I have found, over the years, some great ways to
prepare for a horse show which will cause less stress and wear and tear
on horseshow nerves. As an exhibitor, I used to haul and groom my own
horses and found some ways to make less work and more fun for myself.
Make
a list. First for yourself: From head to
toe, all of the clothing required. Hat, shirt, tie, vest,
riding coat and pants, gloves, boots, spurs, and any small and tasteful
jewellery to be worn, such as earrings or pins.
For
your horse: Also, from head to tail:
Bridle, ribbons for the mane and forelock, saddle, grooming accessories,
bathing supplies, horse feed and supplements, water bucket.
Depending on how many, and what type of classes you
will show in, assemble your riding attire accordingly. For
instance, on a hanger put your shirt, jacket, vest, coordinating tie,
and pants together, for your class. I find it handy to have a
garment bag for each class, if possible. Then put your
ensemble in to that bag, along with coordinating boots and jewellery
(usually in a separate pocket….if no separate pocket is available, put
your boots in a large zip-lock back), and chaps, if Western.
Hats should always be in a hat carrier to prevent dust and crushing into
odd, and laughable shapes. Keep a hat brush in your hat carrier
and secure ribbon around the hats to keep their shapes.
Voila! You are ready to dress for your class without
having to search your wardrobe for the garments, and locate boots, etc.
In
the event that you should be showing in a Western class after an English
class (and vice versa) and there is no time to change fully, wear your
English jod pants under your Western Chaps. Pick a neutral
shirt to wear with both outfits and quick change ties (the zipper ties
are great). Therefore, when you dismount from your English horse,
you merely have to change your coat, tie and put on your chaps and
western hat for the next class.
I
also find it nice to have ensembles for day wear and evening classes.
Depending on the caliber of the show, after 6PM, you need to have a
little bit dressier riding habit including patent leather boots, maybe a
silk coat, tuxedo shirt, etc. For the biggest shows, and stake classes
on Saturday night, formal attire should be considered, including tuxedo
riding suit, top hat, gloves, patent leather boots and maybe a tasteful
flower for your lapel (I always think this adds a bit of femininity to
this type of outfit) .
After
returning from the show, immediately take your clothing to the dry
cleaners, and have light starch on your shirt. This insures that your
clothing will be ready for the next show. I find it helpful to spray
Scotchgard on my riding coats, around the total bottom edge of the coat,
that touches the horse, to protect from horse sweat wicking up the coat
(especially on a light coat). Test on a part of the coat that won’t be
seen first to be sure it will work, on your fabric. Sometimes, you can
get 2 or 3 wearings, depending on weather conditions, etc.
Also,
after returning from your show, clean your tack before putting it away,
and then it will be ready for the next show. I have a large enough horse
trailer where I can store my show equipment and clothing in it during
the show season. That’s where I leave it and this avoids having to pack
and re-pack for each show.
ALWAYS
have your horse groomed and clipped BEFORE going to the show. I always
see people hurriedly grooming and clipping their horses at the show
grounds, which to me is an unnecessary amount of stress for exhibitor
and horse.
Make
a copy of the class list and your entry form. Post the class sheet with
the corresponding horse and rider names next to each class to keep you
on track once at the show grounds.
I
always take my horses’ feed with us during the season. Even to
Tennessee, as it may not be a good idea to be switching horse feed
during these trips. The trailer is usually bedded down with shavings
too. This allows for a cooler, more comfortable ride for the horses,
while keeping the footing on the trailer floor less slick and more
stable for the horses. Make sure that your trailer is mechanically safe
and maintained prior to each horse show season (packing wheel bearings,
check electrical system…for brakes and lights).
Considering all of the above, showing horses is a lot
of work! If your horse is in training, all the above horse-related
items will be taken care of by your trainer (oh, what a luxury!). But,
if you know you look your best, your horse looks his best, and your tack
is clean, then all you have to worry about is your RIDE. A little
organization and forethought will help you have a great time at the
show!
Make
a list. First for yourself: From head to
toe, all of the clothing required. Hat, shirt, tie, vest,
riding coat and pants, gloves, boots, spurs, and any small and tasteful
jewellery to be worn, such as earrings or pins.
