MARGO TIMMERMANS X HEMPQUALIZER COMPETE: RUBAJDA

Working with high-energy horses is part of everyday life for many riders, especially when a horse is just beginning its competitive career and is still learning how to cope with the atmosphere of shows. This transition from the safe training environment to real competition settings often reveals the biggest emotional challenges, which can influence focus, communication, and overall safety in work.

The author of this case study is Margo Timmermans, a Dutch rider who combines Grand Prix dressage competition with her passion for Working Equitation. In this discipline she belongs to the national elite, known for her precise, calm riding style and for building true partnerships with her horses. She is a multiple Dutch Working Equitation Champion (2022, 2023, 2024) and has represented her country at the World Championships, where in 2022 she achieved the best Dutch result after the first day of competition.

In this case, Margo shares her experience working with Rubajda, an 8-year-old half-Lusitano mare with strong sporting potential who is just beginning to compete at Level 3. Although her high energy was manageable at home, competitions triggered strong tension and flight reactions. This case study shows how introducing Hempqualizer Compete influenced the mare’s emotional comfort, the quality of the warm-up, and the ability to establish real cooperation with the rider during competition.

Case study by Margo Timmermans

Rubajda is a 8 yr old half Lusitano mare by Ahoto just starting to compete at 3th level. Her energy level is high. At home it’s good and I can manage that.

But at the competition she was very tense and only wanted to leave. She did not know what to do with her nerves and only wanted to run away and leave. As normal for a horse in nature.

I tested the Hempqualizer Compete 3 times now and I can really say it makes a big difference.

I gave her a doses at home before we left and already she was much more relax on the truck. I could do a normal warm up and my walk to the competition arena was normal too.

The test was amazing. She had focus and was waiting for me.

Before she could not care less what my plan was.

So I can say I’m very positive about the product.

When can Hempqualizer Compete be helpful?

Hempqualizer Compete can be especially helpful in situations where a horse functions well at home but experiences excessive tension, excitement, or flight responses in competition environments. This often applies to young competition horses, high-energy horses, or those still gaining experience outside their familiar surroundings.

The product may support horses that struggle to focus on the rider at shows, become overly tense during transport, warm-up, or while entering the competition arena. The goal is not to reduce energy, but to create conditions where the horse can stay more relaxed, mentally available, and ready to cooperate.

In such situations, Hempqualizer Compete may help achieve a more stable emotional state, allowing for calmer warm-ups, better communication, and improved focus on tasks — all of which are essential for building positive competition experiences and supporting the long-term development of a sport horse.