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Tuesday, 30 March 2010

Supreme Products- New Tail Bag


New for 2010 is the Supreme Products Tail Bag.

Waterproof, lightweight and roomy, the Supreme Products Tail Bag will protect the tail from stains in the field, stable, travelling and give protection against wind, rain and sun damage.

The tail bag is fantastic for use for shows and when travelling. Place the clean, try tail in to the bag and secure the ties at the bottom of the dock then bandage up the tail over the ties to keep securely in place.

Great for Natives and all animals with a lot of tail to preserve and keep clean.

Available in sizes 20” and 24”, the Tail Bag costs £12.50 and £14.50 respectively.

Supreme Products Hoods & Garments – for a superior fit and finish

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

The Use of Equestrian Garments for Show Ring Success

One of the key elements to keeping a coat looking in great condition throughout the year is good rugging. A horse must be kept warm throughout the winter to encourage the growth of a fine summer coat. The use of garments also enhances the quality of the coat so you can wow the judges this summer.

Body Wrap and Hoods

A Supreme Products Body Wrap should be your first choice when it comes to choosing your horse’s under rug. This garment is truly fantastic at keeping coats in tip top condition. With a belly flap and leg straps, the body wrap does not move and provides a great rugging accessory for your horse.

In the cold winter months, the Body Wrap can be compared to a second skin providing that all important layer to keep your horse or pony warm and encourage the summer coat to grow. During the warm summer months the body wrap is ideal when it comes to maintaining the perfect coat without creating discomfort which stems from over-rugging during warm nights.

For early starts the Body Wrap is the ultimate garment in competition preparation. Not only does the Body Wrap keep your horse’s coat sleek and shiny, it also helps to keep them clean and protects plaits created the day before.

A close relative of the Body Wrap is the Supreme Products Rug Wrap. Available in both Lycra Mix or Fleece, this garment covers the rug area and secures under the belly. It will protect the coat, chest, withers and shoulder area from rug rubs and will lay the coat keeping it in pristine condition.

Supreme Products Hoods are also great when it comes to preparing for a show. Hoods must be fastened correctly to stop the hood from riding upwards causing problems for your horse or pony and messing up your plaits. Hoods with an Anti Rub vest built in must be attached around the horse’s girth area. For those looking for something a bit different Supreme Products has a range of Fleece Hood designs to choose from.

Anti Rub Vests

Anti Rub Vests are brilliant at keeping a coat looking good. Rug rubs occur when there is friction between the tough fabrics of a rug and soft, bare skin. The results of rug rubs not only leaves a horse uncomfortable but with bald patches, especially on the shoulders. To reduce the chances of this happening, a Supreme Products Anti-Rub Vest will act as a barrier between the skin and the rug. By securely fastening the vest under the stomach the vest should not move providing great protection.

For those needing extra protection the Supreme Products Anti Rub Padded Bib is excellent. Three moveable layers between the horse and the rug help prevent friction and rubbing. The Bib is satin lined so moves over the coat, preventing rubs, as well as smoothing the coat and leaving it lustrous, laid and shiny.

Neck Sweat

The Supreme Products Neck Sweat is a garment that can really help show horses or ponies that have large cresty necks. The Neck Sweat has been designed to reduce hard or neck fats by keeping the heat in and breaking down the fatty cells.

This garment can really help with the overall impression your horse makes on the judge. Some horses have larger necks with more top line than other and there may be occasions when you need help reducing this.

Tail Cover

When travelling to competitions, horses have a tendency to get excited. Covering your horse’s tail is a simple and easy way of keeping it clean, especially if you have a grey or coloured with a white tail.

When using a tail cover make sure your horse is comfortable, you do not want to arrive at the show to find your horse in discomfort, clamping down his tail and resulting in a poor performance. However you do not want to put the tail cover on too loosely as it will slip down the tail defeating the object of using a cover so you need to find the balance. Supreme Products now have a couple of options available – a Tail Cover which is fleece lined and can attach to the rug and covers the length of the tail or, new for 2010 is the Waterproof Tail Bag which covers and protects the lower half of the tail.

Travelling Bandages and Pads

When travelling it is important to protect your horse’s legs from any knocks or bumps that might occur. You do not want to turn up at a show to find your horse has cut himself or has a swollen leg and is unable to compete. Using travel boots when in transit will also help keep your horses legs clean, giving you more time to work in and less stress when you arrive at the show.
Stable bandages and boots are also recommended for horses that are prone to knocking themselves or if a horse is put into an unfamiliar stable. Another reason for using stable bandages is for support especially with older horses. Before or after a busy day of showing bandaging your horse’s legs can help keep them clean and blemish free.

