Our Blog result Eventing
Preparing your horse for the competition season takes more than just regular riding. It requires a clear plan for training, nutrition, and the right Wolf Equestrian Clothing to ensure both you and your horse perform at your best. The Dressage, Showjumping and Eventing season has already begun, so now is the perfect time to get started. This guide will walk you through practical competition tips, followed by an introduction to the latest riding clothing from Wolf Equestrian to help you look sharp and dress for success in the ring. We will also share details about where you can find us trading this year at some of the top equestrian events. Joe Fernyhough, an international showjumper and Wolf London-sponsored rider competing at the Sunshine Tour, Spain.
Training Your Horse for Competition Season
Getting your horse fit and confident for competition starts with a structured training plan. Here are key areas to focus on:
Build a Solid Fitness Base
Start with conditioning: Gradually increase the length and intensity of your rides to build stamina. Aim for 4-5 rides per week, mixing flatwork, hill work, and cantering. If you have access to a gallops, a week before, it is good to use these to support training of your horse, especially when eventing. Include strength training: Exercises like transitions, lateral work, and pole work help build muscle and improve balance. Using Grid work and coming off your corners with jumps will help with collection, balance and rhythm of your horse. Rest and recovery: Schedule rest days to prevent overtraining and allow your horse's muscles to recover. For young horses, rest days to think about what they have done and learnt is vitally important, in this writers opinion.
Getting your timing and lines
Every wondered how to get your timings perfect in eventing, focus on cantering exercises around your arena and adjust your speed over timed intervals to understand the rhythm and timing. Four laps of your arena (40x20) is just under half a kilometre, and typically most eventing courses BE80/90/100 will be around 2.2/2.5km with an average pace of between 4 - 6 minutes. This will help you eventing by working out your pace and how to adjust it by feel and sight between each marker on the course to stay inside of the time.
For Show Jumping, typically you will be rewarded for following the correct line over time with an average pace at unaffiliated events, whilst BSJ will focus on a tighter time around the course. This is where you need to understand your horses speed and how to adjust it around the course, whilst remaining balanced and steady. Grid work into Oxers going off at a diagonal across the school can help you balance your horse, see your line, adjust your speed and collect your horse back up again. How it feels and knowing when you can push and rebalance, will help you keep an active rhythm throughout.
Sharpen Skills Specific to Your Discipline
Dressage riders should focus on precision, rhythm, and responsiveness. Keeping your horse flexible by doing moving & bending exercises before competitions will help with the suppleness. Showjumpers need to practice approach, take-off, and landing techniques at different speeds to support when riding a round of fences. Eventers must balance dressage, cross-country, and show jumping skills together. The most important thing is to have fun, as your horse will not be a master of all disciplines and they will have a strength, so play to that.
Mental Preparation
Expose your horse to competition environments by visiting busy arenas or shows before your first event if young and remain calm/relaxed in the warm up. At the end of the day, your there to have fun! Practice routines such as warming up and cooling down to reduce stress on event day. Treat the day as day out with your instructor or that you are visiting a local event you always ride at and do well. It really is no different and if your tense, your horse can feel this too and so it is important to treat it no different than anything else.
For detailed training plans, visit British Eventing Training Tips or The Horse's Fitness Guide.
Feeding Your Horse for Peak Performance
Nutrition plays a crucial role in your horse's energy levels and recovery. Here's how to feed your horse for competition success:
Balanced Diet Essentials
Forage first: Good quality hay or pasture should make up the majority of your horse's diet. Concentrates: Add grains or commercial feeds designed for performance horses to meet energy needs. Supplements: Consider joint supplements, electrolytes, or digestive aids based on your horse's workload and health.
Hydration and Electrolytes
Ensure your horse has constant access to clean water. Use electrolyte supplements during hot weather or intense training to replace lost minerals.
Feeding Schedule
Feed smaller meals multiple times a day to aid digestion. Avoid feeding large meals right before exercise to prevent discomfort.
For more feeding advice, check out The British Horse Society Nutrition Guide.
Your First Event in April: What to Expect
Competing for the first time in the season can be exciting and nerve-wracking. Here are some tips to help you and your horse perform well: Prepare your tack and equipment the day before to avoid last-minute stress. Arrive early to allow your horse to settle and warm up properly. Stick to your routine as much as possible to keep your horse calm. Stay hydrated and focused throughout the day. Review your performance afterward to identify areas for improvement.
Dress for Success with Wolf Equestrian Clothing
Looking the part boosts confidence and comfort during competition. Wolf Equestrian offers a stylish and functional range of riding clothing for men and women that combines performance with classic equestrian style. The sweat wicking technology or the compression fabrics are the latest innovative designs on the market, and hold the same priorities as any premium brand clothing at a fraction of the price. Wolf Equestrian aims to support riders in the saddle whilst not breaking the bank.
