Do you show? If you show then you can probably help me on this question.?

Question

I need to know the "must haves" for when I start to show. I will be showing in Western Pleasure, Barrel Racing, and Showmanship. I got the barrel racing part down. But I am lost at the western pleasure and showmanship parts. The only thing my trainer has said for my clothes is that my shirt MUST have a collar and have buttons.....but what the heck kind of jeans do I get? And I dont even know what kind of chaps or what color of chaps I should get.....and can I just wear my everyday riding cowboy boots or do I need something expensive and fancy? and do I HAVE to wear a belt? and can I wear the same outfit to my showmanship class that I did to my western pleasure class? I know that I will need a cowboy hat for my showmanship classes but yeah....just please help me.

Answer 1

I have copied and pasted your complete question, then used brackets to separate your question from my answer, hope this helps you .





WP class, and, if you do use them, you can use the same slacks as you used in Showmanship (usually a little dressier than jeans) Of course, I would prefer to use either wranglers or Rockies when it comes to riding, but with chaps, who's going to know? Main thing, make sure that they are long enough to cover or partially cover your boot heel AFTER you are on the horse. Nothing says "Novice" like too short of pants.] [Showmanship.dressier pants and maybe a vest, again, make sure that you your pants are long enough, touching the ground. Make sure that you spend your extra money on a good hat and get a good crease...tell the person at the store what you are going to wear it for and they will know what kind of a crease that you need, unless you have already one that you wear all the time.] got the barrel racing part down. But I am lost at the western pleasure and showmanship parts. The only thing my trainer has said for my clothes is that my shirt MUST have a collar and have buttons.....but what the heck kind of jeans do I get? And I don't even know what kind of chaps or what color of chaps I should get.....and can I just wear my everyday riding cowboy boots or do I need something expensive and fancy? [ Wear your best boots, but if you don't have good boots, make sure they are cleaned and shined, your chaps should cover them up.] ..and do I HAVE to wear a belt? and can I wear the same outfit to my showmanship class that I did to my western pleasure class? [Your showmanship class will come before your WP class] I know that I will need a cowboy hat for my showmanship classes but yeah....just please help me. [ Try to match your chaps with your hat...and don't try to do it at the last minute, you need to have your chaps made for you and you can't get that done overnight. Heck yes, you have to have a belt...sheesh! OK..make sure that your collar is buttoned to the top, with a western tie of some sort, not a string tie...ask the people where you get your hat. I can't believe that you don't have more help, as you are going to have the jitters anyway, not to mention if you think that you are not appropriately attired. What state are you in, seriously.?]

Answer 2

it greatly varies on the level of which you are showing.



i show my arab class A western and hunt so these are my requirements, however I'm not sure if they will be the same as yours but i hope they help you anyways..



western pleasure -

you should purchase a western show shirt, or a rail shirt. sparkles and rhinestones are classy. you want to stand out in western pleasure because it is a rail class that you compete in with many other people. However, if you have a very "standout-ish" horse you don't want your attire to take away from it. you do not wear jeans underneath your chaps.. typically you would wear black western showmanship pants under black chaps. typically you would want to purchase black chaps to match your top, unless you've ordered a custom western OUTFIT with chaps, shirt, boots all custom colored to match. yes you have to wear a belt, unless your shirt has embellishments on the bottom which would mean you leave it un-tucked. unless the show staff are requiring helmets for western pleasure, you must also wear a cowboy hat of appropriate color to match your outfit.



showmanship-

i am assuming that you are planning on participating in western showmanship, which i personally do not compete in with my present horse, but i have previously competed in..

with western showmanship you have a few options regarding attire, you can either order a showmanship SUIT where the shirt corresponds in color to the pants creating a clean cut look that stands out. you can also choose to wear the same black showmanship pants you wore in western pleasure underneath your chaps (NO CHAPS IN SHOWMANSHIP) with a different top called a showmanship jacket or blazer. also, if you have a suit you are going to need to get matching boots that match the suits color, and a corresponding cowboy hat. if you are wearing black showmanship pants black boots and a black cowboy hat will suit fine.