At The Show

Rain Sheet


When caught in a rain storm keep your horse dry so he stays looking at his best. The Supreme Products Fleece Lined Rain Sheet is a real necessity, allowing you to be prepared for the worst weather conditions.

An important feature - all rain sheets should have is plenty of fastenings. With rain normally comes wind, therefore if you are putting a rain sheet on your horse or pony make sure you fasten it securely. You do not want the wind getting underneath the rug and lifting it up as this could be a potential hazard for the horse and anyone in the vicinity.

In bad weather a Supreme Products Lined Rain Sheet can really help with your turnout. Not only will it keep your horse or pony’s coat looking good but will also keep them warm.

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

Sunday, 28 March 2010

New Supreme Products DeFUSE Syringe


Does your horse or pony suffer from stage fright? Calm those nerves with DeFUSE, from Supreme Products.

DeFUSE is now available in a syringe, making administration even easier.

DeFUSE is a vitamin based supplement which helps calm nervous animals. No build up is normally needed and once the level for your particular horse or pony is established - and this is the principle factor and variable - you can feed DeFUSE when you feel that it is required.

DeFUSE can be given in the feed, or using a syringe. The product contains no prohibited substances – it is a vitamin, Amino Acid and Magnesium based supplement – all components needed by the metabolism to counteract stress and hypertension.

DeFUSE is unique to Supreme Products and is available in 4 sizes - Pre filled Syringe £8.50; 500ml £24.50; 1 Litre £39.50 and 5 Litre £180.00

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

Saturday, 27 March 2010

The Supreme Products Guide to Producing a Champion

Most of the preparation for a show horse should be done at home. Giving your horse a quick bath and brush the day before a show will not have him looking in tip top condition. A show horse requires care and attention to keep him looking at his best throughout the season.

Feeding

Finding the correct feed for your horse is essential for making sure your horse looks and performs well. Regular small feeds are essential to a horses wellbeing. If your horse’s coat looks dull, add a splash of soya oil to his feed and he will soon have a shine back on his coat.

Rugging

Rugging your horse will help keep his summer coat looking good and discourage him from growing a winter one. Make sure he is warm - but not too hot otherwise he will be uncomfortable - at all times to help maintain a great coat.

In the summer it can become quite warm so you do not want to over-rug your horse. A Supreme Products Lycra Body Wrap is perfect for keeping your horse cool and comfortable whilst keeping the coat in tip top condition by preventing rug rubs. Add a lightweight rug over the top if necessary on colder periods.

Grooming

Daily grooming is essential to keep him looking good. By thoroughly grooming your horse you will help stimulate oil production and blood circulation, and will remove any dead skin cells and coat to give your horse a healthy glow. After grooming spray with Supreme Products De Luxe Coat Gloss to leave a natural looking shine to your horse’s coat

Trim any stray hairs on your horses head for example the ears, whiskers, jaw line and bridle path with mini clippers. Also make sure all heels are trimmed to create an elegant look.

Pay attention to the length of the mane and tail. If you will be regularly plaiting the mane, make sure it is pulled to a length that is manageable and will enable you to create neat plaits. In the show ring a nicely pulled tail looks elegant, however if you are not comfortable with pulling your horses tail the Supreme Products Thinning Comb is perfect for thinning manes and tails quickly and humanely.

Riding

At the start of the year make sure you get your show animals as fit as possible to be able to cope with the long days at shows. Spend a lot of time hacking out and building up the ponies and horses with more intense schooling. Good schooling work is important for the right build up of muscles to make them look more defined.

Throughout the season it is a case of ticking your horse over in between shows. It's a good idea to spend more time hacking the ponies and horses out and turning them out in the field in an attempt to keep their fitness and interest in showing.

Turnout

Turn out as much as possible. Ideally, aim for them to each get a few hours every day. Time in the field is very beneficial for horses and ponies, they get to relax and unwind which should stop them from becoming stale half way through the season.

During the season the ponies should be fit enough so concentrate on keeping them happy and sweet. After a show, give them a couple of days in the field, coming in at night for a feed and to be checked over.

