What else do I need to do to get her to show standard? *Pics*

[loziasa]

Hi all,

I have a 15.3hh Traditonal coloured cob mare, who is going to be shown this season, and this year I want success!
I have been given a slight lifeline, as the April show at my local riding club got cancelled because of the weather so i have bonus time to get her ready!
The next show is May 11th.

She has been on a serious diet over the winter and she is now down to a decent weight for her size, so hopefully that will do us some favours in the ring, as she won't wobble when she trots/canters!

I am just wondering whether you have any tips/words of wisdom to help me get her looking tip top, as this will be the last season I can show her at home as I am off to uni in September, so I am hoping to enjoy it and have some success!

I have bought Cowboy Magic 'Shine In, Yellow Out' on recommendation from another post I put on about getting her clean. I also got Carr, Day & Martin Gallop for Greys, so hopefully that will do some good!

I do have one peeve with her, her mane! Its gorgeous but along her crest it just spikes up all the way along. It's lovingly brushed with a body brush not a mane comb but it still won't grow along the top! I've tried gelling it down but that makes it look all crispy and horrid at the top, and somebody suggested a pair of tights instead of spending money on a lycra hood, but I tried that and they don't fit over her head! haha

Any tips you have let me know :)

Thanks,

Helene


This was last year, when she still had a bit of a belly!

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk158/loziasa/Tara%20and%20Co/P8140009.jpg

This was a few days ago, just had the last of her long winter hairs trimmed off!

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk158/loziasa/Tara%20and%20Co/DSC00063.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk158/loziasa/Tara%20and%20Co/tarabarn.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk158/loziasa/Tara%20and%20Co/taranew.jpg

[Pink's lady]

Getting her fit would probably be the biggest thing. She's not a bad weight (still a bit heavier than I like to see at this time of year) but she could do with some toning up and muscling. A well muscled stomach, neck and quarters really makes a huge difference in looks. You could acheive that by getting her fat (as so many showing people do) but proper muscling always looks better. And is much healthier.

Then it's all down to schooling. The most stunning looking horse in the world will do badly if it goes around like a donkey, with it's nose in the air. A slightly 'poorer' horse that's well schooled and does a nice show will always win over a 'quality' horse who doesn't. You can pamper her and having her looking squeeky clean and shiny but if she doesn't show herself well it'll all be pointless.

She's a nice looking horse so if she's well muscled and goes well she should do well showing. Luckily she doesn't have much white on her too;)

[horsy]

Just a random guess, are you talking about Rochdale RC show on the 11th May? If so I will be there! Will keep a look out for your gorgeous horse!

[a+e]

Sorry, dont have any tips for showing but just wanted to say what a gorgeous horse she is, really stunning.
How do you get her mane looking so nice and neat when its so long..wish i could with my mare:rolleyes:

[loziasa]

Yep it will be Rochdale! See you there horsey!!! :)

For her mane I swear by Robinsons own brand mane and tail conditioner!! its only £3.60 and it does just as good a job as the canter stuff! Worth getting if you ever order from there! Plus I brush it every day so it will try and stay flat haha :)

[Glider]

I agree with the advice so far, especially to get her more muscled. The main thing I would change would be to get her mane over to the off side (ie the other side) as this is much more correct and will make you look more professional. It might solve your "sticking up hair" syndrome too!

[loziasa]

thanks for the tip about her mane glider but it just will not go! it does actually grow that way so it makes it harder to start with! but i have tried everything to get it to change over, including plaiting it over, 'ironing it' with warm water and a body brush and a towel and all sorts but still it will not happen!

[Glider]

thanks for the tip about her mane glider but it just will not go! it does actually grow that way so it makes it harder to start with! but i have tried everything to get it to change over, including plaiting it over, 'ironing it' with warm water and a body brush and a towel and all sorts but still it will not happen!

Have you tried geling and plaiting it over and keeping a lycra hood on most of the time? (then after a few weeks you can take out the plaits and just keep the hood on) I've found that's the only way with some stubborn manes. Unfortunately it may affect your placings if it's on the wrong side.