Anyone who has ever seen a horse show or competition knows how exciting but sometimes stressful it is, especially before entering the arena. Instead of waiting for the last moment to get ready, leave early and you will have a relaxing and successful experience!
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Prepare the Horse in Advance
Step 1. Curry it daily throughout the year
If you want a horse that really lives up to a show, keep your coat perfectly tidy at all times. Grooming leads to two results: it increases the emotional bond and health as well as the shine of the animal. An advantage, in short.
- Use the curry comb to remove dirt and dead hair that makes the coat dull and dusty.
- Make sure you clean your hooves every day. By keeping them clean, the horse will be more comfortable and obviously his appearance will also benefit.
- Also brush the tail well in the horse to stimulate the growth of the horsehair. Eventually it will become very full and healthy looking due to the oils being released and the follicles being stimulated.
Step 2. Give the horse grain that improves the appearance of the coat
There are several nutrient-rich foods on the market, suitable for enhancing the thickness and shine of the coat and mane. If your horse can take them (depending on his diet), incorporate one of these grains into his diet throughout the year, at least a few months before exposure.
Step 3. Care for tail and mane
They are constantly filling up with knots and dirt it will be difficult to make them look good in time for exposure. Brush them deeply every time you curry them and smear them with a little cocoa butter every couple of days. It will work like a conditioner, making the hair thicker and softer. When needed, use a detangler to reduce knots.
Braid the mane and tail as needed (when there are few flies) to avoid further knots
Step 4. Get your horse to do the necessary care
A horse that is underweight, overweight, with worms or other diseases / problems cannot be exhibited. Make sure you are properly caring for him all year round, instead of deworming him at the last minute or having him take some medicine a week before the contest. A healthy horse will look better and be more presentable than a sick one.
Method 2 of 5: Prepare the Horse one to two days in advance
Step 1. Give him a bath
Better the night before so that the horse is ready and clean for the show. If you wash it first, it may get dirty again and you will have to give it a bath again before showing it off.
- Beware of products to improve the shine in the saddle area or you may find yourself with the problem of the saddle or blanket slipping.
- Another benefit of bathing the horse the night before is that it will be unlikely to get dirty again.
Step 2. Trim the horse
Trim the beards of the hocks as well as the longer hair that grows on the muzzle, ears and throat. Always cut neatly and neatly - for ranch horses, the length of the ear, while for smaller breeds about an ear and a half. Shearing defines the shape of the body and improves the overall appearance in front of the judges.
- If you have massive breeds like the Friesian or Clydesdale do not clip them.
- If you plan to clip it completely, do it 1-2 weeks before exposure. The total cut gives a dull look until the oils resurface and the coat does not regrow a little.
Step 3. Highlight any white sections other than the 'socks' well
A light horse or with socks that look brown, with patches of grass or discolored will not get a good score in the judges. Use a shampoo on purpose to clean these areas well, leaving it on for about 5 minutes before rinsing. Then, wipe your socks or white spots with cornstarch or talcum powder for a white… whiter.
Cover the socks with shin guards to prevent the horse from getting dirty before the performance
Step 4. Switch to tail and mane
Wash them with a special shampoo and use a whitening product if the coat is light. Add a detangler to make sure there are no knots when grooming it. Then use a wire brush or a special razor to thin out a mane that is too thick. Finish by braiding the tail and mane for the show.
- If you intertwine both a few days in advance, even if you intend to loosen it all up for exposure, you will prevent knots from forming and you will end up with soft waves in your hair.
- If you weave the mane, cut off the excess that remains at the end. This way the look will be neater and you will avoid having to cut twice.
- Cover the ponytail with a long sock or tail bag to keep the braid from getting caught in something or getting ruined.
Method 3 of 5: Fix everything in Show Preview
Step 1. Have food and water ready
Performances are stressful for horses (and people) so it's important to try to keep your feeding routine as regular as possible. Prepare the usual food for your horse and at least two buckets for water. When you arrive at the show, feed the horse at the same times you would observe at home.
Step 2. Have the harness ready
The worst thing is to arrive at an exhibition without having all the necessary equipment. Make a list of everything you need, including exercise equipment, riding, and blankets. Put it all together and check the list before you leave to make sure nothing is missing.
- Clean and polish the harnesses before the show, for a better presentation.
- Check the relevant regulations: some bits, supports and harnesses are prohibited. For example, in some American competitions there are heavy restrictions on bits and some clubs and associations do not allow 8-point bridles, return reins, etc.
Step 3. If necessary, find a travel companion
Traveling long distances can be particularly stressful for some horses. Instead of arriving with a nervous, frightened animal, help reduce anxiety by bringing a second horse. So the main one will be calmer.
Step 4. Prepare everything you need
Call the venue and ask if you need to bring the litter box to your station. Many performances require attendees to carry straw as well as hooks or ropes, buckets, wheelbarrows, and pitchforks for cleaning. Find out what will be needed for common use and what you will need to bring from home and make sure you comply with the guidelines required by the organization.
