One
question we hear is how to cut costs when producing ponies and horses
for competition. In today’s economic climate, this is an
understandable question but one thing we should all be aware of is
that in order to cut costs, one shouldn’t cut corners.
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| A sun burnt horse nose. Highlighting Products Should Always Contain UV Protection |
My
absolute ‘pet hate’ is to see people using Baby Oil to highlight
a horse’s features or coat. Baby Oil can potentially cause damage
to the skin as it is not designed for use as an animal highlighter -
it doesn’t contain any UV protection and could cause burning or
scarring. Animals are as susceptible to the sunshine as we are, so
this is a product that definitely should be avoided. Using
products designed to do the job means that you actually use less of
them – products should always be used sparingly – you achieve a
much better effect.
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| Feeding and exercise should not be underestimated |
The
importance of a good feeding regime cannot be underestimated and
this, along with regular exercise of different types, goes a long way
towards producing a healthy appearance. Exercise should be varied so
as to retain the interest of your horse or pony and keep them fresh
as well as build up stamina and muscle tone. Feeding and exercise
should be built in to the plan combined with plenty of grooming which
will stimulate the circulation as well as help strengthen the bond
between you and your horse or pony.
Only
with all of this pre-work will you then be able to skilfully use
products to enhance that healthy picture. Health and condition cannot
be created by use of products alone, nor by just feeding alone, all
of the elements must work together. The professionals have a plan for
each of their animals – as they all differ - and this incorporates
all of these elements to give a really rounded regime that can be
built upon.
When
it comes to using products remember the adage that ‘less is more’
– there is nothing worse, in my opinion, than seeing an animal in
the ring that is literally dripping with product – this is not what
the Judge is looking for and you may be marked down because of it.
Use the right products; practice with them; use them sparingly and
you will give yourself a much better chance of gaining that coveted
place in the line! One of the things that I always advise people when
using a products for the first time is apply it at home and then
stand back 10 or 15 feet and look at the picture – you might get a
very different impression on how the pony looks when you stand back
away from it – and this is where the Judge will be standing, so
consider how they will see it! You can always start off with a little
product; stand back and assess then add more if needed. Just taking a
few seconds to do this can pay dividends.
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| Supreme Products Core Products- view here |
With
Show Preparation products, start off with your ‘Core’ products –
use them sparingly and practice at home to achieve the best effect.
You can build on your collection of products a little at a time when
finances allow – aim to add a new product every month, for example,
rather than buying a dozen products outright. Whilst everyone wants a
basket of sparkling goodies, it is better to use good products
designed for the job and build on them when finances allow. It may
well be a lot cheaper in the long run to do it like this rather than
to run the risk of Vets bills because you are trying to economise by
using products formulated for other uses!
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If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us on info@supremeproducts.co.uk
Our office number is not just for people wanting to buy products – if you have a question or would like some advice on how best to use our products or what would be the best product to use in certain situations, then please call us on 01377 229050 – we will be happy to help where we can!
Best wishes,
Sarah
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