2 1/2 weeks to get Star show ready... Help...

Sassy · 07-03-2008, 09:07 AM

Ok so we are taking Star to her first show on the 15th of July... Yahoo so excited. But, she needs to get show ready. It is just showing at halter. No riding. So tips to prepare would be great. This is our very first show. Going with Excelequine. Anyhoo... She was kind enough to offer us a ride in her trailer. We have already got Star trotting on command no trying to haul her down the stretch anymore

.... Her stop needs major work. Was thinking of incorperating her bit in her training as an aid to help her whoa at side coming out of the trot. She trots almost instantly which is good, but she tends to move almost a bodies length a head when asked to walk. Also, she needs a bit more conditioning

.... She is a buckskin well dunskin. She has a beautiful long mane and tail. I was thinking to braid teh top of the tail with a nice crisp staright cut at the bottom. Leaving the length. Her mane hubby will like to be able to leave it long she has such a beautiful mane. But I want to show off her neck some. Was thinking of a 1/5 roach starting at the back of teh ears. A sort of extended bridle path. About 1/5 of her neck. Then slick comb or braid is the question for the rest. And he bangs what tgo do with her bangs. They are really long as well... Should I just let it be oh natural or braid it??? Also how do you getr them to square up and stay there. She will square them she gets lazy and cocks a leg and slumps one hip hee hee hee....
Here's a picture to help visualize. And I knwo she is not in great foam here but do you think she could show at halter? Please feel free to critque!

Sirita_88 · 07-03-2008, 09:18 AM

I would just trim the bridlepath no farther than the ear. Leave the mane natural, just comb and shine it. She is a stock horse, yes?

Leave her forelock natural. If you want, but some baby oil or shine in her forelock to make it lay flat. Don't braid her tail, braids are for hunters. Just vetwrap the top of her tail to make it lay flat and take it out before you show. You can do a blunt cut, but the longer the tail the better so don't take off too much. Clip her legs all the way up the black. When she cocks a hip pull gentely on her tail or put your hand on that hip and pull towards you.

To get her to stop faster, have a que whether it be planting your right foot or saying whoa. Ask her to trot off and give the que. Immediately back her up a few steps. It won't take her long to associate stopping with backing up. Soon you will get those amazing hind-end stops.

If she is walking ahead of you I would ask her to walk next to you and every time she gets ahead back her up. She should find that it is easier to walk your speed than constantly back up.

Clip her face, and her ears. It's your preference whether or not you want to clip inside the ear. But when you show, put some gooey show shine in her ears to make the hair lay flatter. They sell a black face highlighter. I would reccomend the black as her points are all black. Put it inside her ears, around her eyes and all over her nose. Sand her hooves a little to make them nice and smooth and oil. Or you can paint them black. either way is acceptable.

BarnBum · 07-03-2008, 09:27 AM

I would use hair jel or mouse to lay the forlock/mane down. Put a lille on the tail before you wrap it (if you do). I am not big baby oil fan b/c it attracts dirt/dust and definatly no baby oil on the muzzle or the eyes- sunburn !! They do make a jel for that. I agree, clip the forlock the length of an ear. Just brush out the mane and tail, maybe clip up the dead ends. A clean, shiney flowing mane and tail is so pretty !! If you want, braid the tail after you wash it and before your class take out the braid and you will have a wave in the tail. No braid in the tail for the halter class.

Have fun, thats what it is all about and don't forget the pictures !

Linebacker55 · 07-03-2008, 09:34 AM

I guess I would do things a bit different then Sirita, but everyone does things differently.

I would do the bridal path the same as posted. Lay her ear back and cut it that length. For the forelock I would either braid it or band the top so it lays nice on her face. For the mane, I would consider brading it up so that you can still show off the neck and not have the mane in the way. You can then un-braid it and be ready for a reining class!!

I would use the hoofblack for sure on her hoof, make for a much cleaner look.

Best tip I can tell you is Groom Groom Groom, then when you are done, groom again!! Clip the long hairs on the nose, lips, chin and around the eyes. Clip up the ears nice, and the legs. I would clip the inside of the ears for sure, makes a much cleaner more professional look for the show ring.

For setting her up, it is just repetition over and over. If she gets lazy you can either pull her tail as stated or I push the hip when they rest.

For walking next to you I like siritas suggestion of making it difficult for her if she is not next to you. Backing up always is a good way to do this.

