What tack and equipment checks should you perform before entering the competition pen?

Equipment failures in the competition pen are almost always preventable and almost always the result of not checking before the run. A thorough pre-run equipment check takes only a few minutes and eliminates one of the most frustrating sources of problems in a competition setting. Check girth or cinch tightness after your warm-up, not before it. Horses often bloat when initially tacked up and release after movement, so a cinch that seemed tight when you left the trailer may be loose by the time you finish warming up. A loose cinch under a competitive run is a safety issue, not just a performance problem. Verify that all buckles, keepers, and connections are properly secured. Breast collars, back cinches, tie-downs, and martingales all have connection points that can work loose during a ride. Check each one. Make sure your bit is properly adjusted and sitting correctly in the horse's mouth. A bit that has shifted, is hanging too low, or is pinching the corners of the mouth will affect the horse's response and comfort during the run. For western disciplines, check that your saddle is centered and sitting correctly on the horse's back. A saddle that has shifted during the warm-up can create pressure points that affect movement and willingness. Finally, check yourself — hat secured, chaps buckled, any required attire in place. Some classes have specific dress requirements, and an equipment or attire violation can result in penalties or disqualification regardless of how well you perform.