Showing Secrets

I don't do much showing at all and only at local level - but I took my grey out last weekend and her yellow tail was much whiter after the end was washed in washing powder and then the whole thing was washed in purple rinse shampoo. :)
 
The night before plait the tail into roughly 3 plaits and leave over night, makes nice loose waves and keeps it a bit cleaner!
 
Tail bags can be useful

Carefully trim the ears and also neaten up hairs around the top of the hoof - this gives a crisper look - be ultra careful if you have a native though as they need to look natural. Trimming a native to make it look not trimmed is an art!

Plaited tails look amateur. If the class calls for a pulled tail try to pull it properly rather than using clippers or razors

If in hand use an inhand bridle or a riding bridle with reins over the head, a riding bridle with a coupler and lead rein is frowned upon by some and apparently again shows someone to be amateur

Tie on your number with elastic that is in a colour that matches your jacket, if you make a loop on each end you can loop them over a button so you arent struggling with knots.

Trim the corners off your number and if the show is a stay away one laminate it so it lasts long without looking tatty

Dont try anything for the first time on show day so practice at home - leading in a show halter, rustling waterproof show sheet, carrying a cane, earplugs etc..

Use a tiny drop of surgical spirit in a bucket of water, dip a cloth wring out really well then use the cloth around base of mane and tail to get rid of any stray dust or scurf

Dont go overboard with highlighter gel but the stuff is really good on hooves and you dont run the risk in getting covered in oil or the horse catching its hoof on a leg and ending up oily

You can also use highlighter gel along the mane line to keep stray hairs in and it looks good, always use it lightly

If using coloured make up or spray make it look natural - these can be mixed with baby oil or highlighter to lessen the effect nicely

If something doesnt look right walk away and take a break - plenty if overtrimmed or pulled tails and manes out there where people have doggedly tried to get it even or the right length!

Wash your new show rugs/bandages before using or check for colour fastness - you dont want a red rug to turn a grey pony pink because the pony has been recently bathed or it drizzles

Visit your showground before you go if possible, you can suss out parking and facilities as well as checking your route is free from problems

Bits and stirrups come up a treat if cleaned with toothpaste
Brown sauce works well on brass buckles

Changing the buttons on a cheap jacket can make it look more expensive

Ive not tried all of these they are just things i have picked up by observation or forums!
 
WelshD said:
Tail bags can be useful

Carefully trim the ears and also neaten up hairs around the top of the hoof - this gives a crisper look - be ultra careful if you have a native though as they need to look natural. Trimming a native to make it look not trimmed is an art!

Plaited tails look amateur. If the class calls for a pulled tail try to pull it properly rather than using clippers or razors

If in hand use an inhand bridle or a riding bridle with reins over the head, a riding bridle with a coupler and lead rein is frowned upon by some and apparently again shows someone to be amateur

Tie on your number with elastic that is in a colour that matches your jacket, if you make a loop on each end you can loop them over a button so you arent struggling with knots.

Trim the corners off your number and if the show is a stay away one laminate it so it lasts long without looking tatty

Dont try anything for the first time on show day so practice at home - leading in a show halter, rustling waterproof show sheet, carrying a cane, earplugs etc..

Use a tiny drop of surgical spirit in a bucket of water, dip a cloth wring out really well then use the cloth around base of mane and tail to get rid of any stray dust or scurf

Dont go overboard with highlighter gel but the stuff is really good on hooves and you dont run the risk in getting covered in oil or the horse catching its hoof on a leg and ending up oily

You can also use highlighter gel along the mane line to keep stray hairs in and it looks good, always use it lightly

If using coloured make up or spray make it look natural - these can be mixed with baby oil or highlighter to lessen the effect nicely

If something doesnt look right walk away and take a break - plenty if overtrimmed or pulled tails and manes out there where people have doggedly tried to get it even or the right length!

Wash your new show rugs/bandages before using or check for colour fastness - you dont want a red rug to turn a grey pony pink because the pony has been recently bathed or it drizzles

Visit your showground before you go if possible, you can suss out parking and facilities as well as checking your route is free from problems

Bits and stirrups come up a treat if cleaned with toothpaste
Brown sauce works well on brass buckles

Changing the buttons on a cheap jacket can make it look more expensive

Ive not tried all of these they are just things i have picked up by observation or forums!
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WOW! :eek: I thought I was being clever when I put baby oil in a spray bottle as its less messy, but some of those are genius!
 
Plenty of grooming before hand, especially now they are dropping their summer coats. The evening before I always hot cloth (with water as hot as possible) and a good splash of white vinegar - brings a super shine to the coat.
 
i'm not going showing but to some sj champs and nned to plait...kitty's mane has no sense of gravity do you think it will be alright to use normal hair gel (nabbed of my little brother ;) )?
 
If you have got to championship stage you should know all the tricks !

Here is my tip........Your horse is the best there, be proud of him or her and never be afraid to enter the ring first. What the judge see's first will always make an impression - just make sure it is a good one.
 
Ask questions and listen to the answers. Always carry baby wipes everywhere and a clean cloth. Shoe polish is cheaper than cover up on black points for minor scars/scratches, as are marker pens or waterproof mascara/eyeliner. A little baby oil in the water prior to doing flashes helps them stay put in the rain and gives an extra sparkle, as does oil in the final rinse after bathing. Apply products sparingly, you can always put more on, same with pulling tails and cutting them (as mentioned above) leave tail bandages on until last minute. A tail banged with clippers will give a nicer finish than scissors and don't leave them too long! It looks messy. Practice flashes over and over again by hand rather than using stencils. (Sorry guys its my pet hate). Keep a pair of tights over grey tails, keeps them clean. Put hair in a neat and large pun sat at the base of the neck. Doughnut rings are ideal for shorter hair. Unless an animal needs seriously hooded plaits, water is all that is necessary for plaiting up. Products always seem to leave a residue, can make the mane look dull and scurfy and can make it slippery. Clothes pegs make great mane holders whilst plaiting up. A lot can be achieved and disguised with well fitting, carefully chosen tack ie) a longer back can be illusioned to be shorter by wearing a slightly longer saddle pad and saddle moved an inch back, thus improving length of rein also, a big and common head can be made to look smaller by a slighhtly wider noseband, fitted a touch higher. Bling should never touch a hunter ever! Ride like you own the ring, pick your space and try to keep within it, corners are your best friend, you have 3 sides to make adjustments, don't fiddle in front on the one side that the judge is watching. always be polite to stewards and people helping. Lastly smile, ooze presence, ride the ground like you're having a trot around the park for fun and watch what people are doing.
 
Loving this advice! :) I went to a show with BB just for the day put and some fun, ended up qualifying for the championship (riding club level)

I always say I have the winning pony, BB is my dream boy no matter what the judges say I think he's perfect :)
 
sorry call me incompetent but what are flashes??? i tend to do quarter markings by dampening a body brush, doing two spaced downward strokes then three along the hair line evnly spaced, is this correct??????
 
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