i really hope this information was of help :)

Answer 3

I show, in "cowboy" events so but when i show you dont have to wear chaps. It is isnt very usual for to count off points on your what your tack and boots,I really dont think they can. But your right in almost all events you have to wear a button-up,long sleved shirt. And yes you can wear the same clothes in showmanship and I always wear black hat and black belt- it (personally) looks better and more professional to me and gives a clean look.Unfortunatly I cant say you will not be judged on what your wear because it isnt true in the show world today. I hope this helped you!!!

Answer 4

Ok for local shows and 4-H shows its fine to use the same outfit. The more competitive shows you go to, then you'll need more outfits. For western pleasure you need, a button up shirt with a collar, I'd go with a plain colored shirt. I have a black pair of jeans used for local showing only. Its not a requirement to show in chaps in a pleasure class. Depending on your color of horse and what color your top is will help you determine what color chaps you need. Since I have a lot bright colored tops I own a pair of black chaps. Its a little visual trick that makes you look in shape, taller and makes your top look brighter.



For showmanship you can use the same outfit. Showmanship is all about presentation, its 1st time impression. For showmanship make sure your shirt is tucked in. Your pants aren't covered in mud. To make it look nicer, I'd go and buy a cheap pair of dress slacks. Its makes it look neater. Before your class when your horse is ready I usually tuck my pant legs into my boots. You feel extremely stupid but alot of other people do it. Or if you have a pair of button up pants put it on over your show pants and before you go into the class Take the pants off. Wear a belt makes you look neat. Your boots don't have to be $300, just use the same ones but make sure their polished. A hat is required in showmanship but in western pleasure you can wear either a helment or a western hat. Don't wear a cowboy hat thats neon green, just a simple color like tan or black, or chocolate.

The cool thing about winter? All the tack stores and clothing is on sale. You can get a $125 top for only $79 or cheaper. Hobby Horse Inc.

(http://www.hobbyhorseinc.com/) has a good sale going on right now.

Overall my final advise, SMILE show the judge that your having a great time. Even if your not having a good day, show the judge that you love bad days lol.

Answer 5

All shows follow a specific rule book. It may be the AQHA rule book, it may be the CEF rule book, so first of all you should find out what rule book the show you want to attend will follow. This will help with some of the fine details if you find you have too many conflicting answers to this question!

In general, for WP and showmanship you need this for clothing.

1)Cowboy hat that fits you well, must be tight enough to not fall off for your riding classes. Try to avoid the "fun and silly" type cowboy hats and get a real cowboy hat, either straw or felt is fine. Make sure it fits you and isn't too big. You need this for all your classes, unless you intend to wear a helmet for the riding classes. Helmets are allowed at each show level, although they aren't very common in adult or the bigger Breed classes. But they are allowed for safety reasons.

2)A long sleeved shirt with some type of collar. Sorry to disagree with your trainer but you are not required to have buttons at any level, whether 4-H, Open or Breed shows. Many people wear slinkys with or without a vest, and a slinky is very much like a mock- turtle neck shirt, it certainly does not have buttons. Do not wear anything sleezy like some of the "fun" western shirts you can buy, instead it must be a work like shirt, clean, well pressed and fits you properly so it doesn't flap in the wind.

3)You can wear a vest in both WP and showmanship. If you have the money or can borrow, its better yet to wear a blazer over the shirt for Showmanship. You do not have to have a vest or blazer, even for showmanship, but you will see most of the people wearing them.

4)You can wear bluejeans, but they must be clean and well pressed. Better yet, wear black bluejeans, or better yet, tidy dress pants without a stripe or pattern of any sort. Your pants need to be long enough that your boot is fairly covered when you're sitting in the saddle with your knee slightly bent.

5)You do not need chaps. If you have a pair that fit well, great. If not you'll survive. If you decide to buy a pair, go for a basic color such as black or beige as they will be easier to sell, and match more outfits while you own them.

