Success For Poppy at Area 5

Poppy Carter, from the Katy Carter Show Team, continued with the Supreme Products Team’s list of early season successes at the Area 5 show held at Arena UK.

Riding Robert and Sarah Walker’s four-year-old Mirabelle P on her debut outing, Poppy and the 12hh Show Hunter Pony were foot-perfect to take the honours in the RIHS Lead Rein Show Hunter Type class.

The pair then went on to take the Premier League Lead Rein Hunter Type section before rounding off the day by taking the Premier Championship, much to the delight of all connections and her sponsor’s Supreme Products.

Another pony from the Stoke on Trent yard, Chagford Leon, won the Open 128cm Show Pony class and then went on to be Reserve Champion with young Olivia Maltby on board.

Meet the Supreme Products Team- Katy Carter

Katy Carter produces a wide range of ponies from lead rein’s to intermediates, with great success, from her Stoke-on-Trent yard. Her daughter Poppy is well known in the show ring and is busy following in Katy’s footsteps.

Q&A with Katy Carter:

Where are you based?

Wetley Rocks, Stoke on Trent in Staffordshire

What led you to showing and ultimately to be a professional producer?

I started out at the local riding club competing in gymkhanas and progressed from there. My sister, Joanne, and I branched out to small BSPS shows when we got a little older. Joanne was the braver rider but gave up at 16 to work in a bank, however she has remained in showing and is a well respected judge.

I had a successful career in the 80’s riding some lovely ponies including Groundhills Amazing Grace who I rode for Mr Champion the owner and producer Alan Bullock who was also a great horseman. Alan’s family were like my second family in 1987. I had some great successes that year, I won and went show pony champion at HOYS. It was my dream come true, a day I will never forget.

Tell us about your family:

My partner Jason is a farrier and I have three children Harry 10, Poppy 8, and Harvey 1.

What type of animals do you produce and show?

I produce show ponies, mountain and moorlands, show hunter ponies and intermediates.

What is your biggest and/or proudest achievement to date?

My proudest would have to be leading my daughter Poppy at HOYS in 2008 to take the Supreme Pony title, and again in 2009 to take the Dick Saunders Supreme at the Royal International.

Do you have any show ring superstitions or show ring rituals?

I do have a mouse tin that has a little plastic mouse and a piece of cheese in (not real!) I had it at HOYS in 1987 and in my pocket when I won at Olympia. Poppy had it in her pocket at HOYS and RIHS.

If you were not involved with horses, what would you like to be?

I love fashion so I think it would be fun to work in, also I would love to run a family restaurant, however Jason, laughs at this because I am a terrible cook. He would have to be the chef and I would be the waitress.

What tip could you give to newcomers to showing?

Watch, learn and be critical of yourself, have an open mind and never stop listening to what people say.

Laying the Coat Tip: An essential part of our show preparation is using the Supreme Products Body Wraps and Lycra Mix Hoods. I always have total confidence that the coats will be laid and conditioned, that plaits will be protected and that ponies are pristine when stabled or travelling to shows when I use these garments.

The Supreme Products Mane and Tail Pulling Masterclass

A pulled mane and tail is essential in many equestrian disciplines to create a professional look. However it is not always an easy task to do and many horses can be sensitive.

Help in on hand from the team at Supreme Products who will provide you with top tips on how to pull a horse’s mane and tail successfully to create that professional look.

The Art of Mane and Tail Pulling

Preparation

Only pull your horse’s mane and tail after exercise to make it more comfortable for both of you. After exercise your horse will be warm and the pores should be open allowing the hair to fall out more easily and less painfully.A dirty mane and tail will allow you to have a better grip so do not bath your horse before pulling. If you do lose your grip at any time have Supreme Products Easy Plait on hand to spray onto the desired area to give you more grip.

Keep your horse occupied with a haynet, it is surprising how he will not mind as much with one.

