10 top tips for making the most of your trot ups

By Sam Cutts – Hook Norton Equine Vets

1)      Practice at home before you go! Get your horse used to trotting off promptly when asked on a loose rein. You may need a friend to gently encourage him the first few times, so he knows what is expected.

2)      It is fine to carry a schooling whip yourself at the trot up, just make sure your horse doesn’t shy away from it and trot on 3 tracks as you will be asked to trot again.

3)      On the day, take some time to make your horse look his best! Plaits, hoof oil and a bridle – and don’t forget your bridle number!

4)      Don’t forget yourself – your outfit should be at a minimum clean and tidy, but if you fancy competing for one of the fabulous ‘best dressed’ prizes on offer, then go wild! I always recommend sensible footwear – no heels!

5)      Make sure you’re over to the trot up in good time so you can have a practice trot before you’re called.

6)      Have a look at a few horses trot before you, so you can see how everything works. Expect to be asked to stand in front of the vet whilst they have a look at all sides of the horse, then, when asked, walk a few strides before going into a positive trot all the way to the end. Turn to your right around the marker at the end and then trot back straight towards the judge. Assuming all is well, you will hear ‘Accepted’ and can then walk back towards the stables.

7)      If you hear your number asked to go to the ‘Hold Box’, don’t panic! A second vet will most likely ask you to trot again for them before examining your horse, having a feel of his legs and checking his feet with hoof testers. They will then report their findings back to the trot up vet, who will ask you to trot again before making their final decision. Our vets are there to check that your horse doesn’t appear to be at a greater risk of injury than others, but they always want everyone to be able to compete if at all possible!

8)      On Sunday, for the second trot up, make sure your horse has had a chance to loosen up rather than going straight from the stable to the trot up. For some horses, this may be an active hand graze; others may need a light hack on Sunday morning.

9)      Make sure you have had a practice before you trot up on Sunday – partly to make sure your horse is sound but also to check that they are bright and ready to go! They may need a bit more encouragement after running XC on Saturday!

10)  Enjoy – the trot up is all part of the fun of a 3 day event!