Preparing Your Horse for Championships: The Complete Guide with Natural'Innov

Championships ahead? Discover how to prepare your horse from A to Z: care, recovery and nutrition with Natural'Innov's natural products. Explore our expert advice and weekly routine.

The entry is confirmed. Three weeks to go. And you look at your horse and wonder: "Have we really done everything? Are we ready?" 🤔

Championship season puts horse preparation — physical, mental and aesthetic — firmly in the spotlight. Everyone knows that a championship is unlike any other show in the season. The atmosphere, the back-to-back efforts over several days, the change of environment… All of this creates a unique kind of pressure, for both horse and rider.

Approaching this challenge with confidence starts with preparation. That's where Natural'Innov's philosophy makes all the difference: 100% natural formulas, high-performance, free from regulated substances (non-doping) and specifically designed for the sport horse 💪

Mark your calendars: here's your step-by-step plan starting 21 days out.

Why do championships call for a specific preparation?

Competing in a local Sunday show and taking part in a multi-day championship are two very different worlds. At a championship, your horse faces back-to-back exertion, long journeys and life in a temporary stable — often a recipe for stress.

To prevent energy dips, fatigue or muscle stiffness, a consistent long-term routine is essential. Natural'Innov offers a complete range validated by riders at every level, from grassroots to professional. The goal? Visible, measurable results week after week, so your horse arrives in peak condition on the day that matters. 😉

Three weeks out is the perfect time to take a full assessment of your horse's overall condition: skin health, freedom of movement and general vitality. This is where the long-term care really counts.

1 - Joint support and locomotor comfort

Championship arenas can be demanding, and the repetition of rounds requires perfectly supple, mobile joints.

• The star product: Natural'Moov.

Why this one? This supplement is a natural source of plant-based chondroprotectors, botanical extracts and antioxidants. Enriched with turmeric for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it effectively improves locomotor comfort and ensures supple, fluid movement.

💡 Expert tip: Start a long-term course from day 21 out (or continuously for more sensitive horses) to maximise the benefits on competition day.

2 - Getting ahead of digestive sensitivity and anxiety

The stress of travelling and changes in routine have a direct impact on our horses' stomachs. A horse kept in a temporary stable at a championship moves around far less, which disrupts digestion and can cause gastric acidity.

• For stomach and digestive flora: Natural'Digest. It balances digestive flora and regulates stomach acidity to prevent discomfort during preparation.

• For a calm mind: Natural'Relax. Ideal for stressed horses or mares sensitive to heat cycles, it supports calm and serenity without affecting their energy.

3 - Skin and coat care: laying the groundwork

A beautiful coat on competition day starts now. If your horse tends to scratch or has minor skin imperfections:

• Natural'Wash Sensitive: An ultra-gentle shampoo to cleanse without irritating.

• Natural'Itch: Apply to soothe itching and stimulate coat regrowth.

• Natural'Balm: Your go-to for everyday little scrapes. It disinfects minor surface wounds and speeds up hair regrowth, preventing those "bald" patches!

4 - Vitality and performance: the nutritional boost

To support muscle function and boost vitality in the lead-up to competition, add Natural'Top to your horse's feed. It's a natural source of essential nutrients and electrolytes — vital for hydration, energy support and reducing post-effort soreness.

5 - Coat, mane and presentation: the finishing touches

7 days out, it's time to start perfecting the finer details. Bring out your secret weapon: Natural'Star. This detangler and shine spray with clementine fragrance brings softness and hydration to the mane and tail while giving the coat a stunning, radiant glow.

Championship week: the essential rituals

The pressure is on — you're loading the lorry or trailer. Here's your final days routine to keep your horse calm and looking his best.

D-5 to D-1: The big clean-up

• 5 to 4 days out: Time for a proper bath! Use Natural'Wash to deeply remove sweat built up during recent training sessions, then apply Natural'Star to the wet mane and tail to make plaiting easier in the days ahead.