Step 5. Have a first aid kit for people and animals ready
No matter where you go, always be prepared. Bring medicines and basic products to treat cuts and abrasions as well as swellings and wounds. Same thing for the kit dedicated to people, you never know what you might encounter.
Step 6. Bring a change of clothes
You will be far from home so be prepared for anything. Pack a change of performance clothing in case something prevents you from using your chosen one. In addition, you should bring a pair of comfortable clothing / shoes for round trips.
Method 4 of 5: Prepare
Step 1. Dress up for the western performance
For this type of racing, you must wear a costume that makes your horse exalt and that is coordinated with the saddle blanket. It will add great style to the overall presentation. For a local performance, a western shirt, pants, boots and a belt are more than acceptable. For more competitive exhibitions, however, more elaborate outfits such as tight pants and vests, expensive leg loops, etc. will be required.
- If your budget doesn't allow it, you won't have to worry anyway as long as what you're wearing shows off you and the horse.
- Dark colors on light colored horses and light colors on dark coats tend to draw attention to them.
- It is not recommended to wear a black suit. Most of the performers will wear it and if you want to stand out, choose something different. A deep purple or midnight blue are perfect alternatives.
- If you are confident in your abilities and those of your horse, try to get more attention with a brightly colored shirt. You will certainly stand out in the crowd and be better remembered in the sea of similar colors.
Step 2. Dress for the English performance
You should bring a jacket (navy, black, army green, brown, flea or copper) usually in a neutral or white color. The shirt should have a stiff collar and a mandarin or brooch. The boots must be perfectly polished, with gloves in the same color: black is the recommended color.
- Gloves must cover everything to avoid seeing the skin between the hands and the cuffs of the shirt.
- For dressage you need a suit: day jacket with matching trousers and shiny boots, a derby hat for the ladies or a fedora for the boys that emphasizes the uniform.
- The helmets in the case of the English exhibition must be covered with velvet. Check the event regulations for any specifics about it.
Step 3. Style your hair properly
You must always have your hair gathered up, make sure all the locks are well maintained before taking the field for any test. For those more competitive performances, the hair should always be kept under the bob or tied in a very tight bun and held by a net behind the nape, just below the edge of the hat.
Method 5 of 5: Exhibition Day Preparation
Step 1. Feed your horse
Don't overdo it and don't give it too little if you don't want the horse to be uncomfortable and therefore less active. Follow her meal plan by making small changes as needed. The horse will be happier and it will be easier for him to work once on a full stomach.
Step 2. Give him the final grooming
Do not bathe him but brush him well to bring out his coat. Use the curry comb and wipe it all over your body. Stick to the white areas and apply more cornstarch or talcum powder as needed.
Step 3. Polish the hooves
English riders and western riders often sand them to make them smooth, then apply the polish. The black one can be applied on black hooves, while on those of other colors only the transparent one should be applied. The entire hard surface must be polished.
- To dry the black clog, place foam or rubber mats on the floor in the cleaning area. Once the hoof is dry any marks or debris can be removed with a dry cloth.
- If you don't want to polish your hooves, rub them with a little lanolin oil to add more shine.
- Appaloosa horses are not allowed to use any color polish other than clear and thick, this too is frowned upon. Check the breed registry for regulations and specifications.
Step 4. Take some time to relax
Exhibitions and competitions should be fun - if you are nervous you will not only have less fun but your horse will sense your restlessness and therefore will not perform well. Do some breathing and visualization exercises to relax as needed. Also help your horse relax by taking him for a walk or taking him for a ride on the lead.
Don't worry about the other participants. Act like you are on the track where you usually train. This will calm your nerves and cause you to pay attention to the way you ride. Of course, always stay alert and avoid bumping into other riders
Advice
- If the performance lasts a whole day, don't mount all the time. Get the horse to rest, get out and find a chair. This way he will have more desire to drink, relax and be ready for the next performance.
- Before the halter show, have him trot, back off and turn around a bit to make sure he is awake. An alert horse makes a better impression than one that is falling asleep.
- Before entering the track for the barrage (jump) performance, repeat the path (the order of the jumps) out loud to make sure you know it. Making a mistake would lead to elimination.
- Stay calm and keep everything under control. Judges don't like to see runaway horses and obviously don't want to see riders in panic.
- Make sure your number is always visible so the judges and track stewards don't have to ask you to fix it. You should pin it to the back of your western jacket or shirt, about mid-back or either side of the saddle.
Warnings
- Do not get too close to the other horses in the arena, who could injure your horse by kicking. The horses that wear a red ribbon tied to the tail are the ones that kick and those with the green ribbon are young or inexperienced.
- Never complain to the judges about why you didn't get to the position you wanted. Instead, ask why you placed yourself like this, you will make a better impression and the answer will highlight your weaknesses as a knight.
- Tie the horse using the halter and lead bridle - remember to tie a knot that is easy to untie. When there are race changes, do not tie the horse using the reins. If he pulls and breaks them, you won't be able to show it. Furthermore, if a horse pulls violently, it could damage its teeth: it would not be the first time this has happened.