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

Thursday, 25 March 2010

New and Improved Supreme Products Stain Remover Shampoo

So, you liked the grey or coloured horse when you went to buy him but didn’t really think about the work involved when it came to keeping him clean!

Don’t despair.

Help is on hand thanks to new and improved Stain Remover Shampoo from Supreme Products.

We’ve all been there, scrubbing away at stable stains that simply won’t go away but
Supreme Products Stain Remover Shampoo provides the answer.

Following in depth research and development using the latest technology Supreme Products has developed a new formula ideal for older, established stain removal.
It is also great for shifting yellow stains from white tails.

Supreme Products Stain Remover Shampoo- priced from £9.50 500ml.

For further information contact Supreme Products on 01377 217150 or visit the Supreme Products website.

Wednesday, 24 March 2010

The Secret to Producing Perfect Quarter Marks & Sharks Teeth Every Time

To those new to the show ring, applying quarter marks can seem like a complex and difficult procedure. However, practice is all that is needed to perfect them. If you get them right, they can enhance the hindquarters and can be that final touch to a polished, professional looking picture.

Show Hack and Show Pony Quarter Marks

Firstly you will need the following equipment.

Quarter Mark Comb

• A wide body brush with closely knitted bristles

• A bucket of water

Supreme Products Professional Collection De Luxe Coat Gloss

Supreme Products Sparkle

Step 1

Take a body brush and submerge in a bucket of water and shake off the excess. Start at the top of the your horse quarters and brush the hair straight from left to right, working your way down to just above your horse’s thigh.

After the quarters have dried, spray Supreme Products De Luxe Coat Gloss generously on to the coat. This De Luxe Coat Gloss creates a blank canvas for you to work with and will also help keep the finished markings in place all day.

Step 2

For Show Ponies and Hack the traditional markings are an upside down V checker- board pattern. To create this effect you will need a quarter marking comb.

Start on the left hand side at the top of your horses quarters and gently comb down to create an even small square around 1 inch in size, then leave a gap of an inch and comb down again.

Show Hunter Quarter Marks

Show Hunter Quarter Marks are much simpler to apply than show pony ones.

Step 1

Prepare the hind quarters as you do for the show ponies by using a damp brush and Supreme Products De luxe Coat Gloss.

Step 2

Place the main comb or brush on the rump and comb down vertically to create a rectangle.

Leave a gap about two inches and then repeat. You should be left with two or three rectangles, which should produce a simple look.

It is important to remember that these are show hunters so create something that is bold yet still ‘showy’.

Sometimes to put even more emphasis on the hind quarters create a V-shape instead of rectangular blocks running down the quarters. To create this, take a body brush from the hip and brush into the centre, then take the brush and start from the top of the tail and brush to the centre.

You can jazz show hunter quarter marks up a bit by using a small quarter mark comb and comb horizontally in the rectangle you have just created one or two small squares.

Sharks Teeth for all Show Horses and Ponies

Now the quarter marks have been completed, it is time to add the sharks teeth underneath.

Standing at the side or wherever you find it most comfortable to see - with a damp body brush, brush in an upwards direction in one stroke in an arch shape. You should be able to see this clearly as the hair will now be laying in a different direction. Then 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 until you have three or four shark’s teeth down, depending on the size of the quarters.
To add a professional finishing touch, take a brush and starting at the dock brush down in a gentle arc down the quarter to create a more refined look.

Use Supreme Products Sparkle to add the finishing touches to the quarter marks and sharks teeth, enhancing the overall appearance of the quarters even more.

Tuesday, 23 March 2010

The Ultimate Supreme Products Fans Photo Competition!

Supreme Products is now running ‘The Ultimate Supreme Products Fans Photo Competition.’ This contest is fun, quick and easy to enter. All you need to do is email a photo of yourself or your friends, family etc with a Supreme Products carrier bag or brochure. At the end of each month, a lucky winner will walk away with £20 worth of Supreme Products Gift Vouchers to spend on items of their choice.

In December 2010, we will select an overall winner who will receive a hamper bursting at the seams with Supreme Products goodies. Remember, to catch the judge’s eye you will need to make your shots creative, take the bags or brochure on holiday, make them funny- think of something different or interesting that will make your entry stand out!

We do ask that you adhere to the following guidelines, to give you the best chance of winning a prize and to keep things fun and enjoyable for everyone.

• Photos must include a Supreme Products brochure or carrier bag. Carrier bags can be obtained when purchasing products or garments on the Supreme Products Trade stand throughout the season; brochures can be requested via this link.