For stopping give her a cue, I just way Whoa. Now she will not have to stop on a dime, this is not showmanship. Take your time setting her up, make sure you have it right. Do not stress or get mad or your horse will just get worked up and it will all go downhill FAST. Trust me on that been there done that!!

BarnBum · 07-03-2008, 09:45 AM

I think it just varies in what section of the US you are in.
By me, forlocks are left natural w/ a little mouse to lay them down.
Hoof black is not popular here. Alot of people stopped using
it b/c it damages the hoof, seals it and won't let it breath in a way.

Linebacker55 · 07-03-2008, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarnBum

Hoof black is not popular here. Alot of people stopped using
it b/c it damages the hoof, seals it and won't let it breath in a way.

No issues with hoofblack if you use waterbased!!

BarnBum · 07-03-2008, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linebacker55

No issues with hoofblack if you use waterbased!!

Yes, true but hoof black isn't popular down here.

Sassy · 07-05-2008, 11:19 AM

Thanks guys all great advice and tips! We will spiff her up a few times before the show to get a feel for it. Already working on a nice stop via advice here! Well starting on it lol! Star is a really willign girl so hopefully we will be ready come the 15th...

BabyMay · 07-05-2008, 11:54 AM

Just make sure you don't wrap the top of her tail to tightly. You could damage the tail bone.

Sassy · 07-12-2008, 10:44 AM

Big bummer not showing... Star came up lame thursday. We think she either hit a rock or took a wrong step, But she has a obvious limp and a tender spot on the hock rear leg. It is not serious she can walk fine. But with obvious tenderness. Not good to show

... It's a bummer as she was gettign darn good at a nice soild stop. Moving out smooth to trot with no yanking and pulling at her, and posting square much better. Took a bit to keep her from slutching... She is a little lazy daisy... Oh well, next show for sure... And we will be much more prepared....

allison · 07-12-2008, 10:46 AM

Aww darn it! I was looking forward to seeing how she would do. Well, just look at it this way, even more prep time to polish up

ToveroMom · 07-12-2008, 03:52 PM

Sorry about that Sassy. Get 'em next show.
I braid forelocks as well keeps the face nice and tidy.
I also use the hoofblack and I wear gloves..just a little finish to things. Appearances count.
BarnBum I know it was a typo but it made me giggle thinking of how to get that dang rodent to lay flat on the forelock ..especially a little mouse-they are so hard to train!

"...By me, forlocks are left natural w/ a little mouse to lay them down."

Sassy · 07-17-2008, 12:48 AM

Ok so now the next show looms before us. This sunday in Lac La Biche. So we are getting set to attend. Star is already registered for the show, and I got hooped into being ring stewart of Trail judges assistant for the day after Star has shown! So going to be there either way.

... Anyway, Star is sound and ready to go. Here are a few mock up works for teh show. She is brushed not washed here. She is groomed but not clipped or polished either. Just a rough work up. Anyway thought I would post pic's and see what you guys think. Critques always welcomed!I know lighting sucks and other horses parts in the shots too... She always has this weird worried sad look on her face.

Freedomnchrist · 07-17-2008, 09:16 AM

She looks wonderful!

Sassy · 07-17-2008, 09:20 AM

Thank you...

Sassy · 07-17-2008, 06:58 PM

Calling off our show plans!! My grandma is seriously ill and in teh hospital.. New plans sit by teh phone and wait for news. Good I pray...

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07-03-2008, 09:07 AM
Sassy Started Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Northern Alberta, Canada Posts: 2,332	2 1/2 weeks to get Star show ready... Help... Ok so we are taking Star to her first show on the 15th of July... Yahoo so excited. But, she needs to get show ready. It is just showing at halter. No riding. So tips to prepare would be great. This is our very first show. Going with Excelequine. Anyhoo... She was kind enough to offer us a ride in her trailer. We have already got Star trotting on command no trying to haul her down the stretch anymore .... Her stop needs major work. Was thinking of incorperating her bit in her training as an aid to help her whoa at side coming out of the trot. She trots almost instantly which is good, but she tends to move almost a bodies length a head when asked to walk. Also, she needs a bit more conditioning.... She is a buckskin well dunskin. She has a beautiful long mane and tail. I was thinking to braid teh top of the tail with a nice crisp staright cut at the bottom. Leaving the length. Her mane hubby will like to be able to leave it long she has such a beautiful mane. But I want to show off her neck some. Was thinking of a 1/5 roach starting at the back of teh ears. A sort of extended bridle path. About 1/5 of her neck. Then slick comb or braid is the question for the rest. And he bangs what tgo do with her bangs. They are really long as well... Should I just let it be oh natural or braid it??? Also how do you getr them to square up and stay there. She will square them she gets lazy and cocks a leg and slumps one hip hee hee hee.... Here's a picture to help visualize. And I knwo she is not in great foam here but do you think she could show at halter? Please feel free to critque! __________________ A horse which stops dead just before a jump and thus propels its rider into a graceful arc provides a splendid excuse for general merriment. ~ DUKE OF ENDINBURGH ~

