Horse Show Do's and Don'ts
If you have some heartfelt complaints about the way a horse show was run, or how it was judged, state them diplomatically.
Keep a cool head so you don't come across as a poor sport.
Go through the proper channels: Speak to the show manager or the steward first. Never confront a judge outright. If there is something you liked about the show, make sure you let that be known, too.
Shortcut Tips for Showing--
- Using a nylon Lycra stretch hood serves a dual purpose: helping your horse stay clean before a show and making his mane lie flat.
- For a great looking tail in minutes, apply a generous amount of detangler or coat polish.
- Give your horse a quick trim before show day, including whiskers, ears and other overly hairy parts, will help him look his show-ring best.
- If your horse rubs his tail or he has too many fly away hairs, wet the top portion of his tail, comb it flat and apply a tail wrap to the length of the tail bone.
- Always keep rags and cloths handy. For a last minute shine, dampen a cloth with warm water and work your horse's coat in a circular motion, then follow with a good spray of coat polish.
- Be sure not to apply conditioner to your horse's mane, which can make it slippery when you go to braid or band. Use an equine hair product to get a grip on styling the mane.
- Adding an equine highlighter to key areas of your horse's face draws the judge's eye and make your horse shine. Some products even repel dust.
This article written here with permission from Horse Illustrated, May 2003.