EARLY
PLANNING PREVENTS SHOWRING HASSLES
By SUSAN
DUDASIK
It’s
a new year and soon flyers announcing up-coming shows will be
decorating tackshop bulletin boards as riders everywhere anxiously
await the coming of Spring so they can begin preparing their
horses for the new show season. But there’s more to successful
showing then getting your horse ready and now’s the perfect
time to take care of those tiny chores that can eliminate some
of the stress and frustrations of showing.
First on
the agenda is to gather all your paperwork. Renew all club and
association memberships so you are eligible for any year-end
awards. Don’t wait till the last show of the season to
discover the secretary never received your membership check.
Next, double check all your horse’s registration papers.
Make sure you have the correct papers on new horses and that
they have been properly transferred into your name. This is
an exhibitor’s responsibility, not the show committees.
Also, if you haul out of state you will need health papers and
perhaps a brand inspection. Make copies of all membership cards,
papers and medical records to keep in a file folder in your
show trunk or trailer.
Next, make
an appointment with your vet. Be sure your horse’s shots
and worming are up to date. Don’t wait until a week before
the first show, especially if you’re getting the West Nile
vaccine which needs time to take affect. Also, some horses tend
to swell or go off their feed. The same applies for your horse’s
feet. If he’s been barefoot all winter, call the blacksmith
and start getting them back in shape. Don’t wait until
a few days before the show to have him shod.
Now is
the perfect time to haul out the trailer and give it a good
going-over. Check the hitch, floorboards, lights, brakes and
tires as well as the over-all body condition. Make sure there’s
air in the spare tire, the lug wrench is handy, necessary tools
are in the tool box and a 5-gallon container is ready to be
filled with water. Take your towing vehicle in for an inspection
also. Have the brakes, tires, hitch and electrical system checked.
Check both
your barn and trailer first-aid kits and replace any items you
might need. Make sure you have all your show incidentals like
extra buckets, hay bags, stall cleaning tools and hoses. Take
advantage of clearance sales to restock your first-aid and grooming
kits. Stock up on shampoos, hoof polish, rug rags and fly spray.
Don’t wait till you’re at the show to discover the
hoof polish has dried up
Go over
your show tack with a fine-tooth comb. Give it a good cleaning.
For Western saddles, check the cinch and all latigos as well
as the lining under the saddle. Check the seat padding and stirrup
leathers on English saddles. Inspect bridles and halters for
wear near the buckles. Make repairs now before the last minute
rush. Wash your show sheets, bandages and hoods. Do the same
for your show clothes. Trying them on beforehand could prevent
an embarrassing scene. Check for rips, missing buttons and size
changes.
By getting
organized before the rush and excitement of show season, you’ll
have more time to concentrate and enjoy tuning up your riding
skills. A few weeks prior to the first show, refit all your
show tack as most horses tend to be fatter at the beginning
of show season and youngsters out-grow their show halters. Re-adjusting
equipment at home can prevent a missed class at the show. This
is especially importing for driving and costume classes where
multiple adjustments may be needed.
If you’re
showing with chaps, especially if it’s for the first time,
wear them several times before entering the ring. This will
allow your horse to get used to the feel of the fringe. If you’re
competing in costume class, pre-ride with the full costume so
your horse will know what to expect.
Showing
your horse should be a fun adventure, not a stressful ordeal.
By planning ahead and getting organized during the off-season,
you can avoid a bunch of the tiny problems that can turn a good
time into a total disaster.
archives
Susan Dudasik
Shadow Rider Equine News
srider@salmoninternet.com
Member: Idaho Press Club
North American Saddle Mule Association