• The funnier the better and those taken ‘on location’ (holiday!) will be sure to impress!

• Be clean – please! The judges reserve the right to refuse any pictures that are deemed inappropriate or offensive.

• Be creative

• Maximum file size is 2MB

• Multiple entries are allowed however please do not exceed the 2MB file size per email

• The competition will run monthly and a winner will be chosen on the last day of the month.

• Pictures will be posted on our Facebook Fan Page and in our Website Gallery.

• By entering this competition and submitting images, you give Supreme Products Ltd permission to use them for marketing and publicity purposes.

• Images must be emailed to sarah@supremeproducts.co.uk . Only images sent to this address will be used. Please do not send hard copies as they will not be used and we are unable to return images.

New and Improved Supreme Products Spray & Shine


Supreme Products are delighted to launch the new formula Spray & Shine, the quintessential coat dressing which is used to add an outstanding gleam to the coat.

A world class product used to enhance the final picture, Spray & Shine is used after the coat has been sealed by Supreme Products De Luxe Coat Gloss, and for best results should be applied with a cloth or soft brush.

After using Spray & Shine, the horse will be left gleaming and radiant, with the added shine particularly noticeable under artificial lights and sunny days, ideal for those competing at Horse of the Year Show and at Winter Championships.

Not just an additional coat dressing Supreme Products Spray & Shine can help enhance certain points and promote the true colour of the coat.

If you are looking to create the X-factor and stand out above the competition, Supreme Products Spray & Shine will definitely help you achieve your goal.

Supreme Products Spray & Shine forms part of the Professional Collection, which provides riders and grooms with a product for every stage of show and arena preparation, from the day before to the finishing touches just before entering the ring.

Supreme Products Professional Collection – The Choice of Champions.

Spray & Shine is available in a 500ml size priced at £16

For further information call Supreme Products on 01377 217150 or visit the Supreme Products website.

Monday, 22 March 2010

Learn How to Sew Perfect Plaits with Supreme Products

Whether showing, dressage, eventing, show jumping or hunting is your first love, creating smart plaits will give you an element of professionalism. To make sure your horse or pony looks smart when he has an outing, make sure you follow our top plaiting tips.

1. A few days before the big event pull your horses mane to a length so that it is long enough to plait but still easy to handle.

2. Assess the type of neck your horse has and the desired look you want. 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 you should opt for small plaits set low down. For a long neck you need fewer larger plaits, and more plaits for a short neck.

3. As you prepare to plait you will need the following equipment:-

• Metal mane comb
Plaiting needles
Plaiting thread
• Rubber bands
Supreme Products Easy Plait
Supreme Products Highlighter Gel

4. Spray Supreme Products Easy Plait before you begin to plait, this helps you to hold the mane firmly with extra grip, and helps tie in stray hairs. Easy Plait can be sprayed on to a wet or dry mane and will help you get a good ‘grip’ and will hold plaits in place when finished.

5. With a metal mane comb divide the mane into equal bunches bearing in mind the amount and size of the plaits you desire, securing them with elastic bands.

6. Start at the top of the mane, plait down the section of the mane as tightly as possible to create finer and tidier plaits and secure with an elastic band. If you lose your grip on the mane spray more Supreme Products Easy Plait and you will soon be back on track.

7. Once the plait has been secured, roll - not fold - the plait to the top of the neck and push the needle through from the underside to the top, making sure you guide the needle through the middle of the plait. Once the needle has gone through the plait once, repeat until you have a secure plait. I use quite a lot of thread to help hide the stray hairs, but make sure the thread is discreet. Once the plait is perfectly round with no stray hairs, cut the thread.

8. Work your way down the neck and leave the forelock until last.

9. Depending on how good you are at plaiting, French braiding the forelock adds a truly professional look but can take some time to master.

10. Once happy with your plaits smooth down any loose ends and stray hairs with Supreme Products Highlighter Gel. This is great for adding extra definition to the plaits as well as producing a glistening finish when used on the eyes, muzzle, ears and dock - a truly versatile finish.

11. Whether plaiting up on the eve of the event or on the actual day it is advisable to keep your plaits covered and protected with a high quality garment that is comfortable for your horse and durable for your plaits.

The Supreme Products range of Lycra Mix Hoods ensure your plaits stay pristine and laid. They have large eye and ear holes that fit over your horse’s face and neck keeping plaits intact, clean and smart. Make sure that you fit the hood over the top of the rug to ensure freedom of movement during travelling and overnight. The hood will add condition and shine to the coat and lay the plaits too.