07-03-2008, 09:18 AM
Sirita_88 Long Yearling Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Mt. Juliet, Tennessee Posts: 1,296	I would just trim the bridlepath no farther than the ear. Leave the mane natural, just comb and shine it. She is a stock horse, yes? Leave her forelock natural. If you want, but some baby oil or shine in her forelock to make it lay flat. Don't braid her tail, braids are for hunters. Just vetwrap the top of her tail to make it lay flat and take it out before you show. You can do a blunt cut, but the longer the tail the better so don't take off too much. Clip her legs all the way up the black. When she cocks a hip pull gentely on her tail or put your hand on that hip and pull towards you. To get her to stop faster, have a que whether it be planting your right foot or saying whoa. Ask her to trot off and give the que. Immediately back her up a few steps. It won't take her long to associate stopping with backing up. Soon you will get those amazing hind-end stops. If she is walking ahead of you I would ask her to walk next to you and every time she gets ahead back her up. She should find that it is easier to walk your speed than constantly back up. Clip her face, and her ears. It's your preference whether or not you want to clip inside the ear. But when you show, put some gooey show shine in her ears to make the hair lay flatter. They sell a black face highlighter. I would reccomend the black as her points are all black. Put it inside her ears, around her eyes and all over her nose. Sand her hooves a little to make them nice and smooth and oil. Or you can paint them black. either way is acceptable. __________________ Paradise Performance Horses. http://www.freewebs.com/paradiseperformance/index.htm

07-03-2008, 09:27 AM
BarnBum Greenbroke Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 3,611	I would use hair jel or mouse to lay the forlock/mane down. Put a lille on the tail before you wrap it (if you do). I am not big baby oil fan b/c it attracts dirt/dust and definatly no baby oil on the muzzle or the eyes- sunburn !! They do make a jel for that. I agree, clip the forlock the length of an ear. Just brush out the mane and tail, maybe clip up the dead ends. A clean, shiney flowing mane and tail is so pretty !! If you want, braid the tail after you wash it and before your class take out the braid and you will have a wave in the tail. No braid in the tail for the halter class. Have fun, thats what it is all about and don't forget the pictures ! __________________ Murphys Horse Law - A horse's misbehavior will be in direct proportion to the number of people who are watching !!

07-03-2008, 09:34 AM
Linebacker55 Started Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 2,210	I guess I would do things a bit different then Sirita, but everyone does things differently. I would do the bridal path the same as posted. Lay her ear back and cut it that length. For the forelock I would either braid it or band the top so it lays nice on her face. For the mane, I would consider brading it up so that you can still show off the neck and not have the mane in the way. You can then un-braid it and be ready for a reining class!! I would use the hoofblack for sure on her hoof, make for a much cleaner look. Best tip I can tell you is Groom Groom Groom, then when you are done, groom again!! Clip the long hairs on the nose, lips, chin and around the eyes. Clip up the ears nice, and the legs. I would clip the inside of the ears for sure, makes a much cleaner more professional look for the show ring. For setting her up, it is just repetition over and over. If she gets lazy you can either pull her tail as stated or I push the hip when they rest. For walking next to you I like siritas suggestion of making it difficult for her if she is not next to you. Backing up always is a good way to do this. For stopping give her a cue, I just way Whoa. Now she will not have to stop on a dime, this is not showmanship. Take your time setting her up, make sure you have it right. Do not stress or get mad or your horse will just get worked up and it will all go downhill FAST. Trust me on that been there done that!! __________________ www.risingwaterqh.com RISING WATER QUARTER HORSES Home of World and Reserve World Champions AQHA/ABRA/IBHA

07-03-2008, 09:45 AM
BarnBum Greenbroke Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 3,611	I think it just varies in what section of the US you are in. By me, forlocks are left natural w/ a little mouse to lay them down. Hoof black is not popular here. Alot of people stopped using it b/c it damages the hoof, seals it and won't let it breath in a way. __________________ Murphys Horse Law - A horse's misbehavior will be in direct proportion to the number of people who are watching !!