Before pulling make sure you have combed through the mane and tail so that there are no knots which would make it painful for the horse. Lastly, pull little and often, if it is a big task and if you try to do it all at once it could leave your horse sore.

Mane

For horses that have their mane plaited a shortly pulled mane is a must in order to produce the perfect plaits. For ponies who compete regularly in Mountain and Moorland competitions a pulled mane can reduce some of the thickness and produce an even look, creating a natural overall picture.

1. Starting at the poll, comb a little of the mane to almost the bottom of the hair, with your other hand hold the longest hairs that sit below the comb.

2. Still holding onto the longest hairs back comb the rest of the mane to the crest and with a sharp tug pull out the remaining long hairs.

3. Always pull out the hairs from the underside of the mane as this is what helps it lay flat.

4. Brush out the mane and repeat until you have reached the desired length and thickness.

5. Continue this process down the mane until you have reached the desired effect.

6. If there are a few remaining un-level hairs, pluck them out using your fingers.

Tail

Many people forget about the tail but the majority of showing classes require a tail to be pulled. Not only will this smarten your horse’s appearance, but it can enhance the hindquarters as well as giving a more professional edge.

1. Starting at the top of the dock, comb a section of the hair out from the edge, grasp the longest hairs and back comb the rest. Pull out the long hairs sharply and quickly, and repeat to about half way down the dock.

2. To achieve the best result pull more hairs from the edge of the dock than from the centre, the dock should appear to be evenly covered with hair. You are aiming to shape the tail to be sleek and thin at the top before gradually widening to the thickness of the tail.

3. Some horses can be very sensitive when having their tails pulled, standing directly behind your horse when pulling is not advisable.

4. When being pulled it is not uncommon for the dock to become sore. If you find it hard to pull a tail or your horse will not stand still, Supreme Products offer a superb alternative - the Supreme Products Thinning Comb. This is fantastic for pulling tails humanely in to shape, it gives the appearance of a pulled tail and is a very popular choice for people who have horses who dislike having their tails pulled.

5. After pulling the tail always brush the top of the tail with a water brush and bandage it, this will encourage the tail to lie flat and look smart. The tail bandage should not be left on overnight.

6. When pulling the tail also check to see if the tail is the correct length - it may need trimming. To avoid cutting it too short put your arm under the dock to raise the tail into position it is when moving. With your left hand measure the tail to the horses chestnut or a couple of inches below the hocks, at this point cut the tail straight across.

Afterwards

To keep the mane in top condition after pulling, use Supreme Products Moisturise & Condition. This is a fantastic spray lotion that moisturises the skin and hair follicle, soothing any soreness or itchiness caused by pulling.

For manes that are regularly plaited, hooded and prone to dry skin Supreme Products Moisturise & Condition is essential in its upkeep, preventing the mane from becoming damaged or dry. This product can also help stimulate hair growth so is fantastic for use on damaged manes, tails or bald patches on the body.

To keep you horse’s tail looking smart and pristine, at the end of every grooming session thereafter, spray the tail with Supreme Products Detangle and Shine, a de luxe detangler which helps protect valuable tail hairs, leaving them silky, shiny and lustrous.

To enhance the appearance of manes and tails when in the show ring, Supreme Products Sparkle is the ‘ultimate’ preparation to produce lustre and shine and to create a glamorous effect – making you stand out from the crowd!

Supreme Team Triumphant at North of England Spring Show

THE SUPREME PRODUCTS™ show team were in all-conquering form at the North of England Spring Show, Osbaldeston.

The show started with a host of wins and championships for Robert Walker who was unstoppable on his team of established and up and coming horses.

The charismatic bay gelding Ballard Bouncer, owned by Jill Day, started the proceedings well by winning the Novice Lightweight Hunter, before going on to take the Novice Hunter Championship.

His winning ways didn’t stop there as Robert then went on to head the Open Lightweight Hunter class with the same horse, who eventually took the Open Hunter Championship with Robert’s wife, Sarah, on board.