6)Boots, either ropers or cowboy boots, preferably in a dark color to match your pants. You can dye boots if you don't have a pair that is quite right, or you can make do. Try to avoid the big clunky "fun" boots with the big crepe soles. You want the boots to be out of sight, not catching everyone's eye.

7)If you aren't wearing a vest or blazer you should have on a Western belt of some sort, preferably a plain dark one to match your pants, with some sort of buckle. Doesn't have to be fancy and expensive.

8)Some people will tell you to wear gloves, but in my area gloves are out of style for showmanship and WP classes. It will be up to you and your trainer and what's in style where you're at. You are not required them, they are optional.

Try to match your shirt to a western pad/blanket so you look coordinated. You can buy alot of Western show clothes quite cheap on eBay, at consignment tack stores, or even at regular type second hand or new clothing stores. Look for ones that are slim fitting and won't flap and make you look like you bounce when you ride. I would suggest to look at horse magazines, training videos and such to get an idea what people are wearing in your area. You want to look like a clean, neat cowboy much more than a fancy, frilly model, so its always better to be simple and understated than full of frills and such.

Answer 6

I would not reccomend jeans for showmanship. A noce pair of dress pants (I like the Wrangler Riatas) always makes a better overall picture. You can wear the same top for WP and showmanship. Get black chaps (they go with everything) and a pair of black jeans for the riding classes. This way you have no color difference between your chaps and pants. (again a nicer overall look). I prefer (again) black riding boots. Black shows way less movement on the rail. Nothing fancy on your feet. Less is better here. Rhinestones and bling have a tendancy to really make any foot movement stand out. Belt for showmanship is needed unless you get one of the longer tunic tops. Definately needed in the WP classes. You want a shirt tucked in, not hanging over the top of your chaps. Neat and clean if the overall look you are after. Hair put up nicely in a bun, clothing and tack nice,clean and well fitted, boots dusted, hat clean, etc. Expensive tack does not count over a good working rig, but need to make sure all the straps are buckled, everything fits correctly, and you have no flapping loose ends. Neatness is makes a way nicer picture on the rail. Flip thru one of the breed journals and look at how everyone dresses (minus all the rhinestones). This is the look you want. Good Luck!

Answer 7

While you may think your ride was yards better than anyone else in the ring, your ring etiquette or sportsmanship may be hurting your impression on the judge or even offending him. There are certain things you should never do. For example, while theoretically you want to catch the judge's eye — after all, that's why riders dress up so outrageously — Cleve stresses, "You should never look at the judge or ride by him in an attempt to get his attention. You're showing your horse, so look up and straight down the rail."



Also, don't be discourteous to the other riders. For example, don't cut anyone off. And if the horse in front of you is just too slow for your horse to maintain his comfortable cadence and you decide to pass, don't remain riding alongside the other horse. Speed up to pass, then get back on that rail. "It's rude to box in a horse on the rail. It makes some horses nervous," says Cleve.



Some riders try to slow down their horses because they figure the slowest horse is going to win. But that's not necessarily the case. If the rider ahead is forcing his horse to slow too much and his horse loses rhythm, you don't want to do the same to your horse. And if your horse's natural cadence is smooth and flowing but his legs are longer, he may be covering more ground than the leader. Bumping him to slow him down will only disrupt his natural cadence. In these cases you're better off passing.



On the other hand, if the horse in front is smooth and cadenced, with a perfectly level headset, long legs and he's going slower, he's probably going to win. It generally requires more muscle power to engage the hindquarters at a slower speed, and since it's more difficult, this generally impresses the judges more. However, trying to force your horse to slow below his comfortable rhythm won't change the fact that the other horse will win, but, says Cleve, it could blow your chances for second place. "The point is to show off your horse, not choke him up," he admonishes.



