How To Get Ready For A Horse Show

Contents

Preparing for the horse show

Whether you’re showing your horse for the first time in Dressage or Western Pleasure or you’re a seasoned competitor in Reining or Jumping, getting ready for a horse show can be an experience. stress. There’s a lot to do to prepare for a horse show and a lot to remember to bring with you – and often on show day you’ll be late, scrambling to find the last minute safety pin. top or your favorite blue lanyard. And you may end the show only to realize that you forgot something important like your riding boots! It’s important to clear, pack, and organize your furniture and equipment for the show, so here are some ideas that can help you get better organized and easily prepare for one. horse show.

Choose your program

Horse shows can (and should!) be fun. This is your chance to show off what you’ve learned and get feedback from the judges. Chances are you’re working with a coach who can help you choose the best classes for you to show off, depending on your level of experience. You can prepare for a horse show by attending some of the local shows in advance so that you can get a feel for the performance environment and also observe some classes that are of particular interest to you. . School performances are a great place to start as they are less stressful and the setting is often more relaxed. If your horse is new to performing, it’s a good idea to bring him along and not take any classes – this way he can get used to the look and feel of a show too. horse. You can let him relax, spend some time sitting in the stalls, and also take him for a walk around the show grounds so the two of you can watch the others ride in the arenas or pens. . Also, talk to friends and coaches about the programs and places they recommend to you – the more you know in advance, the better prepared you’ll be and the more likely it is to have a positive experience. Does your horse need general support? Once you’ve chosen a show and set a date, make a list of what you need to bring to the show. Attached is a pdf that you can print out and check when you start packing – this will help you stay organized and reduce the stress of preparing for performance day. Write down any extra grooming equipment, clothing, clothing, first aid supplies – anything you think you might need while you’re there. Make a note of what you need to bring with you like Coggins test, registration, insurance, etc. Also pre-submit your entry fee along with required paperwork before the show date. Remember, the best way to prepare for a horse show is to start planning early! Read: how to get ready for a horse show

2-3 days before the show

Take off the clothes you’re going to bring to the show and make sure they’re clean and well pressed. Check for holes or tears and see if your shirt is missing any buttons and still fits. You may want to carry a few options in case you accidentally spill something on your shirt. Hang your clothes on hangers and put them neatly in the clothes bag. Also clean and polish your boots and put them in a boot bag or wrap them in a soft cloth so they will stay clean too. For British riders, brush your helmet so the velvet goes in the same direction – then pack your helmet (or Western-style helmet) in a hard case so it can stay clean and intact. whole. that the trailer lights are working properly. Sweep the trailer so it’s free of manure, and if you’re using shavings, put fresh shavings next to where your horse will ride. Also, fill up your truck with gasoline if needed, and hook the trailer into the truck. As a precaution, double-check that the chains and hangers are secure.

The day before the show

This is when you want to bathe your horse with a good, quality shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for horses. Use a natural soft sponge when you bathe your horse as they tend to hold more water. Work on each section from the front of your horse to the back, and from top to bottom. When lowering your horse, pat it from the front to the back so you don’t accidentally dirty its face. Take the extra time and care for your pony’s mane and tail, and add in conditioner for a soft, silky shine. Rinse off all soap on the mane, tail, and coat as leftover soap can make hair look dry and dull. Use the mane and tail remover to help remove any knots or tangles, and as you brush their mane and tail, start at the tail and work your way up. After showering, dry yourself completely and use a sweat scraper to help remove excess water. After brushing, you can cover your body with a thin towel and put the tails in the tail bag to hope they stay clean and not dirty. If he’s wearing white socks, you may also want to wrap his legs in stand-up wraps. Best results, smoothest. Also, check the blades regularly as they can heat up quickly and apply cooling lubricant as needed on the blades. Polish all the silver on the saddle and bridle with a silver polish and polish off the excess paint so it retains its shine and doesn’t tarnish. Once you’re done, pack your belongings in padded bags and stuff them into your trailer. Remember – no matter how small the show, it’s very respectful of you to prepare for the equine show by wearing clean clothing, a clean horse, and well-fitting clothing. judges and organizers. as much as possible in advance, so you won’t have to worry about show dates. Fill up hay or feed crates in the trailer so your horse can stay busy during the ride. If your horse plans to wear swaddles or boots when traveling, prepare them in advance so they are ready to go. If you’re getting your horse ready for a ride, brush it clean, fold it up, and spread it out so you can easily put it on in the morning. For yourself, pack some easy drinks and snacks for the show – it’s easy to get busy and forget to eat and drink lots of water!