Robert chose to ride his Open Heavyweight winner Manton in the championship and took the reserve spot behind Sarah.

In the Riding Horse classes the following day Robert took the honours in the Novice Riding Horse Class with Holtess D-Day before the Large Riding Horse, Tranquil Heights, won his class and then went on to take the Riding Horse Championship.

The Small Hack, Southills Hocus Pocus took the Reserve Championship for owner Lucy Smith-Crallan while the Maxi Cob, Super Sonic also took home a Reserve Championship award. The Stanley Grange Show Team were also in top form with Danielle Purves and Holtess Wise & Wonderful winning the Novice Hack class and taking Reserve Novice Champion.

In the pony classes Julie Bankier and Little Brown Sugar ran out the winners in 128cm Show Pony section. Poppy Carter from the Katy Carter Show Team continued with the Supreme Team’s winning ways. Poppy and the 12hh Show Hunter Pony, Woodend Matilda, first took the honours in their section before going on to become Champion Open Show Hunter Pony.

To add to their collection of ribbons, Poppy also headed the Heritage Mountain & Moorland First Ridden, with the four-year-old palomino, Shamrock Lake Shirley Temple, a win which took them through to the Mini Mountain & Moorland Championship which they duly won to round off a very successful day.

Ponies from Staffordshire-based Gill Thompson’s yard were also in great form. Mrs Hinchcliffe’s Roseberry Highland Fling and Charlotte Thompson won the Small Intermediate Show Riding Type before going on to finish Reserve Intermediate Champion.

While in the Show Hunter Pony section it was another triumph with young Daisy Cambray and Parkhill Renaldo capturing the exceeding 133cms not exceeding 148cms section. For Emmersons Show Team, North of England Spring Show continued their great start to the season.

Jo Prenderdest’s Chaseford Aloof and Ella Raynard headed up the Mini Show Pony Championship much to everyone’s delight.

Say’s Sarah Turnbull of Supreme Products “I’m thrilled at the run of results over the weekend, they all did brilliantly well. The horses and ponies looked absolutely immaculate and the team really did us proud.”

Supreme Products Rider, Hannah Esberger-Shepherd, is on a Roll!

Supreme Products sponsored dressage rider Hannah Esberger-Shepherd triumphed in two classes at Witham Villa in Leicestershire, continuing her fantastic run of results.

Riding Welkcom, Hannah took the winner’s slot in the Medium class and then with her top ride Rubin, she went on to secure second place in the Advanced/Medium before finishing the day off by winning the Prix St George, also on Rubin.

Said Hannah: “I was very pleased with their performances at Witham Villa. We have just entered Rubin for his first Premier League Dressage competition which we are very excited about.

“Welkcom’s qualificiation for the National Championships is going well and we are half way there and looking forward to a busy summer. The horses are all looking great and we are delighted with how they are developing.”

For further information call Supreme Products on 01377 229050 or visit their website

Supreme Products- New Soft Leather Soap

New for 2010 is Supreme Products Soft Leather Soap.

A new addition to the Supreme Products Horse Care Range, it is an easy to use soft leather soap which protects, softens and shines leather saddlery, clothing and furniture and all leather goods..

Use this effective soft leather soap on boots and all saddlery to moisturise and produce a gleaming shine. Apply sparingly then allow to sink in to the leather for a few moments before buffing off with a soft clean cloth to produce an excellent shine and conditioned leather.

Soft Leather Soap is available in 450g and costs £7.95.

Supreme Products Horse Care Range – essential products for everyday horse care.

For further information call Supreme Products on 01377 229050 or visit the Supreme Products website, also available at stockists nationwide.

Supreme Products Turnout Tips for the Show Ring

When you enter the show ring you want to catch the judge’s eye as soon as possible. Therefore, turnout is the essential element for creating a good first impression. Once you have the judge’s attention it will become easier to impress them with your horse’s paces and manners.