Wolf Equestrian Men's Riding Clothing
Tailored breeches with stretch fabric for freedom of movement. Technical base layers and Competition Shirts that wick moisture and regulate temperature.
Wolf Equestrian Women's Riding Clothing
High-waisted breeches and riding tights with flattering cuts. Lightweight show shirts with sweat wicking built in for the ultimate riding experience.
Introducing Our New Competition Show Shirts
Our latest collection of competition show shirts blends style with practicality. Features include moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry, stretch panels for ease of movement, crisp collars and subtle detailing for a polished look, and mesh fabric to allow movement of air across the body to keep you cool. These shirts are perfect for any event, from dressage to show jumping, and come in a variety of colours to match your team or personal style.
Find Wolf London Clothing at These 2026 Events
We are excited to be trading at some of the most prestigious equestrian events this year: Oxstalls Horse Trials (April), Badminton Horse Trials (May, Treehouse Sporting Colours Stand), Bramham Horse Trials (June), Beaufort Festival of Polo (June), Oxstalls Horse Trials (June), Cowdray Polo (July), Oxstalls Horse Trials (July), Cirencester Markets (August), Burghley Horse Trials (September, Treehouse Sporting Colours Stand), Gatcombe Park Horse Trials (September), Cirencester Markets (November & December), and The London International Horse Show (December, Treehouse Sporting Colours Stand).
The Burghley International Horse Trials, a highlight in the equestrian's calendar, this year exceeded expectations for Wolf London Clothing's debut at the prestigious event. Attendees experienced excitement, connection, and a strong sense of community as we showcased our products at the 'Treehouse Sporting Colours' Stand. The event was a wonderful chance to engage with passionate customers and celebrate the accomplishments of our Brand Ambassador, Tom Bird, riding two horses as the youngest rider to compete for the third year running.
Throughout the weekend, we were delighted to reconnect with both new and familiar faces. Nothing could have prepared us for the sell-out we saw in most sizes of our Signature Black Sports Polo T-shirts and our ladies white & navy riding tights. Best Seller of the week was by far our Signature Black Polo Sports top — we are working hard to re-stock the sold out sizes.
Get the Look: Tom Bird's Competition Attire & Results
At Burghley, Tom wore our White Rowland Competition Breeches and Men's Base Layer, which perfectly balanced style and functionality for the competition's intense cross country track. The breeches are designed for optimal comfort and performance, and riders often praise them for their flexibility and breathability.
Tom took two horses this year, 'Rebel Rhyme' and 'Jasper' — a real achievement to qualify two horses at this level. Tom completed the round on 'Jasper' with just a few time faults and a pole in the showjumping phase, a great result for their first Burghley as a pair, finishing 51st out of 86 as the second youngest rider competing at the event.
Tom Rowland & Henry Stopped by at Burghley
Tom Rowland also popped by wearing our classic Minchinhampton Quarter Zip, with Henry styling our Black padded Gilet. Tom was competing in the 5 year old classes this year to gain more exposure and experience for their first big venues and the crowds.
Collaboration with Wolf's Tavern
When a local pub and tavern in London named 'Wolf's Tavern' asked us to design their new staff uniform, we said yes. This is what attracted Parys, the owner and manager of the tavern near Canada Water in London, who launched Wolf's Tavern earlier this year after completely redecorating and sourcing fresh, quality ingredients — their signature dishes being fresh pizzas and Sunday roasts.
Frampton Country Fair
After Burghley, we proudly showcased our range at this year's very wet Frampton Country Fair. We had a great time meeting the local farming and equestrian communities, with our stand located adjacent to the main stage, giving us prime location to take in the many different events and displays, including camel racing. During set-up, another trader's marquee blew over and crushed our gazebo — luckily no one was hurt, and we were set up again by sunset with a new tent from Attwools Camping on the A38 in Gloucestershire.
Gatcombe Park Horse Trials with a visit from the Princess Royal
This year, we were pleased to sponsor Gatcombe Park Horse Trials and were thrilled to attend with our stand. Gatcombe Park is infamous for its striking scenery and exciting contests, enjoyed by generations. Our Founder, Andre Gardiner, won this event 2 years ago riding Lisaleen Boy (Elvis, between you and me) in the 80cm class, competing against Tom Woodwood and Tom Mcewen among others. To top it all off, Harry Meade and HRH Princess Anne even popped by on the Sunday.
New Autumn/Winter Collection
With the onset of a new season, we are excited to unveil our upcoming Autumn/Winter collection, featuring cosy fleece jumpers in new colourways, warm rollneck cable knit jumpers, and faux fur gilets and coats perfect for the colder months. We are also thrilled to collaborate with Wolf's Tavern in London on customised T-shirt designs for their staff and establishment.