How can you tell what your horse's natural rhythm is? Cleve suggests, "When you're schooling at home and before a class, count the strides to yourself until you get a feel for what your horse does naturally when he's comfortable. Then, when you get in the pen behind a slower horse, check to make sure your horse hasn't sped up pace. If he has, bump him just a little with your reins to get back in rhythm. If he hasn't, though, pass the other horse." Be sure you give a wide enough berth around the horse you're passing and get back to the rail as quickly as you safely can without cutting the other rider off.



When the judge calls out a gait or direction change, it's expected for you to wait until the horse in front of you has begun the transition before you start your change. However, if the rider in front is waiting longer than 5 seconds, you're better off going.



"If you're feeling like you need to get moving, you probably should," says Cleve. Some riders wait until the judge is looking at them, or perhaps until the stars are aligned just right before loping off. But beyond a reasonable pause of about 1 to 5 seconds, judges consider it rude. And you definitely don't want to upset him or her.



Another way to make a judge angry, says Cleve, is to try fixing something behind his back. "I can tell when a rider has pulled on the horse to get him to a certain head level, even without seeing it happen because when I turn back around, the horse will look different," he says. "And doing that behind the judge's back seems sneaky, kind of cheating to me and it doesn't show respect for the judge," he adds.



Fashion Focus

Western pleasure is a chance to show creativity and have some fun with your clothes and tack, since there are few restrictions. You should check with your breed association's requirements, but generally a long-sleeved shirt, cowboy hat, boots, chaps and pants are musts. Anything else is fair game. Fashion is a big deal, however, in pleasure, and keeping up with trends is considered an unspoken rule. Unless of course, you're bold enough and confident enough to set them. But don't get sucked into pleasure's appearances and neglect the training. A great eye-catching outfit won't win for you, but it might call attention to your riding faults.



"People focus on looks and clothes and forget about the horse. Sure, everyone wants to look nice when they're in the spotlight in front of a crowd, but you have to have a presentation. You have to practice and work, too," says Cleve. But some people, he adds, get caught up in the superficial aspects of the sport, choosing pleasure because they think it'll make them look good. He feels if you don't enjoy riding and horses — even cleaning out horses' stalls and grooming can be fun to a horse lover — then you're missing the point. "It's like buying a rare classic car and fixing it so it goes perfect. You wouldn't give the keys to a teenager with no training or respect for it, to race around just because he thinks it'll make him look good to his friends."



While it's important to wear the appropriate attire and tack, Cleve says not to worry too much about putting on the glitz. "One of the most striking riders I've seen wore a plain white tuxedo shirt with black jacket, chaps and hat. Just about everyone else was wearing fancy glitter shirts. But that rider still placed," he says.



To Thine Own Horse Be True

"I think the biggest mistake people make is to try and replicate some other rider and try to force his or her horse to be exactly like another," says Cleve. "Horses have the right to be individuals." You shouldn't try to train your horse to copy the way another moves or carries himself.



Also, you shouldn't expect overnight miracles in training, whether you decide to train yourhorse yourself or send him to a professional — even a world champion trainer. "It takes about 3 to 5 years to get someone lined out," says Cleve, "if they have the talent and the will to put in the effort it takes." But usually when someone chooses a world champion as their goal, they understand and accept that.



Keep in mind that shows should be for practice and you'll have more fun. Going to shows can be an incredible education. Nobody wins all the time, so don't go in expecting to win each class. Cleve says, "When you're losing, you're frustrated — but motivated to learn and grow. When you win, you're mentally satisfied, but not learning." And when you keep learning and riding, eventually you'll win.



Good luck and have fun!

Answer 8

heres a bundle of information in know particular order but i hope it helps.Plus links in sources



How to Prepare at a Western Horse Show

When you get to the show, make your horse comfortable, then check your entries. At small shows they often will post the patterns and work outs in the morning, at larger shows you will get them prior to the day of the show. Only study the event that is next or you will confuse yourself.

Ensure you have a bottle of water handy for between event replensihments. Dehydration doesn't help you, your horse or your memory.

