20 Tips For Presenting A Well-Groomed Horse In-Hand

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162 – November/December, 2022

By Laura Jobson

Nothing can ruin an in-hand show impression faster than an untidy mane, a poorly clipped face, an ill-fitting halter, an unkempt tail, or a lackluster coat.

Learn to make your show-day performance a shining success with head-to-tail grooming and fitting tips that will make your horse stand out as one of the most well-groomed in the show ring.

Tips with Halter Trainer Anna Horn

“Having a consistent grooming routine at home will make show prep easier and keep your horse’s coat and skin healthy year-round,” shares trainer Anna Horn, who is the Operation Manager along with her husband, Monte Horn, at the Kull Ranch in Pilot Point, Texas.

Anna Horn says that a good set of brushes, an animal vacuum, and time are what’s needed for a gleaming healthy coat, but she states it all truly starts from the inside. She says, “In order to have a healthy-looking horse, it’s key to provide a premium complete feed, supplements–if needed–and great quality hay. You’ll need to work with your veterinarian on a deworming schedule due to the problems parasites can cause, like dull and dry, itchy skin and poor body condition.”

Horn offers the following tips for a show-day glow with an everyday grooming routine:

Tip #1  – Save the Suds
Only bathe your horse the night before shows because shampoos and soaps strip away the natural oil in their skin. Instead of regular baths, our horses get groomed twice a day with a rubber curry comb and a soft bristle brush to whisk away the dead skin, sweat and dirt.

Tip #2 – Bring Up the Oil
We never use a fan to dry a freshly bathed horse; in fact, we turn it off and brush the horses until their coats, mane and tail are dry. The elbow grease makes them sleek by bringing the skin’s oil up into the hair. Putting on a fly sheet, whether the horse is inside or turned out, will also agitate their hair to get the oil from skin. We strongly suggest using a conditioning spray as part of your day-to-day grooming regimen to help maintain a hydrated coat.

Tip – #3 Lighten Up

Click here to read the complete article
162 – November/December, 2022