• The day before (D-1): Apply Natural'Hoof hoof oil. It deeply nourishes and conditions the hoof wall while leaving a beautiful glossy finish on the hooves.

The pros' secret: the Flash versions!

Our partner riders love and frequently use the syringes (Flash versions) for an immediate effect at competitions.

• Before travel: A syringe of Natural'Digest Flash to buffer gastric acidity triggered by the stress of the journey.

• Pre-effort (the evening before or 2 hours ahead): Natural'Moov Flash to free up movement and suppleness, and Natural'Top Flash to deliver energy, vitality and help prevent cramping.

• In the warm-up arena: If your horse is distracted or unsettled by the buzz of the championship, Natural'Relax Flash will help him stay focused.

Competition morning: quick routine, zero stress

On the morning of the big day, stay calm and focused. Apply one final spritz of Natural'Star over the coat and mane to make your horse shine in the arena spotlight. Then brush a coat of Natural'Hoof.over the hooves just before you mount up for a flawless finish in front of the judges.

To keep your horse happily occupied in the stable, set up the Natural'Kub, our floor-level hay net. Our riders' feedback is unanimous: it prevents boredom during those long championship days and encourages your horse to eat hay slowly. Perfect for digestion!

What NOT to do on competition day (common mistakes)

1. Oiling wet or dirty hooves: You risk sealing in moisture and bacteria. Always clean and dry the hoof thoroughly before applying your oil.

2. Applying a greasy shine spray over the saddle area: That's the quickest way to have your saddle spinning at the first turn or the first fence. Luckily, Natural'Star leaves no greasy residue — but to be safe, still avoid the saddle pad area!

3. Testing a new product or making drastic changes to the feed on the morning itself: Stick to what your horse knows and trusts — you don't want to upset his digestive system or trigger an unexpected skin reaction.

And after? Post-championship recovery

The championship is over — rosettes on the bridle (or a wealth of experience gained!). Your horse has given everything. Now it's time to say thank you by taking care of his muscles and tendons.

Recovery care with Natural'Innov

Internally: give Natural'Top Flash after the class or continue feeding Natural'Top in granule form in the daily ration in the days following the show. Its high electrolyte content rehydrates the body and helps flush out the muscle toxins (lactic acid) built up during exercise. Natural'Mash Top is also a great way to keep your horse hydrated while treating them to something delicious.

 

FAQ: Everything you need to know before the championships

How do you prepare a horse for a championship? The ideal preparation starts 3 to 4 weeks ahead, combining targeted nutrition (such as Natural'Top), long-term joint support ( Natural'Moov) and a local care routine for coat and hooves.

Which products should you use to make a competition horse's coat shine? Use the detangling and shine spray Natural'Star. Apply it 7 days before after shampooing, the evening before the show, and on the morning of competition day for a radiant, silky coat with zero greasy effect.

Are Natural'Innov products approved for use in official competition? Yes, absolutely. All supplements and care products in the Natural'Innov range are formulated with 100% natural ingredients and are guaranteed free from regulated substances (non-doping). You can use them with complete peace of mind at official competitions.

How far in advance should you start preparing your horse for a championship? It's strongly recommended to start 3 to 4 weeks before the event. This timeframe allows long-term supplements (for joints and digestion) to build up in your horse's system, delivering visible and measurable improvements in overall condition by competition day.

How do you help your horse recover after a championship? For optimal recovery, apply the cooling clay Natural'Recup to the limbs to tighten tissues, and give the supplement Natural'Top (granules or Flash version), rich in electrolytes, to rehydrate muscles and prevent soreness.

Can you use natural supplements before a competition? Yes — and it's actually recommended to support your horse's effort naturally. The "Flash" syringe versions (Natural'Digest Flash, Natural'Moov Flash, Natural'Top Flash, Natural'Relax Flash) can be given before the class to provide immediate, targeted comfort (stress, joints, energy).

Ready to make your partnership shine on the championship arena? Discover the full Natural'Innov range on the OHLALA website and start building your champion's kit today!