Put your show gear on your horse well in advance of the event so you can make sure you have time to warm up.

Ensure your clothing is ready to be put on, its not fun trying to find that missing spur or your belt buckle right before you have to enter the ring.

Once mounted, do a jog around in the arena if permissable other wise just around in a small circle, then revise your patterns.

If you get stuck, ask the steward or ring master if the pattern is supposed to say what it says, judges can make mistakes! You should be aware that a spelling mistake may mean something not at all intended.

Try not to watch other riders, even though you may think they'll do it right, they may not, and if you copy them, you may get it wrong as well.

After each class, study your next pattern, drink and eat a little. Keeping your fluids up keeps your memory active.



Tips



Breathe!

Smile -- it's fun!

Make it your world; don't let a small thing ruin it. If you mess up a pattern, move on, it's just a show. Concentrate on your next class.

Take a piece of paper and a pen to copy patterns to practice at home and at the show. Doing this, you won't be clogging the notice board.



Warnings



Always obey arena rules and listen to stewards, ringmasters and judges.

Don't hog the patterns if they are on a notice board, others will need to study them too.

Safety over fashion!



MODEL HORSE SHOWING & TIPS

TIPS AND INFORMATION



This page was created mostly to help the beginner with choosing models that do best in the "live" show ring. I have mostly shown in OF (original "factory" finish) halter classes, so that is the subject of these tips.



A variety of manufacturer's molds will be at most shows, such as Breyer, Peter Stone, Hartland, Best Talking Horses, Black Horse Ranch, Hagen-Renaker, North Light, and Winners Choice, to name just a few of the popular ones. How well your models place in their classes, depends a lot on the judge, and of course the condition your models are in. It's best to show models that represent the breed standards, are as close to perfect condition as possible, have straight legs and ears, with nice shading and neatly painted details.



Some models show better as a different breed other than what the manufacturer calls it. And some show better as half or mixed breeds. Checking a breed standard guide for conformation type and allowed colors, is a good idea. (See my Links page.) Show models should look as realistic as possible, and not be in poses too radical. From information I have read, the following Breyer molds DO NOT do very well in the live show ring, especially in the Open Division, because of poor conformation. But that doesn't mean you can't try showing them if you are entered in the Novice division:



Khemosabi

Rugged Lark

Appy Lady Roxana

The Family Arabs

Touch of Class

Buckshot

Llanarth True Briton

Secretariat

Smoky the Cowhorse

Sherman Morgan

Old Timer

Mesteno series Mustangs

Western Prancer

Western Horse and Pony

Fury Prancer

Grazing or Lying Models

Bucking or Rearing Models

Running Stallion and Running Mare.



It's also best not to show decorator color models, except in special classes for those types. Halters are optional for halter classes, but if they are used, they must be breed appropriate for the show ring, fit correctly, and the lead line should lay across the model's withers. A "handler" doll is not usually used, except in showmanship classes.



GET READY TO SHOW!



Wash models with mild soap and cool water, dry gently with soft cloth (DON'T RUB), and attach labeled (according to show rules) hang tags to model's legs 2 to 3 days before the show.



Wrap each model separately in bubble wrap and/or old clean white T-shirts, and pack them in a sturdy plastic box with a lid. Use PLENTY of padding around the models, especially the heads and tail tips. (Suggestion: I pack my traditionals standing up side by side, with my classics and foals lying sideways on top. My SMs get wrapped separately and put into a smaller box. I have also made bubble wrap bags for each model by ironing two edges of a folded over piece of bubble wrap. Iron on medium, with a cloth between the bubble wrap and the iron.)



Lay a tablecloth, beach towel or blanket on top of the packed models before putting the lid on. This cloth will be used to cover your setup table at the show, helping to protect your models if they fall over.



Take a binder and paper to the show with a list of the models entered, their tag numbers, and classes entered.



Keep good notes and records about each model and the class results for future reference.



Take along a "repair" kit for you and the models (medicines, water bottle, sack lunch (?), touch-up felt pens, extra hang tags, a writing pen and/or highlighter for class list, and a few dollars for the raffles).



