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Saturday morning, August 1st. I stand by Flavia's stall, saddle her, and we head to the warm-up arena. Music emanates from the show jumping sound system, someone shouts in the distance, a few horses trot past us, each in a different direction. Flavia's nostrils flare, she snorts and looks around at everything. The mare looks at me with a gaze that clearly says: what in the world is going on here?
That's what competitions are like.
I work at Equishop as a sales expert and talk a lot with clients about competition equipment: helmets, vests, competition attire. But rarely does anyone tell the full story of what the entire trip looks like from start to finish: what needs to be arranged, how much it costs, what to bring, and how the competition day unfolds. After a weekend in Radzionków (August 1-2, 2026), I feel I can finally tell it firsthand.
Key information at a glance
- To compete in regional competitions, you need a rider's license, a horse's license, equestrian insurance, and up-to-date medical examination results. Arrange this in advance, not at the last minute.
- Registering via the LiveJumping portal takes about fifteen minutes. The day before the competition, the organizer publishes start lists, which help you plan your entire day.
- The real cost of a weekend with a stall and transport is approximately 900 PLN (excluding instructor costs and your own travel).
- Arrive a day earlier. The horse will recover from stress and get acquainted with the competition arena without the pressure of competing.
- You have about 15 minutes in the warm-up arena. Do not overwork the horse before the course; it needs to have enough energy to complete the entire route.
- Time is counted from the start line to the finish line. Both must be crossed; they cannot be skipped.
Table of contents
- Before you go to the competition: formalities
- How to register: LiveJumping step by step
- How much do competitions cost: a real budget
- Equipment for competitions: what I brought for myself and Flavia
- Arriving a day earlier: why it makes sense
- What a competition day looks like
- Warm-up arena: the heart of chaos before the start
- Debut, first place, and what I was really looking for
- List: what to bring to a competition
- Is it worth competing in regional competitions?
- FAQ: frequently asked questions
Before you go to the competition: formalities to arrange in advance
An equestrian competition is not a spontaneous outing. Before you arrive, you need to take care of a few formalities, and well in advance.
Rider and horse license. If you are competing in regional competitions, you need a current rider's license and a horse's license. Both are issued by the Regional Equestrian Federation (OZJ). It's not complicated, but it takes time. Don't leave it until the last minute.
Equestrian insurance: mandatory. Without valid insurance, you cannot participate in the competition.
Sports medicine medical examinations: also mandatory and must be up-to-date. For minors, written consent from a legal guardian is additionally required.
Once all of this is taken care of, you can proceed with the registrations themselves.
How to register: LiveJumping step by step
Most show jumping competitions in Poland operate through the LiveJumping portal. Here’s how it works in practice:
Step 1. Create an account on livejumping.com and fill in your and your horse’s details. Immediately enter the validity of your medical examinations and insurance here.
Step 2. Find the competitions you are interested in. Each has a so-called proposal: a document with a full description, a list of classes, required qualifications, and all costs.
Step 3. Click "Add entry", log in, and select specific competitions. You can also immediately indicate whether you need a stall.
Step 4. Wait for confirmation from the organizer.
Step 5. The day before the competition, the organizer publishes the start lists. You will find out at what time individual classes take place and in what order you are starting.
The whole process took me literally fifteen minutes. It's really simpler than it seems.
How much do regional and friendly show jumping competitions cost? A real budget
Entry fee: 200 PLN per competition day. I competed for two days: 400 PLN total.
Stall for the horse: Flavia arrived a day earlier (Friday, July 31st). A stall on site cost 250 PLN from Friday to Sunday inclusive. This isn't just about accommodation. By arriving a day early, the horse can get used to the place peacefully. Importantly, on this day, you can also ride in the competition arena without obstacles, and the horse gets acquainted with the same terrain where it will compete in the following days. This is a huge advantage, especially for a debut.
Horse transport: The cost of transport for us was 250 PLN for a round trip, but of course, the price depends on the distance and the rates of carriers.
