COMPETITION NERVES — TRACEY COLE answers…

They say growth begins at the edge of your comfort zone, but how can riders successfully move up the levels without overstretching themselves or their horses?

The ideal warm-up will be perfectly executed to produce success in the ring – but horses aren’t machines. Ellie Hughes finds out how to cope when the warm-up throws you a curveball

Harnessing the power of the mind can dramatically improve performance, hence the take-up of sports psychology among elite riders. Catherine Waterfall finds out how it can benefit grassroots competitors

Competition nerves take on a whole new character when it’s not you in the saddle, but your child. Eleanor Jones finds out how parents suffer for the sake of their offspring’s sport

While horses of all shapes, sizes and styles can reach the top, good technique is a major advantage. Ellie Hughes asks top showjumpers for their go-to exercises to sharpen reflexes