Use a new, clean makeup brush, or a soft, lint-free towel to clean off any dust on the models after putting them on the class show table. (Put his best side facing the judge, but not too close to the edge of table.)



DO NOT BUMP SHOW TABLES. (Dominoing models make a horrible sound!)



DO NOT TOUCH ANYONE ELSE'S MODELS ANYWHERE, unless you ask permission first.



DO NOT TOUCH ANY MODELS ON THE SHOW TABLES, but your own.



Once models are put down on the show tables, and the judge has started judging, DO NOT TOUCH YOUR MODELS until the judge has placed the ribbons next to the models.



Promptly remove your models and ribbons to your setup table, and bring your models for the next class.



Remember to bring back your top winning models for the Championship call-back, according to the show rules. (Some shows only allow the 1st and 2nd place winners in the call-back. Others allow 3 to 4 of your choice.)



Ask the judge questions if you are unsure of something, but ask BEFORE or AFTER the class is judged, NOT DURING JUDGING.



Meet people, ask questions, and HAVE FUN!!!



Frequently Used Abbreviations &

Words in the Model Horse Hobby



ACM-Advanced Custom (show division for customized models for advanced showers)

APPY-Appaloosa (breed or color)

AR-Artist Resin

ARAB-Arabian (breed)

ARALOOSA-Half Arabian and half Appaloosa (breed)

ASB-American Saddlebred (breed)

ASHF Action Stock Horse Foal (a Breyer mold)

BCM Beginner Custom (show division of customized models for beginning showers)

BHR Black Horse Ranch mfg.

BOF Beginner Original Finish (show division of factory paint finish for beginning showers)

C Colt (male horse under 3 years)

CA (F,M,S) Classic Arabian Foal, Mare, Stallion (Breyer molds)

CE Commemorative Edition (produced for one year only)

CH/R China or Resin material

CHALKY Models with chalky plastic or white base coat

CHROME White markings (socks, blaze)

CL Classic series (adults approx. 6 inches high)

CP Custom Painted

CM Customized

CWP Cantering Welsh Pony (a Breyer mold)

DECORATOR Unusually colored OF models such as Wedgewood (blue), Gold Charm, Florentine. Rare and expensive.

DISC Discontinued

DRAFTER Refers to draft horse breeds

EP English Pleasure (show class)

F Filly (female horse under 3 years)

FA (F,M,S)Family Arabian Foal, Mare, Stallion (Breyer molds)

FALABELLA Miniature Horse (breed)

FIVE-GAITER Five-gaited American Saddle Bred (breed)

FL Flocked finish

G Gelding (neutered male horse)

GL High gloss finish

GRADE Mixed breed

HAIRED Models with false hair or string manes and tails

HR Hagen-Renaker manufacturing

IP Indian Pony (a Breyer mold breed type)

JAH Just About Horses magazine by Breyer/Reeves Int'l.

JCP JC Penney Company

LB Little Bits Series (Breyer molds approx. 5 inches high)

LP Lady Phase (a Breyer Q.H. mare mold)

LSASE Large Self-Addressed Envelope (business size)

LSQ Live Show Quality (in very mint condition)

M Mare (adult female horse)

MFT Missouri Fox Trotter (breed)

MIB Mint In Box (excellent mint condition new model)

MODEL The animal made from a certain mold (with color variations)

MOLD The form of an animal from which models are made

MORAB Half Morgan and half Arabian (breed)

NAN North American Nationals

NAMHSA North American Model Horse Show Association

NIB New In Box (new model not taken out of box)

NL North Light manufacturing

NOVICE Beginner

NSH National Show Horse (a part Arabian, part Saddlebred breed)

NWC Northwest Congress (a NAMHSA show)

OF Original Finish (original factory paint)

OPEN Advanced show division

OS Original Sculpture

PADDOCK PALS The new 1999 name for the Breyer Little Bits Series models.