At Home

Trimming

First make sure your horse looks elegant by trimming out the ears, muzzle and bridle path. Also trim out the heels to remove any unnecessary leg hair.

Mountain and Moorland Ponies should be shown in their natural state, however you can do some trimming on the pony’s head to make it appear more defined.

If you want to trim the mane be careful to make sure it still looks natural, and the tail should be left neat and tidy, but again in a natural style.

Show horses should also have their tails pulled. If you are not comfortable with pulling tails, use a Supreme Products Thinning Comb. This is a humane and efficient bladed comb which thins tails and manes easily and quickly.

Bathing

Firstly wet your horse all over with lukewarm water. For that ultra clean and shiny look choose a shampoo specific to your horse or pony’s colour. These shampoos really help to enhance the colour of the coat.

Once you have the shampoo to hand you can either put some in a bucket of warm water or place it straight on to your sponge. Get a good lather on the coat and where possible leave the lather on the coat for a few minutes to work in. In stubborn areas you can apply the shampoo neat and leave for a few minutes before washing off.

Thoroughly rinse the shampoo off the coat and sweat scrape the worst of the water away. If you want to enhance your horse’s colour further use Supreme Blue Rinse as a finishing touch as this will add shine and enhance the depth of colour for all coats.

After washing the tail spray with Supreme Products Detangle & Shine to help gently brush through the tail when it is dry. You want to leave your horse or pony’s tail as thick and lustrous as possible so only brush through the tail when you really have to.

Plaiting

When it comes to plaiting you want to be able to stand back and be happy that the number of plaits suit the length of the neck.

Sewing in plaits always leaves a much smarter appearance and is the only way to plait for showing classes.

If you find plaits become loose before you sew them in you can always secure with a rubber band at the bottom of the plait and then start to roll the plait up.

There may be occasions when it is easier to plait up the evening before to save time and reduce stress on the day of the competition.

Using Supreme Products Easy Plait will help you achieve a good professional finish. Spray the section of the mane with Easy Plait and this will help you get a good grip and also hold the plaits in place, without being sticky or greasy.

Once you have plaited, fitting a Supreme Products Lycra Mix Hood will protect the plaits and help lay them and keep them pristine. A hood will also lay the coat, as well as adding condition and shine to the neck.

Plaits can be used to disguise problems with your horse’s neck. If your horse has a weak topline then plaits will need to be pushed up onto the crest to give him a better overall appearance. If he has a cresty neck then he will require small plaits set low down.

For a long neck you need fewer larger plaits, and more plaits for a short neck. Stitch in the plaits to keep them secure.

At The Show

Quarter Marks

All show horses can wear quarter marks apart from Mountain and Moorland ponies.

When applying quarter markers use Supreme Products De Luxe Coat Gloss to help provide the perfect canvas and leave a natural looking shine on the coat.

For Show Ponies and Hacks the traditional markings are an upside down V checked board with sharks teeth, for this you will need a small quarter marking comb.

Start on the left and gently comb down to create a small square, leave a space of an equal width and comb in another square. Continue until about 6 squares have been created.

Then comb directly under the blank squares on the row above. Each row should have one less square, this should create the V shape. Then repeat on the other side, making sure they are symmetrical.

Hunters markers are much simpler, they have two or three rectangles which are produced with a wide body brush with closely knitted bristles.

Once the desired marks have been created, it is now time to add the sharks teeth. With a body brush, brush in an upwards direction in one stroke, you should see that the hair is now laying in a different direction. Starting at the same point brush downwards in a diagonal movement.

The next step is to brush up and try and meet the last point down, repeat this exercise until three or four shark’s teeth have been created.

Finishing Touches

Once you have arrived at the show add the last minute finishing touches to your horse or pony before you enter the ring.

Painting feet is a must’. Supreme Products Hoof Paint is great at producing shiny hooves to give your horse that top class effect. It is a paint, not a varnish, so it allows the hooves to breathe whilst creating a shiny finish.

