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4 Tips To Get You Show Ready

Show season is well under way and we have some easy tips to help you and your horse look your best while competing! We spend all this money on our horses, our tack and our own outfits, why skip any steps when it comes to horse and rider turnout?

Don’t you want to stand out in a crowd? We cannot guarantee blue ribbons, but we can guarantee that your horse will get noticed if you follow these four simple guidelines!

1. A neat braid goes a long way at shows

Not all shows require that you braid. Depending on your discipline, however, you may want to braid your horse and it’s best to not take any shortcuts! Take the extra time to make sure your braids look tight, clean and symmetrical. If your horse has a difficult mane (or braiding is just not your forte), consider spending a little extra money to hire someone who can get the job done. It might seem unnecessary, but going that extra mile makes all the difference. A neat braiding job will not go unnoticed.

2. Bathe your beauty

I have been to countless jumper shows, recognized events and schooling shows. In my opinion, the horses that look clean, tidy and with a little extra sparkle really stand out. Whether your horse was bought for $200, or $150,000, a nicely bathed and tidy looking horse always gets my attention. Believe me, judges notice if your horse looks shiny and clean! Nobody enjoys looking at a horse with stains, or a scruffy coat. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. There are countless products that are relatively inexpensive and get the job done.

3. Make sure your saddle pads are clean

Always, always, always make sure you have a clean show pad. Don’t forget to wash your saddle pads and tuck them away for the next outing. If you are using our very own Success Equestrian No-Slip Saddle Pads, fear not, these saddle pads are incredibly easy to keep clean. Our saddle pads are machine washable, in warm water with a non-bleach detergent. We recommend hang drying for best results!

4. Shine those boots!

This may seem so incredibly obvious, or maybe you don’t usually shine your tall boots, but this small chore will help keep you and your horse in the spotlight. It’s so simple, costs very little, and really makes the difference. Every rider’s tall boots ought to be sparkling and there are no exceptions!

Okay, now it’s your turn. What show tips can you offer that will help you and your horse looking your best?!