12. After the event, in order to promote and protect your horse’s mane, remove the plaits immediately using an unpicker or unpicking scissors. Unpickers are ideal for removing plaiting thread from plaits, and there is less likely to be mane loss using them compared to using scissors. Once the plaits have been removed apply Supreme Products Moisturise and Condition to repair any damaged hair or rubbed skin, keeping your horse in perfect condition and ready for the next show.

Sunday, 21 March 2010

Introducing......The Supreme Products Plaiting Apron


The Supreme Products Plaiting Apron is great for plaiting and grooming and comes with a double pocket for brushes and thread, a small pocket for scissors and combs and a ‘needle cushion’ for the threaded needle.

The smart full apron comes in one size, in black and features the Supreme Products logo on the front in metallic gold lettering.

Look the part and keep clean and tidy with this stylish and smart apron.

The Plaiting Apron is priced at £19.50.

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

Friday, 19 March 2010

Supreme Products Guide to Bathing and Trimming: Part Three


After all that bathing and scrubbing, you will be looking at a pony that is almost ready for that first show of the season. The next step is to create an attractive, elegant and streamlined appearance by trimming excess hair. Removing straggly hairs and whiskers will quickly improve and perfect the appearance of your horse or pony.

For hunters, riding horses, hacks, show hunter ponies and show ponies consider trimming out the ears, whiskers, jaws, bridle path and heels.

Small silent clippers, such as the Lister Pico Trimmer or Wahl Pocket Pro Trimmer, are perfect for working around the face, by removing excess hair you are defining the features, creating a more elegant and quality look.

Also, make sure that the legs look tidy using scissors and a comb, however not to the extent that the legs are exposed to the elements - to avoid problems such as cracked heels and mud fever.

A scissor and comb neatly tidies up the leg whilst still leaving the hair long enough to cover any scars that may be there which would look undesirable to the judge.

If you are intending to show your horse in cob classes you will need to hog the mane. For Mountain and Moorland ponies you should refer to the designated breed book before trimming your pony. Some breeds allow a certain amount of trimming but they should be shown in their natural state, so any improvements to your ponies appearance must be subtle.

For more information, visit the Supreme Products website.

Thursday, 18 March 2010

The Supreme Products Guide to Bathing and Trimming: Part Two


At first glance, it would appear that all horse shampoos are the same. However, there are important differences between each type. Choosing the right one, depending on the colour of your horse among many other things, can make bathing a whole lot easier and the end result much more spectacular!

The Horse That Attracts Dirt

We all know how frustrating it can be to spend hours scrubbing at a horrible yellow stable stain or mud patch. Fortunately, things don't have to be as labour intensive anymore, thanks to Supreme Products Stain Remover Shampoo.

Designed specifically for targeting affected areas, this shampoo needs to be worked into the skin and is perfect for use on older or more established stains on the body, legs and even yellow stains in the tail.

If you feel your horse is really dirty turn to Supreme Products Stain Remover Spray, developed to dissolve and lift vegetable based stains quickly from the coat, legs and hocks.

Ideal for use as a precursor to bathing or even on the morning of a show, Supreme Products Stain Remover Spray is an essential emergency piece of kit.

Black and Brown Coats

It is important when looking at shampoos that you choose one that will bring out the true bloom, as well as adding lustre and shine.

Bay and Brown coats can often look dull, which is partially due to the scurf and dirt that is most visible in this colour of coat.

Supreme Products High Shine Shampoo has been designed specifically for challenging the build-up of coat preparations which have built up throughout the show season. This is a valuable shampoo in the early season and is brilliant after clipping. High Shine Shampoo is highly effective in removing grease, dirt and scurf and leaving the coat silky and shiny.

Whilst great for Bay and Browns this shampoo also adds shine and lustre to all coat colours, making it extremely versatile.

Chestnut and Bright Bay Coats

With a specialist colour enhancing formulation, Supreme Products Chestnut Shampoo is highly concentrated with added conditioners to increase depth of colour, promote chestnut tones and eliminate fading.

Supreme Products Chestnut Shampoo produces a beautiful and highly lustrous finish to your horse’s coat, making him look and feel like a true champion. This shampoo can be particularly beneficial in restoring colour to faded coats during the summer months.