Instructor costs: The instructor plays a very important role at competitions. They accompany us in the warm-up arena: they observe, give real-time feedback, and adjust the difficulty of obstacles. During the competition, they stand centrally behind the entrance gate to the arena and provide instructions during the ride. This is truly a key person on that day, especially when we are competing in one of our first competitions and don't realize what it looks like from the inside. The instructor's cost is individual. It's worth asking about this in advance, even before planning the trip budget.
Own travel: Travel costs depend on your place of residence. In my case, it wasn't expensive, because I live 30 minutes from the stable in Radzionków.
In total (without instructor costs and own travel), a two-day competition trip for regional and friendly competitions amounted to approximately 900 PLN.
Competition equipment: what I brought for myself and Flavia?
Competitions are not the time for experimenting with equipment. Ride in what you know and feel confident in, and what your horse knows. New things are just as stressful for them as the entire competition environment, so the more familiar elements, the better.
My competition attire
Samshield helmet in navy blue. I ride in a Samshield every day, so this was an obvious choice. At competitions, a helmet is non-negotiable.
Samshield competition shirt. In show jumping, a competition shirt with a stand-up collar is mandatory.
Pikeur tailcoat. At regional competitions, a tailcoat is required. With the judge's permission, you can compete without a tailcoat. Judges agree to this when it is really hot. That's exactly what happened on the first day in Radzionków, and we competed without tailcoats.
Air vest with an airbag system. In a fraction of a second, it inflates with air and protects the spine and chest during a fall. Even the best prepared riders fall, and falls can end very differently. For me, this is an absolutely fundamental piece of equipment that I don't compromise on.
Samshield breeches. At competitions, white or light cream breeches are required. Long Kingsland socks complete the outfit.
Riding boots. You can compete in riding boots or jodhpur boots with chaps and half chaps. In my case, I wore riding boots, and since I switched to riding in them, I rarely go back to jodhpur boots. Riding boots give a much different sense of grip and calf use.
Flavia's equipment
Renaissance saddle. A well-fitted saddle is absolutely essential. The horse spends the entire competition day in it, and a poorly fitted saddle can affect both its well-being and the quality of the ride. Before you go to your first competition, make sure the saddle fits your horse.
Eskadron Heritage saddle pad with matching ear bonnets. Ear bonnets at competitions are not a whim, but real support. They help the horse to focus despite the music, megaphones, and general commotion.
Mattes half pad for comfort and better fit under the saddle.
Protective boots. In show jumping competitions, protective boots are an indispensable element. On the course, a jumping horse can always touch and knock down an obstacle, and without protective boots, it can bruise its legs and tear tendons. That's why it's so important to wear protective boots in show jumping competitions.
If you are putting together your competition season equipment, check out our collections: riding helmets, protective vests and competition apparel.
Arriving a day earlier: why does it make sense?
I brought Flavia to Radzionków on Friday, July 31st, the day before her first start. The horse then gets time to get used to the new place, smells, other horses, and the general hustle and bustle.
For a debut, this is practically a necessity. Flavia is five years old and had never been to a competition before. A new environment, new sounds, strange horses everywhere – that’s a huge amount of stimuli at once. A stall on site gave us this comfort. On Friday evening, I fed Flavia, made sure she was calm, rode her in the competition arena without obstacles, which allowed her to get acquainted with the same terrain where she would compete the next day. We started Saturday morning more calmly, without the stress of "we're leaving soon, will we make it?"
For horses that react particularly strongly to new environments, it is also worth considering calming pheromones, such as Secure Horse Flash, which are applied before the start. They work on the natural calming mechanism and can help the horse focus faster in a noisy, crowded place.
On Friday, I also took the horse's passport to the competition office. The organizer must check if everything in the passport and entry form matches, and if vaccinations are up-to-date, to allow the horse to compete. This is a requirement before every competition: report to the office and present the horse's passport.
What does a competition day look like? From morning to the last ride
I received the start lists from the organizer the day before and knew exactly when my class was. This allows you to plan the entire day.
