Jackpot Prep: The Day Before You Haul
- afenner
- Aug 17, 2025
- 3 min read
The day before a jackpot can set the tone for the entire weekend. Whether you’re hauling across town or heading out for a multi-day race, preparation is what keeps things smooth, stress-free, and set up for success. Today’s post is all about the day before you leave — what to do with your horse, your rider, and your gear to maximize confidence and minimize chaos.
The "Don't Fix It Today" Rule
The most important thing to remember is this: you can’t fix a problem the day before the race.
If your horse is blowing past the first barrel or your rider is struggling with nerves, now is not the time to overhaul training. You can sharpen. You can stretch. But cramming in corrections at the last minute usually backfires.
So What Should You Do Today?
Keep the ride light, positive, and short.
Focus on flow, feel, and connection.
Practice transitions and responsiveness — not the whole pattern.
Build your rider’s confidence, not critique them.
Let them feel how good their horse is — not how many things they could mess up.
Physical Prep for the Horse
Your horse should already be conditioned. Today is about feeling good, not getting fit.
Pre-Haul Checklist:
Check legs and feet. Look for any swelling, heat, or soreness. Don't overlook hooves — tightness in the body often starts there.
Stretch and move. Go for a light ride, groundwork session, or walk in-hand.
Massage or bodywork. If you have a routine (Theragun, PEMF, back rollers), now’s the time.
Groom deeply. Curry to bring blood to the surface, check for soreness, and reinforce bonding.
Hydrate. Offer electrolytes or soaked hay cubes. Dehydration before hauling can be a disaster.
Pack feed and hay. Pre-measure everything. Don’t forget your horse’s supplements or any ulcer prevention.
Mental Prep for the Rider
Your youth rider may be excited, nervous, or a little of both. The day before is a great time to set the mental tone.
Confidence Builders:
Watch old videos of good runs.
Visualize the upcoming pattern and walk through it out loud.
Let them journal their goals for the weekend — 1 technical, 1 mental, 1 attitude-based.
Remind them what they control (focus, prep, effort) and what they don’t (draw number, ground conditions).
Frame success as executing their plan — not placing.
This is where young competitors start to develop a pre-race routine that becomes their anchor in the chaos.
Gear Prep: Checklists Are Your Best Friend
Nothing derails confidence like realizing you forgot something halfway to the race.
The Day-Before Gear Checklist:
Saddle, pad, cinch, breast collar
Bridle(s) with reins and tiedown if used
Extra reins and headstalls in case something breaks
Splint boots, bell boots, polos — plus backups
Grooming tote (brushes, hoof pick, fly spray)
Medical kit (Bute, vet wrap, thermometer, wound spray)
Buckets (water and feed)
Hay nets, grain, supplements, salt block
Water from home (if your horse is picky)
Stall tools: rake, muck bucket, shavings
Cool-down gear: fans, sheets, sweat scraper
Rider gear: jeans, boots, shirts, hat/helmet, spurs, gloves
Event paperwork, Coggins, health certificates if needed
Pro Tip: Have your youth rider check off each item themselves. It builds responsibility and routine.
Trailer Prep: Don’t Wait Until Morning
What to Do Today:
Fill the truck with fuel.
Check tires and lights.
Clean and bed the trailer.
Load hay, gear, and extras tonight.
Put your paperwork in the glovebox.
Make sure your rider’s clothes are laid out and ready.
Optional but Recommended: Walk your rider through the trailer and explain the setup. Where’s the emergency brake? Where are the first aid kits? If something goes wrong on the road, they’ll be a more capable helper.
The Night Before
Don’t:
Drill the pattern late into the night
Critique last week’s run before bed
Introduce new gear or supplements
Do:
Eat a good dinner together
Laugh, stretch, and hydrate
Go to bed early
Your goal is to create a sense of calm confidence. A relaxed, prepared rider and a healthy, rested horse have the best shot at showing up sharp.
Final Thoughts
Big races aren’t won at the jackpot. They’re won the day before — in how you prepare, how you think, and how you set your horse and rider up for success.
Preparation reduces pressure. When everything’s ready, the mind and body can relax. Teach your rider to respect this part of the process. It’s not boring — it’s championship behavior.
Slow down, double-check, and let your kid become a competitor who’s ready in the ring because they were ready the night before.
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Ann-Marie Fenner
Ranch Manager, Breeder, Rodeo Mom
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