If your horse has any scars or blemishes, or you want to add extra definition around the eyes and muzzle add Supreme Products Make Up

Finish the look by applying Supreme Products Glistening Oil to add those final touches and enhance and highlight your horse’s best points.

Now head off to the arena with a smile on your face and plenty of confidence!

New Supreme Products Soft Shell Jacket

Look fabulous and keep warm and dry in the brand new Supreme Products jacket!

This snug, stylish and practical jacket features soft shell 3 layer bonded fabric with inner micro-fleece layer.

Available in Mens or Ladies fit, the Supreme Products Soft Shell Jacket is windproof, water resistant and breathable.

The jacket has a collar high full zip with an inner storm flap and a zip off interchangeable collar system to keep out the winter draughts. It has an inner phone pocket and a left sleeve zip pocket.

The jacket comes in ladies sizes: S/10 – XL/16 and Mens: M/41”, L/44” and XL/46”, in black and features the Supreme Products logo on the front and back in metallic gold lettering and priced at £49.95.

For further information call Supreme Products on 01377 229050 or visit the Supreme Products website.

Interview with Supreme Products Sponsored Show Rider, Robert Walker

A well-established British expert in the field of top quality products for the show ring, Supreme Products are proud of their Yorkshire roots.

Keen to support talent in the area Supreme Products are delighted to sponsor show rider Robert Walker.

Born and bred in Yorkshire, Robert is now based in Cheshire, and is a very well respected figure within the sport and extremely proud of his Yorkshire heritage and is known for his down to earth attitude and Yorkshire charm.

How long have you been riding?

RW: I was brought up around horses and my earliest memories are of my dad Tony running a breaking yard in East Yorkshire. I can’t remember exactly when I started riding, I was too young!

What was your first pony called?

RW: Roly was my first real fun pony.

Did you show ponies as a child?

RW: Yes I used to attend the local gymkhanas around East Yorkshire and then progressed to my local county shows.

What made you settle on a career in showing horses?

RW: I have always enjoyed producing young horses and watching them develop and improve, it is the most satisfying part of the job. It seemed only natural to take up showing.

What type of horses do you have on your yard?

RW: We have Show Hunters, Show Cobs, Riding Horses and Hacks.

Tell us about any really memorable horses?

RW: You would expect my most memorable horse to be a show horse, but it is in fact Fury, my fantastic hunter.

An ex Grade A show jumper, as a youngster Fury competed internationally but luckily for me he jacked it.I took him hunting and it completely rejuvenated his passion for life. I have never had a better hunt horse and have some fantastic days out hunting on him. I retired him this season aged 16.

Which showing classes do you enjoy the most and why?

RW: That’s a really hard question. I love showing every horse in their appropriate class so I don’t have a particular favourite, but because of my hunting background I must say I thoroughly enjoy the Show Hunter classes.

What has been your best showing moment?

RW: Winning the Hunter Championship at the Great Yorkshire Show for the first time on Cool Green Star, a fantastic bay middleweight.

What has been your worst showing moment?

RW: When I was 17 years old I had a very good Small Hunter called Double Coin, we qualified for the Royal International and we were pulled in top of the line initially, and then moved down to third in the final line up. No one knew why, the horse went perfectly and there was no explanation for the final placing.

In hindsight this was one of the best days in my career, although I was disappointed at the time, so many people thought I should have won and after that show people started to send me horses to produce.

What do you look for in your horses when you buy them?

RW: It is important that when buying a horse you look at the overall package and suitability. I do insist that any horse I buy has exceptionally good limbs.

Which is your favourite show?

RW: Definitely the Great Yorkshire Show! The atmosphere is unlike any other and I feel it brings me back to my Yorkshire roots.

Is there a showing goal that you are still to achieve?

RW: I have won every championship around the country, bar the Hunter Championship at Horse of the Year Show.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

RW: Hunting it is my favourite past time. I am a joint master of the Cheshire Hunt. I think my love of hunting means that I thoroughly enjoy the show hunter classes and prefer an old fashioned stamp of hunter.