Morning. The first stage is feeding and watering the horse. This time, watering was off our list because the horses had automatic waterers in their stalls. By 7:00 AM, we were already there to give hay, and at 7:30 AM, I was feeding concentrates. For Flavia, this meant oats, vitamins, chaff, and Build Up muesli.
Horse preparation. Our starts began at 8:50 AM on Saturday, so Flavia had to be ready by 8:30 AM so I could make it to the course walk.
Course walk. This is a very important stage that is easy to underestimate. Before the warm-up, we go with the trainer to the competition arena to inspect the course. We learn the order of obstacles and check the distances in lines, meaning how many meters there are from one obstacle to the next. This allows us to make decisions in advance: whether to ride a given line with a stronger canter or whether it's worth collecting the horse more and slowing down. At the same time, someone leads the horse, either in hand or from the saddle, to warm it up and get it ready for the warm-up arena.
Warm-up arena. In the warm-up arena, there are about ten pairs. In the middle, there are usually two obstacles: a vertical or cross-bar at the beginning and an oxer. Rules regarding riding directions and communication, in accordance with PZJ guidelines, apply to ensure safety and allow everyone to prepare properly. The warm-up lasts about 15 minutes: a moment of trot in both directions, canter, a few jumps in each direction. We also cannot tire the horse too much; it needs to have enough energy to complete about 10 obstacles on the course.
Start. The person responsible for the warm-up arena calls out your name, inviting you to the competition arena. You can enter together with the horse competing before you or wait until the previous pair finishes their round. When you are in the arena, the judge signals the start with a bell. We bow to the judges and head for the first obstacle. We have 45 seconds for this, which is a lot of time. The time starts counting from the moment you cross the start line before the first obstacle. We must cross it; we cannot bypass it. The finish line after the last obstacle stops the time and shows the result in seconds.
After the ride. The scenario depends on whether you are going to the prize-giving ceremony. If so, you walk your horse, waiting for the entire competition to finish. After the ceremony, a bit more walking, untacking, and then to the stall so the horse can drink and rest. In hot weather, I recommend hosing down the entire horse with water. OverHorse's IceShower product works wonderfully, instantly lowering body temperature and providing relief to the horse on hot days. Then, take the horse out to the grass to dry and apply cooling clay to the tendons. After all her starts, Flavia also received electrolytes. After exercise on a warm day, this is an absolute necessity to replenish mineral losses. If you are not going to the prize-giving ceremony, you walk your horse until its breathing calms down; the rest is unchanged: untacking, stall, washing, grass, clay or cooling gel on the tendons.
On Saturday, I competed in the 50 cm and 60 cm classes. After the 50 cm class, I walked my horse, waiting for the opportunity to enter the warm-up arena for pairs competing in the 60 cm class. Once given permission, I entered the warm-up, a brief preparation again, and then onto the course. Only after all that could we move on to rest.
I competed with my colleague Marta, who rode a spotted mare named Amnezja. Marta had previous starts with this horse, so she knew what to expect. For Flavia and me, however, it was a debut.
Warm-up arena: the heart of chaos before the start
The warm-up arena is the most surprising place at competitions. In Radzionków, about 10 pairs were warming up simultaneously, each at a different pace, to the sound of music from the competition arena and commentary from the microphone.
Flavia entered with her ears set like radars. She snorted and looked around at everything, clearly impressed. That's why I brought her a day early, so she wouldn't start from scratch with getting used to the place.
The instructor was invaluable here. I checked how Flavia was feeling that day. I trotted for a while in both directions to prepare her for cantering and jumping, then took a couple of jumps in each direction, listening to the trainer and simultaneously keeping in mind other participants in the warm-up to avoid cutting anyone off.
When Flavia entered the competition arena, my mind was solely focused on the ride, the course, and the subsequent obstacles. Even though Flavia was clearly interested in everything happening around us, I made sure to stick to the plan and give her a sense of security. I made all the decisions on the course: when to slow down, when to speed up, when to take a jump. This focus of the rider and looking to the next obstacle is crucial in all of this.
