Feeding:
The show horse should be well conditioned but not carrying too much extra fat. As with any horse, it is important that you feed your show animal a well balanced diet. This can be achieved through buying a ready mixed horse feed or by feeding straights (oats, barley etc). You can find more about what and how to feed your horse by reading ‘The Truth about Feeding Your Horse’, available from Amazon. Your show horse should have no need for additional supplements, unless you know that he or she is suffering from a deficiency, although there are a number of herbal remedies that might be useful for highly strung or nervous horses. Adding a splash of linseed or cod liver oil to the feed will give the coat a lovely glossy sheen.
Training:
The show horse does not need the same level of training as a top level dressage horse. However, the horse should be taught to be supple, balanced and straight in all of the paces. He or she should respond to your aids quickly and kindly, without getting overly excited or bad tempered and should be working in a nice outline.
Show horses also need to remain calm and collected in what can sometimes be an overwhelming and noisy show environment. You can prepare your future show animal for the stresses of the show ground by taking him or her to small events such as local cross country events, pony club meets or gymkhanas. Playing the radio in the stable at home, placing scary looking objects around the arena and getting your horse used to children and other animals being around will also all stand you in good stead!
Trimming and plaiting:
Most show horses and ponies, unless they are a native breed, are expected to be trimmed and plaited for the show ring. Although there is some debate over whether trimming is humane, most professional show people trim out the ears, whiskers, jaws and heels. The aim is to create a nice, sharp, streamlined appearance.
Plaiting is an art form in itself and takes many years to perfect! Manes should be pulled and then plaited, using thread that is as close to the colour of the mane as possible. Rubber bands can be used but look much less professional. Clever plaiting can make a bad neck look much better than it actually is. Follow this link to see a great video tutorial on plaiting.
Tricks of the Trade:
There are a number of things you can do to draw attention away from your horse’s bad points and to complement his or her good points.
The use of cosmetics has become very popular in the showing world. A touch of petroleum jelly around the eyes and muzzle will help to enhance the horse’s features. You can also buy black make-up, specifically for horses, from many equestrian stores. Although this can take some practice to perfect, it can look stunning when subtly applied around the eyes, muzzle and just inside the ears. Horse make-up, which is available in a variety of colours, can also be used to cover up any marks or scars. A sheen spray can are also be applied to make the coat lovely and shiny.
Other things that you can do to ensure your horse looks its best include adding chalk powder to any white socks and washing the tail with conditioner if it is looking a little on the thin side. However, aside from all these tips and tricks, the best thing you can do is give your horse a good wash a few days before the show and then a thorough groom the day before the show.
If you follow these tips then you will certainly be noticed, for all the right reasons, when show day rolls around.