What is your favourite food?

RW: A traditional beef roast dinner with Yorkshire Puddings!

What is your favourite TV programme?

RW: When I have time to sit and watch TV, I like to watch Sky Sports News.

Which rider has inspired you?

RW: Jockey, Tony McCoy

Which top horse do you most admire?

RW: Miners Frolic. Not only does this horse have oodles of ability but he oozes pure quality.

Do you have any favourite show ring products?

RW: Supreme Products has an amazing range of products that really help my team achieve a superior look when in the show ring. One of my particular favourites is Supreme Leg and Body Whitener, a real ‘must have’ product when trying to keep those legs white and bright!

NEW Supreme Products - ELECTROLYTES.

New for 2010 is the SUPREME PRODUCTS™ Electrolyte Syringe.

Supreme Products Electrolytes can be used to re-hydrate after strenuous exercise or in hot weather when body salts can be lost.
A great product to have in the tack room or tack box for use as a ‘pick me up’ when required.

ELECTROLYTES costs £4.95 for 30ml.

For further information call Supreme Products on 01377 229050 or visit the Supreme Products website . Also available at stockists nationwide.

The Supreme Products Guide to Fitting a Hood Correctly

Supreme Products are known for being the leaders in equine preparation products, and are also proud to be able to offer an elite range of garments from hoods to body wraps that can help you achieve your goal.

Whether you are looking to keep your horses coat fine and sleek, protect from rug rubs or trying to avoid clipping during the winter, Supreme Products has garments to help tackle all these issues.

Many horse owners turn to using hoods throughout the winter or to keep coats gleaming before shows but have you ever stopped to think whether you are using the hood correctly, ensuring optimum comfort for your horse and putting it on in the simplest way?

Here Supreme Products offer valuable advice on how to fit a Supreme Products Hood.

STEP 1

Gather the hood in to both hands; make sure you are holding all excess material. Begin by rolling the hood over the nose, up over the face and head. Users should find this easy, the finest Italian lycra mix has been used to make the hoods, creating a non restrictive and manoeuvrable garment easy for putting on a horse with its’ four way stretch.

STEP 2

To ensure optimum comfort align the ears and eyes into place straight away. Supreme Products have spent a great deal of time researching and developing a garment with the right size eye and ear holes. This means your horse and pony will remain comfortable, without risk of the material rubbing the eyes or restricting ear movement if fitted correctly.

STEP 3

Once over the head roll the hood down the rest of the neck, taking care to lay the mane flat and to the correct side of the horse. Supreme Products Hoods are great for taming unruly manes and are ideal for setting them on the correct side. If you plait, plait the night before and the Supreme Products hood will help keep the plaits laid and in pristine condition.

STEP 4

All Supreme Products Hoods fit over the rug on the horse. This is to ensure your horse has complete freedom of movement in the stable. When tucked under rugs some other hoods can restrict movement, and problems such as slipping hoods can occur – which is why Supreme Products design is to be fitted on top of the rug.

When securing the hood, start at the front end of the horse. A flexible loop forms part of the hood and this can be threaded through the breast strap of your rug. Two further loops are provided at either side of the horse and have been designed so that a surcingle can hold them in place.

STEP 5

The Supreme Products Hood correctly fitted and in place.

How do I Know if my Hood Fits?

All Supreme Products Hoods have been sized in the easiest way for you to ensure a correct match with your horse. Sized in hands from Mini to 17.2hh the Supreme Product Hoods should be close fitting, but not tight and should provide freedom of movement. These hoods and garments have been proven to enhance the quality of the horse’s coat.

Sizing is based on Riding Pony or Horse type, so if you have a native or heavier ‘type’ then it is necessary to increase the hood or garment to the next hand size.

The best way to tell if your hood fits the horse correctly is by placing the horse’s head in an upright position. Whilst in this position the hood should show ripples down over the neck:

This excess material means that your horse has plenty of stretch and movement,
making it comfortable and free to move in.