Palomino and Dun Coats

Supreme Products Palomino Shampoo contains natural brighteners and honey conditioner specifically formulated for use on palomino, golden dun and light coloured show coats. It helps enhance their natural colour and produces a brilliant show ring finish.

Palomino and Dun horses are a minority colour group therefore they do stand out in the ring. This product will make your horse look extra special in the ring and can bring an extra shine to a coat that very rarely glistens and gleams.

Brighter Whites

For those of you who have grey, white or coloured horses, you will be inundated with whitening products and shampoos, so how do you know which one to choose?

Tried and tested by many showing professionals Supreme Products Blue Shampoo adds a bright and white finish to show ring turnout. This shampoo, containing optical brighteners for light coats, is sure to make white and grey horses stand out from the crowd. It is also really effective and useful on coloured coats – for brightening and whitening the light coat and for adding depth of colour and shine to the darker coat.

For extra definition and whitening, Supreme Products Leg and Body Whitener can also be used to whiten the body, mane and tail, and is perfect for covering stable stains and unsightly marks. The powder can be mixed with water to create a paste and then applied to the legs to create the whitest and brightest socks in the show ring, socks that really dazzle!

Damaged or Dry Coats

New to the Supreme Products Professional Collection is Supreme Products Show Shampoo and Conditioner which is suitable for use on all coat colours and textures to restore lustre and shine. 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 show ring finish to all coat colours.

The Secret Weapon!

When you feel you really want to get ahead in the turnout stakes and want to pull out all the stops, why not go for something a little extra?

Bearing in mind a little goes a long way Supreme Products Blue Rinse has been described as ‘magic’ in a pot and can be added to the final rinse to accentuate and add definition to grey’s and all coat colour’s.

Wednesday, 17 March 2010

The Supreme Products Guide to Bathing and Trimming: Part One

The spring shows are coming up fast and it's time to start transforming that muddy field monster into a shiny show ring superstar. Along with correct feeding, grooming and exercise, bathing and trimming will take you one step closer to show ring success. Over the following few days, we will be posting bathing and trimming tips which will soon have you standing at the top of the line!

Top Tips for Bathing

Before bathing your horse, make sure the hooves are clean and free from mud. Many people make the mistake of washing the legs and hooves and dragging the dirty sponge across the horse's coat.

If your horse's coat is particularly dull, have a look at what you are feeding him- a good diet normally enhances the bloom of the coat. Many show ring champions rely on a well thought out feeding programme, as well as a specific bathing routine and certain must-have products.

Before your first show of the season, make sure you have bathed your horse a couple of times so that all the dirt and grease is lifted to the top of the coat. Thorough brushing of the hair where the stains are before washing also helps to lift the dirt.

Ensure your horse is thoroughly soaked before adding the shampoo and try using a water brush or Supreme Products Slika Grooming Rake, not just a sponge to ensure you get to the roots of the coat hairs.

This not only reaches deep down into the coat but also acts as a massage to your horse. When shampooing, lather up and use all over the coat, leaving the shampoo on the coat, where possible, for a couple of minutes to sink and start to work.

The key to successful bathing is good and thorough rinsing, shampoo that has been left in the coat can dry white and ‘scurfy’.

After bathing your horse remove all the excess water with a sweat scraper and spray all over with Supreme Products De Luxe Coat Gloss, this not only creates a shine to the coat but also seals the hairs to minimise overnight staining and is an effective mud repellent.

If you have a problem keeping your horse stain-free overnight, the Supreme Products Body Wrap covers the whole horse, helping him to remain clean until the morning. The Supreme Products range of Hoods and Garments has something for everyone helping you maintain a show ring coat all year round and they are designed specifically to lay the coat as well as add condition and shine and to aid preparation and presentation.

Check back soon for more information on bathing and trimming!

Katy Carter Joins the Supreme Products Team

We are very proud to be sponsoring well known show pony producer, Katy Carter this year. Katy has a great reputation for first class turnout in the showing world and we are looking forward to supporting both her, and her team, through what is bound to be yet another very succesful season.

Katy produces a wide range of ponies including lead rein to intermediates, with great success, from her Stoke-on-Trent yard.

In 2006 Katy was crowned Ridden Mountain & Moorland champion at the London Olympia Horse Show riding Pitybeck Prince Charming and Katy is well respected as both a rider and producer.

Said Katy: “I am very excited about working with the team at Supreme Products for the 2010 season. I am a great believer in the product range, they really work and are a great help when you need top class, show ring turnout.”

