From Lesson to Event: Preparing Your Horse and Yourself
I always tell our riders—there’s a moment when it clicks. One day you’re just trying to remember which hand holds the reins (we’ve all been there), and the next, you’re thinking… okay, I might actually be ready for this event.
If you’ve been taking riding lessons in Sonoma with us at Strides Riding Academy, you’ve probably felt that shift. It’s not loud or dramatic—it’s quiet confidence. And honestly, that’s the good kind.
The Journey from Lesson to Event
Everything starts in the lesson arena. Nothing fancy, just consistent work.
We spend a lot of time on the basics—balance, posture, timing. Walking, trotting, figuring out how to move with the horse instead of accidentally bouncing around like a sack of potatoes (again… we’ve all been there).
That’s really the foundation of good equestrian lessons and solid horse training—doing the simple things well, over and over, until they feel natural.
And here’s the part people don’t always expect: progress isn’t linear. Some days feel amazing, some days feel like you forgot everything. Totally normal. The riders who end up doing well in events are the ones who just keep showing up anyway.
Preparing Your Horse (Because They Know Everything)
Now let’s talk about your horse—your very honest, very opinionated teammate.
Preparing a horse for a show isn’t just about looking good (though yes, we do love a clean, shiny horse moment). It’s about helping them feel relaxed, familiar, and ready to do their job.
Before any horse event preparation, we keep things simple:
Good grooming (it matters more than people think)
A proper warm-up (nothing rushed)
Paying attention to their mood that day
At Strides, we teach riders to notice the little things—ears, energy, tension. Horses don’t fake it. If something feels off, they’ll tell you.
And when your horse feels settled? Everything gets easier. Your ride, your confidence… all of it.
Preparing Yourself (The Part No One Talks About Enough)
This is usually where the nerves sneak in.
You can have all the horse training in the world, but if your brain decides to panic mid-ride… well, that’s a whole situation.
So we practice that too.
Before events, I’ll have riders:
Walk through their pattern in their head
Talk it out (yes, out loud—it helps)
Breathe… like actually breathe, not the tiny panicky kind
Understanding what’s going to happen in the ring makes a huge difference. Confidence doesn’t magically appear—it comes from knowing you’ve done the work.
The Part Everyone Forgets: It’s Supposed to Be Fun
I mean this one.
Events aren’t just about ribbons or placing. They’re about seeing how far you’ve come. That first steady trot, that smoother turn, that moment where you don’t second-guess yourself.
That’s the real win.
A lot of our riders come in for riding lessons in Sonoma thinking they’ll “just try it out,” and then suddenly they’re asking about shows, planning outfits, getting a little competitive (in a fun way). It happens.
So… When Are You Ready?
Honestly? Sooner than you think.
If you’ve been consistent with your equestrian lessons, building a connection with your horse, and putting in the time—you’re already on your way. Horse event preparation isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared enough to try.
And we’ve got you on the rest.
Come Ride With Us at Strides Riding Academy
If you’re curious about getting into events—or just want to feel more confident in the saddle—this is exactly what we focus on in our riding lessons at Strides Riding Academy.
Our program is built to help riders grow step by step, whether you’re just starting out or working toward your first show. You can explore more about our riding lessons here and how we structure progress over time.
No pressure, no intimidating vibe. Just good horses, steady progress, and people who remember what it felt like to be new.
If you’re thinking about events down the line, you can also check out what we offer in our show and event programs.
Start where you are. We’ll help with the rest.