If the hood is tight to the skin or the stitching is taught – then the hood does not fit correctly, and your horse will not benefit from everything the Supreme Products Hood has to offer.

Supreme Products has a wide range of hoods available in large selection of colours and materials. Sizes from Mini and Foal to 17.2hh. RRP £30 - £50.

For further information contact Supreme Products on 01377 217150 or visit
www.supremeproducts.co.uk.

NEW Supreme Products™ – Show Shampoo and Conditioner

New for 2010 is Supreme Products Show Shampoo and Conditioner which is a shampoo and conditioner for all coat colours and textures to restore lustre and shine and produce a show ring finish.

This almond and coconut shampoo contains conditioners to help restore damaged or dry coats, manes and tails. This shampoo will help to produce a brilliant finish to all coat colours.

Available in 500ml, 1 litre and 5 litre bottles priced at £9.95, £16.50 and £57.50 respectively.

For further information call Supreme Products on 01377 229050 or visit the Supreme Products website, also available at stockists nationwide.

Supreme Products Sponsored Rider, Hannah Esberger-Shepherd, on Winning Form

Supreme Products sponsored dressage rider Hannah Esberger-Shepherd hit top form recently winning all four classes she competed in at Vale View in Leicestershire.

Hannah was delighted with her two rides Vanita and Rubin who were both showing great style.

Hannah said: 'It was just one of those days when everything went to plan. Four classes and four wins, we were all over the moon.

'Vanita won both Mediums with 72% and 69% and Rubin won his first PSG with 69% and also took the Advanced Medium class with 70%. It certainly made an early start worth all the effort.'

Hannah has also qualified Rubin and Beluga for the Summer Regional Finals after good performaces at Weston Lawns in Warwickshire. The team now head for the Winter Championships at Hartpury this week.

The New Supreme Products Grooming Apron

The Supreme Products Grooming Apron is the perfect accessory to any grooming kit and ensures that you will keep your essentials close to hand.

The smart half apron has three deep pockets and comes in one size, in black and features the Supreme Products logo on the front in metallic gold lettering.

The grooming apron is priced at £12.75.

For further information call Supreme Products on 01377 229050 or visit the Supreme Products website.

Caring for the Dressage Horse

In this blog post, Supreme Products sponsored rider Hannah Esberger-Shepherd provides advice on the daily care for a dressage horse.

It was Hannah’s ride on Felicity Scott’s dressage pony Mornington Crescent that encouraged her love of the sport. After finishing seventh at the Pony European’s, Hannah quickly progressed through the ranks representing Britain in further Junior, Young Rider and Senior competitions.

Hannah has between 10 and 15 horses on her yard at any one time so good management is vital to make sure all the horses are given the standard of care they need to compete at the top level.

General Care of The Dressage Horse

Looking after a dressage horse requires care, attention and dedication. To make sure he looks and feels at his best, good daily care is paramount to your chances of success in the arena.

Daily Routine

I think it is important to have a daily routine for you and your horse. At my yard having a routine means that the grooms and I are always organised and work well together as we always know what is going on. This means nothing gets missed and everything is done thoroughly. I think routine for horses is also important, it allows a horse to have time to switch off, helping him stay relaxed.

I normally get up with my daughter Molly, this could be anytime but it is always early. I start riding my first horse at 8am and will carry on riding until 2pm. I will then have lunch before teaching for the afternoon. However if I am competing or doing clinics this routine varies. Fortunately when I am away the girls back at the yard keep everything running like clockwork.

Feeding

When it comes to feeding I think keeping it simple is the best method. I like my feed to be as close to natural as possible, therefore I find that Dengie Feeds are the best for this. I feed Alfa A or Alfa Oil in good quantity mixed with a course mix or Oats for horses that need an extra bit of energy. I find this means my horses take longer to eat aiding their digestion.

