Getting ready for the Show Ring
after Lockdown By Emma Richardson-Steele
it’s down to weeks of preparation. I’m pleased to share my tips and tricks to help you stand out in the show ring for all the right reasons!
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If you took the shoes off at the beginning of lockdown, make an appointment with your farrier. When you first put your saddle on, have a really good look at the fit. Has your horse put on weight? Perhaps he’s lost weight with the lack of grass this springtime? You might need to change the saddle cloth to suit or, if in doubt, make an appointment with your saddler. Your horse won’t go well in the show ring if they’re uncomfortable in their saddle. Check the stitching on all your tack and give it a thorough clean including the holes, poking them clean of soap residue with a cocktail stick. Use a good quality tack conditioner to get a lovely sheen on your tack; it really does make a difference and adds polish to your overall turnout. Make sure you ride in your show tack. It should all feel normal to you and your horse on the day, so don’t keep your show attire just for the arena.
Fitness is so important. If you miss out on fitness training, you risk injuring your horse and there’s nothing worse than hearing a horse puffing like a train as it goes around the arena. As a guide, for every month your horse has been out of work, you need to be doing one week of walking to build up his fitness gradually.
On this point, how’s your own fitness?! Are you carrying a bit more ‘show condition’ aſter all this time in lockdown? Try on all your show wear and make sure it all fits. I’ll never for- get the panic when I couldn’t get my boots on when I went to my first show aſter giving birth to my son! Make sure your
e are all eagerly waiting for the time we can get back in the show ring! Just remember, that winning partnership doesn’t just happen with a quick bath,
breeches are really clean and treat your jacket to a dry clean. Lockdown is a great time to learn how to ‘bull’ your boots. There are plenty of videos on You Tube to show you how it’s done, and it really does set you apart from the other competition.
Are your vaccinations up to date? Some vets were unable to offer routine vaccination appointments at the beginning of the lockdown so check yours are up to date or you might not be able to compete depending on the show rules. Most vets are offering a vaccination amnesty and making vaccinations cheaper. Remember, it’s a legal requirement to have your horse’s passport with you every time you travel and you may not be able to unload your horse if you don’t have yours with you.
Think about transport; you should be moving your lorry or trailer at least weekly to avoid pressure points on the tyres. If you have a lorry, you need to give it a good run out on a weekly basis to keep the engine in good working order. Check the tyre pressures, the lights and the brakes. If your horse is not an easy loader, then make the time to practice a few times whilst you have plenty of time without the added pressure on a show day. If you need to hire transport, then book it as soon as possible to ensure there’s a vehicle
30 THE SUMMER SPECIAL 2020 For the latest news visit
www.centralhorsenews.co.uk
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