In every issue of Horse & Rider you'll find articles on training by the country's leading experts, the latest on equine health care from top veterinarians, trail riding tips from savvy back country riders, and much more!
The moment you enter the show ring, your horse is on display. All your diligent grooming efforts are about to pay off. Making a memorable first impression happens in seconds, but it takes much longer to achieve. It’s the result of good horsemanship, proper nutrition, and many hours of hard work. You can’t just decide to start grooming the week before a show or event and expect to have good results. “How a horse is turned out in grooming plays a huge role in overall eye appeal and first impressions. His appearance also automatically gives you an idea of that horse’s overall health,” notes Tina Anderson, who has been an American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) judge for 15 years. A lifelong horse owner, Anderson has her PhD in equine orthopedics;…
First impression: It’s that moment when a judge gets his initial look at you and your horse when you walk into the show pen. A positive one can help set the tone for the rest of your performance. One simple way to do that is to make sure your horse looks his best. How? With a little time and elbow grease, some inexpensive grooming products, and these nine tips. The Prep Tip #1: Start with a clean horse. Bathe your horse’s body, then shampoo and condition his mane and tail. Not only will his coat look its best, but you’ll also help minimize wear and tear on your clippers. (There’s nothing like a dirty horse to wreck a set of clipper blades!) Let him dry completely. Tip #2: Clip your…
“Wow!” That’s usually the first reaction people have when they see the long mane and tail of Smart And Shiney, one of the reiners in our barn. The typical second reaction? “How do you get a mane and tail like that—what’s your secret?” I’ll share it with you here. But don’t expect to read about a single hidden trick, because there’s no such thing. The “secret,” if there is one, lies in having and sticking to a manes-and-tails program. Read on for the do’s and don’ts that’ll help you develop the best tresses your horse can grow. Lovely Locks: The Dos and Don’ts Good nutrition and regular care are the keys to keeping manes and tails as long and healthy as they can be. I can’t stress this enough. Based…
