One of the biggest challenges in a long-format event is making sure your horse is fit enough to perform at their best in every single phase. Fitness and stamina are key — not just for success, but for keeping your horse happy and confident throughout the competition.
Redpost Rider Cameron Beer shares how he checks his horse’s fitness in the run-up to an event, along with practical ways to build condition using interval training.
You’ll also find more of Cameron’s expert tips and tricks for tackling the 80cm, 90cm, and 100cm Three-Day Event at Bicton Arena — perfect advice to help you prepare, whatever your level.
What to Expect from the Ground at Bicton
The Cross Country course at Bicton Arena winds its way through beautiful Grade One Listed Parkland in the heart of Devon, offering riders a truly special setting. The ground itself is made up of sandy loam old turf, which is well known for providing consistently good going throughout the year.
The terrain is undulating, giving a natural flow to the course and can be demanding. Riders can expect rises and falls that keep both horse and rider thinking. This balance makes Bicton a fair yet challenging test, where fitness, rhythm, and balance come to the forefront.
