Equestrian Life April 2017 Edition

showing
Top Tips
from Elite Equine
Care, Show and
Event Preparation
Elite Equine Care provides
bespoke, mobile horse
care in Derbyshire and
the surrounding area. In this
new series, Elite Equine Care’s
team of grooms and riders
will be providing us with their
top tips relating to a timely
subject. This month, we’re
looking at show and event
preparation.
CHLOE NAZARUK – Rider / Groom
Plaiting with bands: Nothing beats
sewn in plaits BUT if plaiting with
bands, use thick bands that aren’t
prone to snapping. My personal
favourites are the Magic Bands as
they’re almost impossible to break.
When securing the plaits, I like to
double-band the middle plaits to
make them really secure, as these are
the ones that are most likely to be
rubbed by the reins and come undone
at the most inopportune times!
Preparing the day before: I like to
get as organised as possible the day
before the show. Preparing all of your
own clothes, putting fuel in your
vehicle, filling up water containers,
making sure you know where the
show ground is, preparing food and
drinks for yourself, and loading as
much stuff as possible the day before
the show is a great way to take the
stress off yourself on show day. I also
like to make a list of what still needs
to be packed the next morning to
make sure nothing gets forgotten.
Finally, leave plenty of time on show
day morning to get ready. There will
always be some kind of problem, so
allow yourself an extra half hour to
deal with it.
Pack spares and emergency supplies:
Take spares with you, of everything
you may need. Bridle parts, a spare
headcollar, a whip, bandages, breeches
and a hoof oil brush are all things that
will come in handy. Baby wipes are
always useful for last minute touch
ups, no matter what discipline you’re
competing in. Finally, pack emergency
food and water for your horse just
in case you get stuck or delayed
anywhere.
Clipping and trimming: I like to clip
and trim the horse a few days in
advance. This gives the horse’s mane/
coat time to settle and fall into its
natural place. The day before the show
I’ll then go over the horse and tidy
them up, removing any little hairs
that I’ve missed and tidying up the
mane and tail.
30 April 2017 Equestrian Life