For extra help with condition I use Dengie Balancer, and Omega Gold Oil to make
their coats shine and give my horses a bit of extra energy. I feed hay in small quantities throughout the day so they are not left for a long time without eating.

Mucking Out

To make our life easier we have a horse walker on the yard which the horses all go on whilst their stables are being cleaned out. It is brilliant at getting the horses loosened up before exercise and sometimes after exercise as a cool down.

All of my stables are rubber matted which I think helps my horses legs, preventing minor stable injuries and knocks. We muck out early in the morning because I don’t like to see a horse standing in a dirty stable during the day and bed up with wood shavings. After the horses have been mucked out we regularly check the stables for droppings and skip out when necessary throughout the day.

Grooming

In the morning all my horses are flicked over with a brush before they head out for exercise or are booted up to go in the field or on the walker.

In the afternoon each horse is groomed thoroughly after their day’s work has been done. We use Oster Brushes that we are very fortunate to get from my sponsor Supreme Products. The brushes are brilliant especially for removing mud and sweat marks, and the range of soft brushes are ideal for the more sensitive areas.

Supreme Products Detangle & Shine is a life-saver when it comes to grooming through tails. It keeps them in great condition and makes it really quick and easy to remove shavings from the tails. On a weekly basis, to make sure that the manes and tails are in good condition all year round, I use Supreme Products Moisturise and Condition, which is a fabulous dressing that keeps the mane and tail moisturised, suplle and lustrous.

I am obsessed about the horse’s feet so all my horses have their feet picked out and oiled inside and out to try to keep them in tip top condition. If anything should go wrong I am a big fan of the Supreme Products Horse Care Range especially Supreme Products Foot Care Spray which is brilliant at getting rid of thrush and preventing foot infections.

If my horses are going to a show they get the full works to make sure they are looking good and standing out. Firstly I bath all my horses in Supreme Products Shampoos. Any chestnut horses are bathed in Supreme Products Chestnut Shampoo and the rest are bathed in Supreme Products High Shine Shampoo, both give outstanding results and help make sure my horses have a lovely lustre and shine to their coats. They are normally plaited up the night before using Supreme Products Easy Plait which helps the plaits to stay neat and tidy over night and covered with a Supreme Products Lycra Hood for extra protection, laying the plaits and keeping them pristine.

I must say that my horse’s coats have been brilliant in recent months and have really shone when they have been in the arena, I have really been able to see the difference in their condition since working with Supreme Products.

Exercise

All my horses are schooled four times a week to keep them thinking about the job in hand and to help them gain the necessary tools they need to improve. I will lunge each horse once or twice a week to add variety into their workload or do some pole work to keep the horse interested.

I wish I could incorporate more hacking into my horses work schedules to keep them happy and relaxed but unfortunately the road I live on is very busy so if we want to go hacking we have to box the horses up and take them to Osberton, which is a fabulous wooded parkland where the horse trials is held. However, this is a luxury for me and can only be done when the yard is not too busy.

When riding young horses I use exercise boots on their legs as I find they give better protection from knocks. Young horses have a tendency to become unbalanced when they are learning therefore I like to take extra precautions. However for older horses I like to use bandages on their hind legs as this gives them more support.

When I am not riding my horses I like to make sure they are able to switch off from their work and enjoy themselves, therefore they are all regularly turned out in the field.

Physiotherapy

I strongly believe physiotherapy plays an important role in making sure my horses are prepared from the challenges in front of them. You just have to have physiotherapy yourself to be able to feel the difference, therefore it must be the same for horses.

Every five to six weeks the physio visits my horses to give them treatment. Maxine, the physio, is brilliant. She knows when ‘things’ are not right and that gives me the knowledge to adjust that particular horses training to prevent injury or strain.
In between visit I use a massage rug before and after exercise. The results are amazing - I can feel it when a horse has had his rug on, they are much more loose and submissive as a result of using the rugs.

For more information please contact Supreme Products on 01377 229050 or visit www.supremeproducts.co.uk