We have also started designing and testing our new men's and women's equestrian range, including new compression fabric ladies' breeches and competition shirts, with a new men's compression fabric GP breeches due for launch this Christmas to New Year — over 8 new products to support our growing equestrian community.
Our Growing Wolf Pack
Our experience at the Burghley International Horse Trials was filled with unforgettable moments, connections, and enthusiasm. We are thankful for the unwavering support of our customers and the opportunity to showcase our products, and we eagerly anticipate seeing you at our next event.
A significant moment for any clothing brand as Wolf London attended Badminton International Horse Trials for the very first time in collaboration with the 'TreeHouse Sporting Colours' stand. During the event, we launched our latest collection of Cable Knits and brand new Tees, and met with Tom Rowland and Tom Bird Eventing. This annual event, known for its challenging cross-country and competitive spirit, was the ideal backdrop for showcasing our new summer styles.
We were incredibly proud to be supporters of Tom Rowland and Tom Bird, who were a pleasure to watch bounding round the rolling hills of Badminton Estate. We were thrilled to witness Tom Rowland finishing in an impressive 12th place, while Tom Bird completed his first ever Badminton and achieved a remarkable clear cross country round. We also had the pleasure of meeting so many new customers and reconnecting with old ones, and it was fantastic to see so many riders wearing our White Rowland Competition Breeches across the dressage, show jumping and cross country phases.
Latest Arrivals: Stylish Clothing for Summer at Badminton
As excitement filled the air, our new Cable Knits and Tees captured attention, designed with the active horse rider in mind but also to fit everyday lifestyle. We also introduced our ladies' riding tights in classic white and navy colourways, offering a four-way stretch for freedom of movement, along with brand new ladies' base layers of incredible quality. One standout piece was our mint green quarter zip, which turned heads on cross-country day — we swapped the metal toggle for a brown toggle, adding a different take to our beloved Minchinhampton Quarter Zip.
Meeting Riders and Shoppers at Badminton Horse Trials
Badminton is special for our founder, Andre Gardiner. After attending for the last 20 years to shop and watch the incredible talent of riders, being there as a vendor offered a unique perspective. We had the chance to chat with Tom Rowland and Tom Bird about more than just our brand — both shared valuable insights into their preparation for such a demanding competition, emphasising the importance of a tailored training regimen and mental readiness.
Exclusive Insights from Tom Rowland and Tom Bird
In our discussions, we learned about our ambassadors' favourite products. Tom Rowland praised the comfort and durability of our riding breeches, and how good the fit and flexibility is. Tom Bird picked our grey Alpha Breeches as his favourite item, and shared how he really wanted to work with the brand given the gap in men's riding clothing.
A Memorable Experience at Badminton
Being at Badminton this year was not just about launching over 25 new products; it was a celebration of community. Equestrian enthusiasts gathered from everywhere, creating a familial atmosphere. Watching riders tackle the challenging course highlighted the immense dedication required in equestrian sports, reflecting the commitment we put into our clothing line.
Looking Ahead: What's Next for Wolf London Clothing?
Reflecting on our experience at Badminton, we eagerly anticipate next year's event. Our presence at the Badminton Horse Trials is solidified, and we can't wait to return with even more innovative styles, including our new women's riding breeches. We invite you to explore our new summer collection and join us in celebrating the spirit of Badminton — a tribute to equestrian sports, style, and community.
We have all been there — the morning of a competition that you and your horse have been working tirelessly towards, and the excitement soon shifts to nerves, anxiety and negative thoughts. Everybody handles these emotions differently, and over time you develop your own strategies to put these feelings on the backburner and crack on with the job in hand. Here at Wolf London, we have compiled some tips and tricks we have used to help combat those pre-competition jitters.
Plan Ahead
Allow yourself plenty of time on the day of the event by getting organised the day before. Make sure your tack is cleaned, organised and in your lorry or car ready to go. Have your route to the event established and leave in plenty of time to walk the course. If you are riding a dressage test, make sure you're happy with it and any questions are answered by your trainer — no question is a stupid question. If you can, plait up the night before, as this can be a huge inconvenience under pressure. These preparations will result in a massive reduction in stress and anxiety on the day, letting you focus on yourself and your horse's performance.
Know Your Gear
Trusting the equipment you use on the day has a significant impact on your outlook and is one less thing to worry about. Don't change your bit or make dramatic changes to your tack, clothes or boots on the day of the event — make sure you've ridden in your competition kit at least a couple of times beforehand. As Tom Rowland, one of our brand ambassadors, told us: 'I could never wear new breeches before an event, I need to know the product and how it feels before I wear them at an event.'