At the exhibition

You should arrive early to the show so that you have plenty of time to arrange, prepare your furniture and arrange your booth. Once you’ve arrived, unload your horse from the trailer and make it comfortable in his stable with fresh bedding, plenty of water, and some hay. Now, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the floor plan, locate the main demonstration office, the warm-up areas, and the demonstration bell. If there is a veterinarian or specialist in charge, you should also know where they are set up. Once you’ve found the main office, get your program number and submit any required paperwork, such as Coggins, registration papers, etc. Nervous Horse? – It could be a nutritional deficiency Once you are settled in, you can now brush your horse and wrap it, allowing yourself plenty of time to warm up and get used to the equipment. create. Some sports have strict rules and regulations regarding equipment, so read your rules carefully or ask your coach about what is considered “legal” for a performance pen. Check the show schedule and listen for any changes – with all the work you’ve done to prepare for a horse show, the last thing you want is to miss your lesson! And finally, just before your class starts, give your horse a final wipe with a clean cloth. Use a damp cloth to wipe away dirt from the ears and nostrils. Brush off its mane and tail, make sure your shirt is neat, and take it off!

It’s show time

The judges will be watching you as soon as you enter the arena, so you will need to perform from the moment you enter the arena and continue performing until you leave the arena. Try to relax and make it a fun learning experience. This is your chance to showcase what you’ve learned so far, and then you can determine what you need to do for your next program. Remember to breathe and drive with complete confidence. The more you can relax and unwind, the better you’ll drive and the more confident you’ll feel. Most importantly, remember to smile and have a good time! Here are a few things you might want to bring with you when you go to the horse show (downloadable pdf is also included).TOURISM SECTION ONLY ☐ Transport boots or leg covers Truck and trailer registration Lanyards/leashes Spare tire Bags/tail covers Jacks Hay nets with lots of hay Trailers Plenty of water reserve for the horse(s); bucket Spare jumper cable/fuse Flashlight/battery/emergency flaresPAPER ☐ Original or copy of registration form Association membership card Coggins test certificate Map to show grounds Health check certificate Information display Gelding certificate Phone number emergency call / vet ☐ Proof of ownership ☐ Amateur or Non-Professional Card Rules ☐ Brochures or test samples ☐ Cash / Credit Card / IDRead more: how to sing and play piano at the same timeSETTING PREVENTION / TACK ☐ Shaving ☐ Bucket Pliers (water, food, washing) ☐ Hammer ☐ Stall nameplate with emergency # ☐ Staple gun ☐ Stall fan ☐ Screwdriver ☐ Wheelbarrow ☐ Turntable ☐ Manure fork ☐ Tape Brush Lanyard Faucet Extension cord Hook for hanging bridle and leash Padlock Saddle bracketTACK ☐ Bridge (school and touring) ☐ Extra pair of bridles ☐ Saddle ☐ Extra leg leather ☐ Saddle pad (school and touring) ☐ Extra washers or lanyards ☐ Martingale/chest patch ☐ Screws Spare Chicago Cavesson Leather puncher Boots/protective covers Seat cover Cooler/blanket display Windshield/whips Mask/fly visorTAKE CARE OF ☐ Saddle soap / leather cleaner Silver polish Sponges Small buckets Face and bath towels Paper towels ToothbrushFOR YOUR HORSE ☐ Hay Supplements Water Treatment GrainsSUPPLY DEVELOPMENT ☐ Curry comb Sponge Body brush Sweat scraper Mane and tail comb Towels for drying horses Nail clippers Fly spray Shampoo & conditioner Water in spray bottle Mane & tail Hair scissors Polisher Braided rubber band Nail wrap Brushing tote bag Baby powder or cornstarchFOR YOU ☐ Pants (jeans/trousers/trousers) ☐ Baseball cap ☐ Shirt (Western shirt/stylish shirt/English shirt) ☐ Sunglasses ☐ Helmet or hat ( check your association’s rules) ☐ More comfortable clothes and shoes ☐ Jackets, coats or vests ☐ Chaps ☐ Healthy snacks: fruit, sandwiches, energy bars ☐ Paper cups and plates/utensils Boots & pull-ups ☐ Folding chairs Boots Cell phones Belts/buckles Toiletries Nets/hairbrushes/hairspray Safety pins and sewing kit Gloves Shoe polish Spurs Garment bags Sunscreen/lip balm MirrorFIRST COLLECTION (for you and your horse) ☐ Thermometer Cotton wrap Betadine Scissors Triple antibiotic ointment Ice packs Vetwrap Bandages Non-stick gauze Aspirin Elastic tape Insect repellent for you Phone and charger ☐ Trash bag Batteries Wet wipes ☐ KleenexRead more: How to turn a square beggar into a round ball