PEARLY A pearlescent finish on a model

POA Pony of the Americas (breed)

POINTS The mane, tail, and lower legs on a horse; sometimes also the muzzle and edge of the ears.

PA (F,M,S) Proud Arabian Foal, Mare, Stallion (Breyer molds)

PS Peter Stone Co. mfg.

PPD Postage Paid

PSQ Photo Show Quality (not as good as LSQ)

QH Quarter Horse (a breed)

QUARAB Half Q.H. and half Arabian (breed)

REGULAR RUN (RR) Model listed in annual dealer/consumer catalogs, not a limited edition.

REP Repainted model

RESIST DAPPLING A dappling method using a resistant substance to leave lighter or white spots

RRH Repainted, remade, and haired model (same as CM with hairing)

S Stallion (adult male horse)

SASE Self Addressed Stamped Envelope

SB Saddlebred (breed)

SBW Saddlebred Weanling (a Breyer mold)

SCM Simple Custom (show division)

SG Semi-glossy finish

S/H Shipping and handling

SM Stablemate series (adults approx. 3 inches high)

SR or S Special Run (limited time and quantity available) model produced for specific dealers/events/sources; not listed in annual catalogs

SSHF Standing Stock Horse Foal (a Breyer mold)

TB Thoroughbred (breed)

TC Test Color model (VERY rare color)

TOPSA Totally Online Photo Show Association

TRU Toys R Us

TWH Tennessee Walking Horse (breed)

TRAD Traditional series (adults approx. 9 inches high)

WELARA Half Welsh Pony and half Arabian (breed)

WOODIE Woodgrain model

WP Western Pleasure (performance show class)



Grooming Tips From the Top

Show groomers share secret techniques for making their horses stand out on show day.

Every top show groom has his or her own bag of tricks out of which they pull some secret technique to make their horses stand out. Here's a list of tips to help you shine on show day:



For really white socks or stockings, dust the legs with baby powder, corn starch or French white chalk.



To cut down on static electricity in the mane and tail, use dryer sheets. One wipe-down through the hair will help eliminate static.



Rub a dab of baby oil along the bridle path to get rid of that chalky, just-clipped look and make it shiny.



For breeds that show with a patent-leather shiny hoof, fill in any old nail holes with a spackling compound that matches the color of your horse's hoof. For a black foot, the color of the compound won't matter. To polish the feet, use the wax-based, cake shoe polishes to add a deep luster to the foot while protecting it from the drying effects of hoof lacquer, which can be applied over the shoe polish.



When you don't need to pull the mane, use thinning shears to shorten it without having the chopped look of scissor cuts.



Clippers can give you the effect of a pulled tail, without having to pull out hairs. Run the clippers carefully along the outside of the dock and down about 4 to 6 inches, just up to the point where the hair begins to crest over. Thin the hairs along the top of the tail and blend longer hairs to gradually blend into the shorter ones.



Use setting gel when braiding to help stray or short wisps stay put in the braids.



Wash your horse a couple of days before the show so the oils of the coat have time to work to the surface for a natural shine. Keep a light sheet on to keep the coat clean until show day.



If you choose not to band a western horse's mane, lay a dampened towel over the neck to help the hairs lie down smoothly.



Keep a wrap on your horse's braided tail - temporarily - so that it arrives at the show grounds with the braid intact.



Apply only one coat of hoof oil or dressing if arena footing is deep. The oil will collect dirt, but the judge will know that you made the effort.



Instead of using rags to wipe down your horse, purchase inexpensive knit gloves (available at most drug or hardware stores) and apply the product directly to them. When you are finished, they can be washed.



For coarse tails, use a hot oil treatment in addition to your regular equine conditioner to soften the hairs and make them flow.



If your horse gets shavings in its braids, use a small, short-bristled brush to gently remove them without damaging any of your work.



If you clip the inside of your horse's ears, place cotton inside to prevent hairs from entering the ear canal and also to deaden the buzz of the clippers.