The importance of turnout for the competition horse

Hannah is one of Britain�s leading lady dressage riders who competes at an international Grand Prix level. As a member of the World Class Development Squad which supports talented riders capable of delivering medal winning performances on the world stage for Team GB, Hannah joins an elite group singled out for stellar success in their chosen sport. So it goes without saying that Hannah�s rides are all serious equestrian athletes whose physical fitness and well-being are pivotal to their ability to compete at such an exceptionally high standard.

There are some dressage riders who shun the idea of turn out for their top competition horses, for fear of the horse injuring itself. However, Hannah is a strong advocate of the importance of allowing a horse its freedom on a daily basis and as a result all of her rides are turned out for a period of time every day. Such is Hannah�s conviction that this is the best way to keep an equine at its mental and physical peak, even a horse shattering its shoulder when it was turned out has not deterred her from following this regime.

�For me, all my competition horses go out individually, usually with another horse in sight, albeit in small paddocks - although the mares and youngstock are in larger fields. This is to prevent them from seizing the opportunity to get any speed up and cavort too strenuously in a large open space. I believe that the more you can keep a horse moving, the greater its chances of staying sound. Turn out is the most natural state of being for a horse, allowing it exposure to sunlight and therefore a supply of Vitamin D as well as providing access to the nutritional benefits of grazing on good grass. A stabled horse is unable to stretch and release any built up tension and aside from the physical problems this can cause, it can also lead to behavioural issues�, says Hannah.

Of course safe turn out can only be achieved if there is suitable fencing in place to contain the horse. Hannah�s paddocks mainly feature traditional post and rail fencing, a popular choice for many horse owners which blends well with the natural landscape.

In addition to conventional grass turn out, Hannah also allows her horses to use what she terms their `sandpit` � a round arena with a sand surface that provides the ultimate fun `free school` workout! This facility is invaluable on Hannah�s yard, offering an additional outdoor space for the horses to unwind, without the risk of slipping on waterlogged grass or exposure to excess mud. �Variety is important if you want to avoid boredom kicking in. In my opinion any horse which spends every day, either working in an arena, enclosed in a stable or stuck on a lorry, is at risk of becoming stale and disinterested in delivering a quality routine. Regular `free time` and hacking out will help to keep a horse in peak condition. Only a happy, contented horse is capable of displaying the extra `sparkle` essential to achieving a winning performance�, continues Hannah.

https://www.hannahbiggsdressage.co.uk