 Waterproof Swimming Headphones, Open Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Mic and 32GB MP3, Wireless Sports Headphone for Running, Swimming, Cycling, Black

$129.99

Introducing the Mojawa Run Plus Bone Conduction Headphones — the ultimate game-changer for equestrians who want to stay connected without missing a beat of their environment. These headphones are specially designed with open-ear technology that allows you to listen to your favorite tunes, audiobooks, or coaching instructions while keeping your ears open to the sounds around you, ensuring you can hear your horse and stay aware of your surroundings.