Care of the event horse when competing - By: Tammy Patterson

Feeding the morning should be done at least 4 hours before the start of the competition. Small concentration feed the morning of the event is important to remember as it will help keep the digestive juices of the horse going and prevent colic from occurring. Feeding hay before competing is not recommended as blood is better used to take oxygen to the muscles rather than being used to assist digestion.

It is wise to have assistance in preparing for in between phase B and C. During this break and preferably whilst the horse is still walking, the horse can be washed down to reduce sweat if it is particularly hot, have its soundness checked, shoes checked and tack checked.

At the end of phase C during the compulsory 10 minute break before phase D the horse can be attended to. The groom should have equipment ready prior to the horse finishing phase C. A suggested list of suitable equipment may include; Hot and cold water, sponges, sweat scraper, towels, Sweat rug, a spare set of shoes with studs already in place, spare tack, spare boots, grease, jacket, gloves and drink for the rider and hoof pick. During this time the horse undergoes a vet check of varying degrees and where the horses pulse, temperature and respiration is determined as well as soundness. Once this has been done the groom(s) can get to work preparing him for phase D. He will need washing down, particularly on his head, neck and legs (be sure to use suitable water temperature and amounts depending on the environmental conditions), clean around his mouth, dry off as best as possible, cover with a rug to prevent from getting a chill then he should be lead around. a few minutes before he is to begin phase D his rug should come off, tack secured correctly again, legs should get greased and final tack check done once rider has mounted.

After the competition all tack should be removed, a sweat rug should be put on and additional rugs if its cold. The horse should be offered a small drink of water (not too cold so as to shock his warm system); electrolytes can be added to the water if it has been a particularly hot / humid day, all boots and bandages are to be taken off the horse and he should be taken to the horsebox / stable. Once there his studs can them be removed, he can be washed down and rugs applied again.

About the Author

Tammy is a avid horse rider who loves to promote the correct ways to be looking after horses. Tammy works part time for a company who specialise in horse riding clothes as well as Malvern Ladies Bush Coat, Eureka Jacket & Cotswold jacket in the UK. For more info, please visit, Anything Equine

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