Be Optimistic
You and your horse have worked too hard in training to be let down by negative thoughts and the 'what ifs'. Replace them with 'we can do this', 'let's have fun', 'we are going to smash this'. The bond between horse and rider is a force to be reckoned with — you have a partnership facing the challenges with you, so embrace it.
Look After Yourself
Just as you make sure your horse has everything it needs the night before, make sure you do the same for yourself. Have a relaxed evening, eat well and get a good 8 hours of sleep so you feel refreshed and ready to seize the day. A lack of sleep leads to a poor attention span and reduced ability in learning and processing — integral when walking a course and staying sharp in the ring.
You're Nervous, That's Okay
Regardless of tips and strategies, it's inevitable that at any level you'll experience some nervous jitters. Whether you're competing at your local ODE or a 5* BE event, you won't be the only rider in the warm-up feeling these emotions. Recognise that you're nervous, think 'that is okay', and shift your focus to the job in hand.
Breathe
Shortness of breath is a common symptom of anxiety, part of the body's natural fight-or-flight response. When you're beginning your show jumping course, focus on your breathing and zone into the arena music — this will naturally regulate your breathing and help shift your focus from your nerves so you can concentrate on getting a clear round.
Overall, nerves can be your biggest challenge on the day of an event, but they're normal for athletes at all levels. You and your horse are talented — you wouldn't have entered the event if you and your trainer didn't think you were ready, so go out there and do it.
Wolf London aims to be the catalyst for positive change within the equestrian industry, promoting inclusivity and accessible clothing for men in the sport, including our Men's Signature Alpha Breeches and our Signature unisex hoodie available to both men and women.
Regards, Wolf London
We would now like to officially introduce Tom Rowland as our sponsored brand ambassador! We wanted to pick someone close to our home and hearts, whose journey we had been following for a while, someone that would work with Wolf London and grow with us, knowing the struggles of obtaining quality products tailored to men in the equestrian industry.
We picked Tom not only because he is an incredible athlete, but also an inspirational role model and coach to so many, who encompasses and shares the values Wolf London is proud to uphold. Tom has ridden at 5 star events ten times now, three of which were at the famous Badminton Horse Trials. He aims to ride at Badminton on Dreamliner after qualifying at Blenheim Palace in 5th place, alongside KND Steel Pulse, whom Tom has had for almost nine years, and Quintilius, who is aiming for the German 5* Luhmühlen in June.
Tom Rowland: "Like Wolf London founder Andre Gardiner, I grew up in the Minchinhampton area of Gloucestershire. Local events such as Badminton and Gatcombe inspired me when I was young; to now be competing at these events as a regular face on the international 5* eventing circuit is a dream come true. The next step in my career is to push towards Team GB selection and world class results at the top end of 5* leaderboards. There has long been a gap in the market for quality, affordable, accessible men's equestrian clothing. Thank you, Wolf, for recognising and addressing this. Their products are comfortable, breathable and well fitted — essential when in the saddle."
Here at Wolf London, we are extremely proud to support Tom in his future career, supplying him with quality products to elevate his performance while riding and supporting him on his journey as we grow as a brand.
The Rationale Behind Our Debut Products
It was important for us at the very start of our venture to begin our product catalogue with garments that are genuinely useful and solve a problem. The products we have produced are the result of in-depth market research, our own experience and age-old requirements that the rider seeks. This is why we have created the Men's riding breeches and our signature unisex hoodie, priced realistically but reflecting the quality and longevity the products will offer.
The Men's Alpha Winter Riding Breeches
This was a simple need within the equestrian industry that was just not being fulfilled — you could not find a pair of men's breeches that meet the comfort, style, fit and aesthetic that most men require. That is why we invested in ensuring our breeches are warm using a fleece-lined leg and water-resistant coating, essential for the unpredictable British weather.
Durability was equally important — you cannot afford to be wearing tight and rigid leg wear when riding, especially when jumping fences or out on cross country, as restricted movement affects the rider's performance. This is why we created our breeches with 4-way elasticated stretch and Wolf patented silicone knee grip patches to allow better security within the saddle.
The Unisex Signature Hoodie
We had a clear vision for what the hoodie needed to meet — usable across all seasons, stylish but functional. This is why we created it with a weight of 460gsm, a soft inner lining, true body fit and elasticated cuffs, keeping you warm during chilly mornings and adding an extra layer during bitter winter mornings. We started with a dark navy base colour, tying in with our brand theme while being less likely to show dirt or grime from the yard.
Moving into 2024 and Beyond
We have an exciting year planned with new product launches. We are always open to constructive criticism and suggestions — if you would like to share any thoughts, our inbox info@wolflondon.com is the place to send them through!
Regards, Andre - Founder