Major wins in recent years include taking two Supreme Championships at the Horse of the Year Show in 2007 and 2008 with Waxwing Thumbs Up and Chagford Lewis.

This was followed in 2009 with Chagford Lewis also taking the Dick Saunders Supreme Ridden Pony title at the Royal International Horse Show when ridden by Katy’s daughter Poppy.

For more information on the Katy Carter Show Team, visit Katy's website.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010

The Show Season is Coming...Make Sure You're Ready!


Even though there is still a slight chill in the air, summer is definitely on its way. The nights are getting lighter and horses and ponies across the country are starting to bear a slight semblance to the sleek show animals they were last year. Now is the time to start putting the hard yards in so your show horse will look and perform at his best when your first competition rolls around.

Mane tail and pulling is one of the less enthralling tasks that many people will be facing. If you are wondering how to tackle that muddy, matted thatch in front of you, make sure you read the following tips.

Preparation

Only pull your horse's mane and tail after exercise to make it more comfortable for both of you. After exercise the pores are open allowing the hair to fall out easily and painlessly. Also, a dirty mane and tail will allow you to have a better grip so do not bathe your horse before pulling. However, if the mane or tail prove slippery, try using Supreme Products Easy Plait 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 when eating! 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. Do not try to do it all at once as it could leave your horse sore.

The Mane

For horses that have their mane plaited a shorter 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 affect.

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

The 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 and tail in top condition after pulling, try spraying 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 to help prevent the mane from becoming damaged or dry. It can also aid in hair re-growth and visibly improves the condition of the hair within a matter of days.

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

Friday, 12 March 2010

Meet our sponsored riders - Team Hollings




Based in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire, Team Hollings have been at the top of their game for more than 40 years.

The team comprises of brothers Nigel and Stuart, Nigel’s wife Penny and their daughter Alexandra, and between them they have won many of the top accolades in the showing world.

Stuart is a Horse and Hound columnist and is on all the major judging panels. Nigel is an Executive Member of Council of the British Show Pony Society and Chairman of the Judges and Assessment Panel. He is also chairman of the British Show Horse Association and a former council member of Sport Horse Breeding and CHAPS. He too is on all major judging panels and judges regularly in the UK and abroad.

Penny is a registered BHS instructor and regularly teaches. She is also a judge for a number of societies.

Nigel and Stuart have been regular faces in the show ring from a young age and in 1972 Team Hollings tasted major success for the first time when Nigel took the show pony championship at the Horse of the Year Show on Snailwell Charles. Since this achievement, Team Hollings have produced a further 18 Horse of the Year Show winners and 33 Royal International Horse Show winners.

Team Hollings has up to 28 horses and ponies at any one time, which they care for individually so they can reach the highest standards. Since 1975 Team Hollings has been interested in breeding show horses and ponies and they founded the Pendle Stud. In 2009 they celebrated the success of their first homebred HOYS winner Pendle First Light in the 15hh Show Hunter Pony class, she also took the same title at the RIHS earlier in the summer.

Thursday, 11 March 2010

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, 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 www.supremeproducts.co.uk, also available at stockists nationwide.

Tuesday, 9 March 2010

Shine On.....


WHATEVER the time of year, keeping manes and tails shiny and tangle-free is important to the overall health and condition of your horse or pony.

Leaving tails full of knots or manes to get matted results in hair falling out when you do get round to combing them and both can then be left thin and difficult to work with during the show or competition season.

Supreme Products Detangle & Shine is a de luxe detangler that enhances the appearance of both manes and tails and is perfect for maintaining condition all year round.

For that lustrous look and feel, Supreme Products Detangle & Shine promotes manes and tails that are tangle free and full of body. Spray throuhout the year and to aid your show or arena preparation as you start grooming.

Prices from £13.50 – 500ml.

Supreme Products Detangle & Shine forms part of the Supreme Products Professional Collection – The Choice of Champions.

The Supreme Products Professional Collection is now available at stockists nationwide.

The Professional’s Help on Surviving the Colder Months!

During the winter months many show horses and ponies are turned away for a well deserved break. However, certain problems can arise which can hamper your early return the show ring in the spring.

Winter Care Products from the Supreme Products Horse Care Range


In this issue Sarah Turnbull of SUPREME PRODUCTS® and two of the team's professional producers - Robert Walker and Nigel Hollings - offer advice on how to avoid the many pitfalls to ensure your horse will look stunning at the start of the season.

