Horse Help: Preparing for Equine competitions - By: Tammy Patterson

To ensure you are ready for the show ring there are many things you can do in advance to prepare. This will ensure you have more time on the day to concentrate on the competing rather than the details.
1. Pulling your horses mane / tail
2. Cleaning tack
3. Cleaning your boots
4. Loading the horse box for the competition you are attending
5. Pre filling haynets
Pulling your horse's mane and tail can be a chore for many of us, especially if we do not use the most efficient aids and techniques in which to do so. There are many products that assist in this, Solocomb's, mane combs, shampoo etc. Pulling is best done after your horse has exercised and on a warm day. This will ensure the hair follicles are more relaxed and open, hopefully then reducing the pain the horse may feel as you pull the hair out. It is also advised that the hair is clean but not too clean. This means it is advised that you wash your horse's mane and tail the day or two before you wish to pull them and do not use conditioner. This will allow a better grip of the hair but without any dirt. If your horse really will not stand to have this done, a Solocomb can be used to thin the hair rather than pull it out.

Each of us will inevitably have our own ways in which to clean our tack, but there are a few techniques and ways in which to ensure the cleanest, shiniest leatherwork we could hope for.
• Using a sponge and warm water, remove any dirt and grease on the leather
• Using a sponge or cloth you will then need to dress the leather, depending on the purpose to which it will be used.
o Cross country goers may want to use a waterproofing cream / gel.
o If your leatherwork is very dry / cracking in places it is advised that you apply dressings that will nourish the leather.
o If you are showing there are many types of gel etc. that will bring about a high shine. This type of gel can be applied after either of the nourishing or waterproofing applications, ensuring you get the best from your leatherwork.
No one wants to be left short when at a competition. Spend a little time during the week prior to your competition, thinking about the day, what you will be doing, what you will need, eventualities that may arise. This will enable you to prepare as much as you can, get everything on the lorry / trailer, preventing you from having that last minute rush where you may potentially forget essentials. Things like water buckets, water carriers like the 'H20 to go' and spare numnahs just in case may get overlooked.

About the Author

Tammy is a passionate equine rider who wishes to promote the correct ways to be looking after horses. Tammy works part time for a company who specialise in equestrian clothing as well as mark todd saddlery & waterproof riding boots in the UK. For more info, please visit Anything Equine for a range of horse riding boots and equestrian clearance products.

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