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Getting ready for a show can be quite a difficult task. There is so much to remember!
One of the first things you are going to want to do is pick out which horse you want to take with you to the shows. Your horse should know how to do what you plan to do fairly well.
Once you have your horse picked out, it is important to PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE! I lunge my horses 30 minutes every day to help get them in show shape. After they are done lunging, I practice pivoting, backing, side passing and standing for 15 minutes or so. This also helps with the cooling down process.
If I plan on jumping, I only work them on the lunge line for 15 minutes, and then we do about 10 or so minutes of jumping. It is important to practice pushing and pulling into a jump so your horse can get used to it. If your horse can drive, try and drive your horse around. Driving helps put more muscle and is better for working your horse.
Once your horse is in shape, you are ready to start the pre-show process!
The first thing you are going to want to do is fill out your entry form. Pick the classes you want to enter, fill out that check and stick it in the mail. Don't forget to put a COPY of your horses’ registration papers in the envelope as well!
After your entry form is filled out, you want to go shopping! There is a specific wardrobe required for showing. The rules state that you need a long sleeved shirt and a pair of pants. While you may just want to use a pair of nice black jeans and a nice long sleeved blouse, there is way more you could be wearing. Find a local tack store and you can find your typical show slinkies, vests and show pants. Be warned though, these clothes can be quite expensive. A nice belt and necklace may also help to accent your show clothes. If you plan to enter showmanship, you will need a cowboy hat, gloves and a nice pair of boots.
Just after you thought you were done emptying your wallet, think again. Your horse needs some supplies as well. The biggest things I buy are
- New brushes of all sorts
- Baby Oil
- Hair gel
- Hoof Black
- Miracle Groom-or something to help remove dirt
As well as the clothes for your horse. I myself buy them light canvas sheets and hoods for use when they are stalled at shows. It will really help keep them clean. Some people ((like me)) go to extent of using shipping boots at night as well. I only recommend that if your horse has white or lighter legs.
When thinking about brining stuff to the show, think about the classes you are showing in. If you plan to show in driving, bring your carts. Halter will require a regular cable style show halter. All the other performance classes can be shown in a regular barn halter, although a lot of people choose to buy a western style show halter.
About 3-4 days before the show or so you are going to want to body clip your horse with at least a 10 blade. Don’t forget to do the face. It can take a while to get pretty good at clipping, but that is why you practice! Don’t forget to shave your horses muzzle and above the eyes the morning of the show. It is not required, but it does help.
The Morning of the Show
The morning of the show can be very hectic. Don't feed your horse too much if you have halter that day. You need to black your horses’ feet right before the show as well. It’s not that hard. The hoof black has a special brush inside to put it on. When you shave your horses muzzles, you want to make sure their skin is black, or near black. If not, take some mascara and put it above the skin on their eyes and on their muzzle. Then put on the show halter and apply the baby oil right before you go into the ring. You will need to gel down your horses’ forelock as well as their mane before going into the class. You don't want a puffy mane at all as it can take away from the neck. Your horse should be VERY well groomed and there shouldn’t be any shavings in their tails.
Getting Ready for Showmanship
For showmanship, there are a few things you want to before the class. The first thing is to get your horse ready. Make sure they are brushed to perfection, as well as they have their forelock gelled and pulled to the side of the mane, and neatly tucked under the halter. The tail should be clean, and the body should be spotless. Your horse should be wearing a show halter; western styles are generally used, although cable halters are acceptable as well. The horse's hooves should be polished and shining, as well as muzzle and above the eyes razored, or at least be clipped. I myself add the tiniest bit of baby oil to the muzzles and above the eyes for an extra touch, although its not needed. Then you will want to get dressed yourself. You will need a pair of black boots. Make sure these boots have been shined and have no scratches. Then put on your pants, and top. Generally I use a blazer in this class, but a slinky or just a long sleeved shirt will work. Next you need a pair of gloves. Put these on last since you don't want them to get in the way or dirty. Next I put on a nice pair of earrings, and maybe a necklace. Just make sure its not too glittery, or it will give the appearance of movement. I then do my hair. I pull it into a bun at the nape of my neck and put my special hairnet over it. I clip it to my hair and it looks very nice. Then I put on my hat, number and gloves, add a little bit of makeup and I am ready to go. I myself am ALWAYS rushing to this class, although I suggest you don't do this. It’s a pain and it gets both you and your horse flustered.
Getting Ready for Halter
Halter-the class based on conformation. There is so much to do for this class. Your horse will once again need to be spotless, gelled and razored. Then for this class, if your horse is razored, you will need to apply baby oil on their muzzles and above their eyes. Feet need to be blacked and polished and a cable halter must come out. Your horse only needs to know how to trot on the lead, and how to set up, although in your own pocket, you will need bait, and possibly something crinkly to help get the ears up.
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