07-05-2008, 11:19 AM
Sassy Started Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Northern Alberta, Canada Posts: 2,332	Thanks guys all great advice and tips! We will spiff her up a few times before the show to get a feel for it. Already working on a nice stop via advice here! Well starting on it lol! Star is a really willign girl so hopefully we will be ready come the 15th... __________________ A horse which stops dead just before a jump and thus propels its rider into a graceful arc provides a splendid excuse for general merriment. ~ DUKE OF ENDINBURGH ~

07-05-2008, 11:54 AM
BabyMay Coming two Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,894	Just make sure you don't wrap the top of her tail to tightly. You could damage the tail bone.

07-12-2008, 10:44 AM
Sassy Started Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Northern Alberta, Canada Posts: 2,332	Big bummer not showing... Star came up lame thursday. We think she either hit a rock or took a wrong step, But she has a obvious limp and a tender spot on the hock rear leg. It is not serious she can walk fine. But with obvious tenderness. Not good to show ... It's a bummer as she was gettign darn good at a nice soild stop. Moving out smooth to trot with no yanking and pulling at her, and posting square much better. Took a bit to keep her from slutching... She is a little lazy daisy... Oh well, next show for sure... And we will be much more prepared.... __________________ A horse which stops dead just before a jump and thus propels its rider into a graceful arc provides a splendid excuse for general merriment. ~ DUKE OF ENDINBURGH ~

07-12-2008, 10:46 AM
allison Started Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kenosha, WI. Posts: 2,106	Aww darn it! I was looking forward to seeing how she would do. Well, just look at it this way, even more prep time to polish up __________________ Horses & Horsepower www.freewebs.com/mustangali_/ "...just like computers refuse to understand how I'm feeling today"

07-12-2008, 03:52 PM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 15,299	Sorry about that Sassy. Get 'em next show. I braid forelocks as well keeps the face nice and tidy. I also use the hoofblack and I wear gloves..just a little finish to things. Appearances count. BarnBum I know it was a typo but it made me giggle thinking of how to get that dang rodent to lay flat on the forelock ..especially a little mouse-they are so hard to train! "...By me, forlocks are left natural w/ a little mouse to lay them down." __________________ "In America,anyone can be President. That is one of the chances you take" Adlai Stevenson

07-17-2008, 12:48 AM
Sassy Started Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Northern Alberta, Canada Posts: 2,332	Ok so now the next show looms before us. This sunday in Lac La Biche. So we are getting set to attend. Star is already registered for the show, and I got hooped into being ring stewart of Trail judges assistant for the day after Star has shown! So going to be there either way. ... Anyway, Star is sound and ready to go. Here are a few mock up works for teh show. She is brushed not washed here. She is groomed but not clipped or polished either. Just a rough work up. Anyway thought I would post pic's and see what you guys think. Critques always welcomed!I know lighting sucks and other horses parts in the shots too... She always has this weird worried sad look on her face. __________________ A horse which stops dead just before a jump and thus propels its rider into a graceful arc provides a splendid excuse for general merriment. ~ DUKE OF ENDINBURGH ~

07-17-2008, 09:16 AM
Freedomnchrist Greenbroke Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,312	She looks wonderful!

07-17-2008, 09:20 AM
Sassy Started Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Northern Alberta, Canada Posts: 2,332	Thank you... __________________ A horse which stops dead just before a jump and thus propels its rider into a graceful arc provides a splendid excuse for general merriment. ~ DUKE OF ENDINBURGH ~

07-17-2008, 06:58 PM
Sassy Started Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Northern Alberta, Canada Posts: 2,332	Calling off our show plans!! My grandma is seriously ill and in teh hospital.. New plans sit by teh phone and wait for news. Good I pray... __________________ A horse which stops dead just before a jump and thus propels its rider into a graceful arc provides a splendid excuse for general merriment. ~ DUKE OF ENDINBURGH ~