Debut, first place, and what I was really looking for
We finished in 1st place in the mini LL class. But honestly? That wasn't my main goal.
I came to Radzionków to test Flavia in conditions that cannot be replicated in an indoor arena. Competitions are a separate environment: stress, noise, crowds, unfamiliar horses, unfamiliar arena. I wanted to know: how does Flavia react to strong stimuli? Can she focus despite the surroundings? How does she behave with many unfamiliar horses simultaneously?
It went much better than I expected. The unfamiliar place, unfamiliar horses, plus the crowd and noise around didn't help, but Flavia's trust in me meant we handled all these difficulties. That was more valuable to me than any result.
Competitions are not just about results. They are a test of readiness: of the horse and yourself.
Starting list: what to bring to a competition?
If you're wondering how to pack professionally and exactly what to bring to a competition, also check out our interview with a groom: How to pack for an equestrian competition?
For yourself
- Competition attire: competition shirt with a stand-up collar, show coat, white or light cream breeches. If you're competing for two days, prepare two sets. White breeches get dirty very quickly, and you'll need a clean outfit the next day.
- Riding helmet meeting current standards
- Protective vest
- Riding boots or paddock boots with chaps and half chaps
- Riding gloves
- It's good to have photos of documents on your phone: rider's license, equestrian insurance, current medical examination
- Food and drinks. Competitions can last all day.
For the horse
- Complete tack: saddle, bridle, girth, stirrup leathers, stirrups, saddle pad
- Competition and transport boots
- Preferably two hanging buckets
- Hay net, helps save scattered hay in the stall
- Feed
- Cooling gel or cooling clay
- Bag with brushes
- Starting number: we won't start without it
- Horse's passport: we take it to the competition office before starting
Is it worth competing in regional and friendly competitions?
Yes. It is worth it, even if your horse has never been to a competition before.
LL classes are show jumping competitions up to 90 cm. This is the level at which riders usually begin their journey with competitions. It is at these heights that the greatest stress is usually felt among participants. The atmosphere is intense, but precisely because of this, you learn so much about the horse and yourself.
Formalities via LiveJumping are simpler than they seem. The equipment you already have will mostly suffice, provided you have an up-to-date helmet. According to PZJ regulations, individuals up to and including 15 years of age are required to compete in a protective vest.
If you have questions about competition equipment: helmets, vests, competition clothing, I invite you to Equishop. We are located at ul. Oświęcimska 9 in Ruda Śląska.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about equestrian competitions
Do you need a PZJ license for regional show jumping competitions?
Yes. To compete in regional competitions, you need a current rider's license and horse's license (both from the OZJ, i.e., the Regional Equestrian Association), valid equestrian insurance, and current sports medicine examinations.
How do I sign up for competitions via LiveJumping?
Go to livejumping.com, create an account, and fill in your and your horse's data. Find the competition, check the proposal, and click "Add entry." Select the classes and stall option, if needed. Wait for confirmation from the organizer.
How much do regional and friendly show jumping competitions cost?
Entry fees are usually 150–250 PLN per competition day. Additionally, a stall for the horse (200–350 PLN for the weekend), horse transport both ways, and instructor costs. A realistic budget for two days with a stall and transport is around 800–1000 PLN.
What documents are required to compete?
Rider's license (OZJ), horse's license (OZJ), valid equestrian insurance, and current sports medicine examinations. Minors also need written consent from a legal guardian. The horse's passport is submitted to the competition office before starting. It's a good idea to have scans of documents on your phone.
Is it worth going to competitions with a young, debuting horse?
Yes, provided thorough training preparation. It's worth arriving a day early and riding in the competition arena without obstacles so the horse can get used to the place. For horses that react strongly to stress, consider calming pheromones applied before the start.
What vest is required at equestrian competitions?
According to PZJ regulations, individuals up to and including 15 years of age are required to compete in a protective vest. Airbag vests, which inflate in a fraction of a second to protect the spine and chest, are becoming increasingly popular.
