Any advice on getting a wet pony ready for a show?

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lilyoftheincas

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Hello all, just need a little bit of advice for tomorrow!
As some of you may know, I'm doing a dressage test tomorrow (Monday) and, surprise, surprise, it's forecast to rain! The pony I'm riding is kept out 24/7 and doesn't have a rug (I don't think- he's a hairy native :D ) so have you got any tips for grooming and plaiting up a soggy pony in the rain?! Anything is welcome :D
Happy Easter :)
 
Can you keep him in for the night, or put a lightweight turnout on him?

failing that, a good rub with towels when you bring him in and maybe a fleece that will wick away the damp.

he might be dry by the time you have travelled to your show and you could do the final polishing when you get there.
 
Boxers said:
Can you keep him in for the night, or put a lightweight turnout on him?

failing that, a good rub with towels when you bring him in and maybe a fleece that will wick away the damp.

he might be dry by the time you have travelled to your show and you could do the final polishing when you get there.
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No, he belongs to my stables so I can't really do anything with him the night before :(
 
Ask them if they have a rug you can put on him for the one night. Point out that it will look better for them (I'm assuming the stables is an RS) if the pony is at least clean when you turn up at the event. (and good luck)
 
You might be better to give the pony a full bath in the morning (early) then walk around until dry,this way you will have a clean pony when it dries and won't need to do much grooming! X
 
I'd go with the bath idea. I have also on one occasion used a hairdryer to speed up the drying process! Probably easier to bath night before, rug in a lw then just wash any wet muddy bits the next morning.
 
I would not be bathing a pony that lives out 24/7 unrugged, it is not fair as will remove the grease he needs to keep warm.

A thorough towel dry when he comes in should be enough, then wash his tail and sponge any dirty stained parts, for plaiting comb through well and damp before starting, a good wipe over with a cloth and hoof oil for the finishing touch.
A wipe round his face with a little baby oil on his muzzle looks good.

Clean his tack and a clean numnah and you will be fine, its should be fun:D
 
Plaiting in the rein is much easier- the mane is already wet so saves you wetting it :D I prefer to wet the mane over using any gels as it prevents the hairs from snapping and going crispy. Once they dry, they dry fairly solid so you're pony will have a proper afro the next day!

The wet coat- try and whack a fleece on him as soon as he's in, or rub him very vigorously with a towel. Then hope for the best- as long as you've made an effort it'll be fine :)
 
Thank you- I won't be bathing him as I don't have what you need for it! And plus I don't think he'll be dry enough in time. It's forecast for only light rain so fingers crossed he won't be too muddy or soggy or both when he comes in! :D Ah well, I'll try my best and update you all (pictures inc ;) )on how it goes when I'm done!
 
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