How does Therese Nilshagen prepare her horses for competition?

How do you prepare a horse for competition?
- There’s no short answer to that question. One of the most important aspects of my preparation process is understanding that every competition requires its own strategy. We start planning months in advance, gradually building both the horse's strength and fitness. Every horse is an individual, so their training plans vary depending on what they need to work on and their condition on any given day. I’ve always been careful not to push too much, too early. It’s about gradually building capacity and giving the horse time to adapt to increased training. This way, we can prevent injuries and create a horse that is truly ready to perform when it matters most.

Fitness and technique go hand in hand
"As we approach a competition, I place extra focus on building the horse’s fitness. It’s a crucial part of the preparation because the horses need to maintain their energy and sharpness throughout the entire program, which can sometimes be quite long. Through regular conditioning sessions, both out in nature and in the arena, we work on building endurance and strength.

But having a strong horse isn’t enough – the technique also needs to be on point. That’s why we work simultaneously on refining fundamental dressage movements, like piaffe, passage, and flying changes. Each movement must be so well-rehearsed that it feels instinctive for the horse, without overworking or exhausting them during training. Here, variation is key. I alternate between more demanding technical sessions and lighter, loosening ones to keep the horses motivated and engaged."

How do you work with your horses' feeding plans?
- Something I always prioritize is my horses' diet, says Therese. Proper nutrition is a fundamental requirement for them to perform at a high level. I evaluate the horses weekly, reviewing their feeding plans and adjusting them to meet each horse's specific needs. This could mean increasing their feed slightly or adding electrolytes during an especially intense competition season when they're sweating a lot.

- I use Activ Mineral as the foundation of all my horses' feeding plans. It's a product I truly trust because it contains all the essential minerals and amino acids the horses need to stay strong and healthy. I’ve noticed shinier coats, stronger hooves, and faster recovery after intense sessions. I also include Inflaboost DHA in their daily diet to give extra support to their joints and muscles. During long sessions where the horses sweat a lot, I make sure they get Electrolyte Booster to replenish the minerals they've lost.

What’s important on competition day?
- When competition day arrives, it’s all about keeping both myself and the horse calm and focused. We stick to a routine, with a thorough warm-up and mental preparation. I take the time to sense how the horse is feeling and adjust my plans based on their condition that day. Having a flexible strategy is crucial – sometimes small adjustments are needed for us to perform at our best.

After the competition, it’s just as important to give the horse the rest and recovery they need. I ensure they receive proper care, whether it’s a massage, stretching, or simply a relaxing walk. This is a vital part of keeping the horses motivated and ready for the next competition!