Prep work for Showing in 6 weeks

[Law]

Morning All
I was just wondering if anyone has a routine that they follow in the weeks leading up to the first show of the season?
I did lots of local shows last summer for the first time and this year we have our first show at the end of April. I just wondered if there is anything I should be thinking of doing now?
He's had his mane training on the right side now and it seems to have worked. I've out his bridle together and will ride in him it a few times before we go. His tail is grubby but just needs a wash and trim up.

What do you folks do before the showing season kicks in?

Thanks

 

[Rambo]

1) Purchase horse from well-renowned judge / producer

2) Change name by deed poll to one that 'fits'

 

[Law]

Lmao Rambo! You've got it sussed!

 

[LouHardwick]

I tend to up my pessoa training from once a week to 2/3 times to help the topline come up- I tend to school a lot more out on hacks as I dont want my girl to get too bored being in a menage.

I also tend to go out to a few dressage events(ony small ones) to get her back into the swing of warming up with other horses.
On my side of things I tend to get my show jacket and jods dry cleaned etc.

Good luck with your season.

 

[evsj]

[ QUOTE ]
I tend to up my pessoa training from once a week to 2/3 times to help the topline come up- I tend to school a lot more out on hacks as I dont want my girl to get too bored being in a menage.

I also tend to go out to a few dressage events(ony small ones) to get her back into the swing of warming up with other horses.
On my side of things I tend to get my show jacket and jods dry cleaned etc.

Good luck with your season.

[/ QUOTE ]

Just out of interest, how long is each of your pessoa seshes? I am planning to do 2 a week with mine to help her topline also.

 

[Tempi]

if you horse has never been in a pessoa before you start off by just 10mins walking once or twice a week in it and gradually increase it. Because it uses different muscles you have to be very careful that all the work with a pessoa is introduced gradually.

 

[Dutch]

Although I always competed steadily over the year with dressage what I would do if I were you is build up the horss fitness more over the next 6 weeks, that will also help his coat, tone his muscles and get yourself ready too fitness wise. Other than that you need to just save up!!!

 

[Dutch]

I would never use a Pessoa, I don't really see the value in them, it takes time to train and build up a horse.

 

[Law]

Thanks

He's fit at the moment working 4 sessions in the school (usually one or two lessons a week for an hour, flat and jumping) and hacking out once/twice a week as well for 1-2 hours including fast interval training work. He's fit enough for it now- it was the practical things I was thinking about like tidying him up and devising a show etc.
I think muscularly he's looking well- his coat has dulled a bit recently as the new one comes through, this is worrying me a little as there are patches of black coming through yet he is bright bay

(it's the first time he's been full clipped so i don't know if this is normal or not!)
I'm fit too (training for the London marathon) and have lost nearly a stone so fingers crossed that I've got the stamina for it too!

thanks again