Dealing with Mud

The effect of mud on your horse can go from unsightly clumps to the loss of mane and tail, to broken skin causing soreness and lameness. Therefore it is vital to treat your horse with care during the winter months.

Mud in the mane and tail

Mud deposits in the mane and tail can be uncomfortable for a horse but can also lead to the horse rubbing and itching which then progresses to hair loss. It is important to handle the mane and tail carefully to keep it lustrous and full. When removing the mud, let it dry first before brushing it out gently with a body brush. If you feel it is necessary to wash the mane or tail, take care, especially during cold weather. If there are any large knots, tease these out gently with your fingers before brushing.

Detangle and Shine
Says Robert Walker: “Spray the tail with Supreme Products Detangle and Shine before turning out, this should help prevent a large build up of mud and also make it easier to remove any mud clumps without pulling out vital hairs.”

Mane and Tail Builder
"If you do suffer with hairloss in the winter months" says Sarah "and need a product to help thicken manes and tails or promote hairgrowth then Supreme Products Mane and Tail Builder from the Heritage Collection is a wonderful product. We have received so much positive feedback about Mane and Tail Builder since we launched it early in 2011. It was designed for use on Native and Traditionals but can be used on any horse or pony needing a bit more growth before the start of the season. It works wonders!"

Mud on the skin

Mud on the coat can look unsightly and mean you spend more time brushing your horse than actually riding it. However this is only a minor problem. In some cases mud can pose a more serious threat to your horse’s wellbeing.

Another problem to look out for is mud fever, which can leave a horse lame and without heel feathers, so important for traditional classes. The bacterium, Dermatophilus Congolensis causes mud fever and rain scald which can cause the condition to reoccur at any time unless it is effectively removed. Mud fever causes the skin and underlying tissues to become inflamed and leads to the skin swelling, stretching and weeping; the skin starts to crack, hair falls out and hard scabs form.

Leg and Mud Guard
Adds Nigel Hollings: “We use Supreme Products Leg and Mud Guard from the Horse Care Range to help prevent mud fever problems keeping those precious feathers intact and stopping unsightly sores from appearing. It can be used on the legs and also under the belly to help prevent this unpleasant problem occurring.”

Lice, Mites and Ticks

Lice, Mites and Ticks are the three main ectoparasites in the winter. This is because their life cycles occur entirely on the animal. These ectoparasites must be eradicated as they are usually itchy and uncomfortable for horses as well as capable of transmitting numerous diseases.

It is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer to remove rugs daily and groom your horse so that you can check the coat and skin for any infestations which could lead to hair loss and discomfort.

Hoof Care

Whether your horse or pony is stabled for longer periods of time during the winter months or is turned out in the field, essential hoof care should be a part of your daily routine.

Foot Care Spray
Says Nigel: “The old saying ‘no foot, no horse’ is as true today as it has ever been. I am always amazed at the amount of Foot Rot you see in Show Horses and Ponies, especially when I am judging. We’ve used Supreme Products Foot Care Spray daily for about four years now. It is easy to use, it’s good value for money and it works wonders – we don’t have any problems with Foot Rot with our ponies. We order a dozen cans at a time for the yard and really see the benefits of using this product on a regular basis!”

Mane and Tail Pulling

Over the winter months there is a temptation to leave manes and tails to grow long. This can actually cause the mane and tail to go thin so it is worth keeping an eye on the length to make sure they are in good condition for the season ahead.

Make sure your horse or ponies tail is regularly cut to the desired length, especially if you have a Mountain and Moorland pony because excess growth can see it trailing on the floor which makes it prone to being stepped on and pulled out.

A benefit of pulling little and often is that your horse will not become sore and uncomfortable when it comes to the spring and you start to trim him up ready for the ring.

Says Sarah: “If your horse is not a fan of having his mane or tail pulled use a Supreme Products Thinning Comb. It is a humane and efficient bladed comb which thins manes and tails easily and quickly. It can also be used on woolly coats and to think out feathers if needed.”

Mositurise and Condition
Be Vigilant

Throughout the winter keep a close eye on your horse. If he is turned away, regular visits and health checks are essential. To keep valuable mane, tail and feathers intact throughout the winter use Supreme Products Moisturise and Condition. This helps keep skin supple and in good condition. Massage on to the skin to prevent damage and restore skin and hair texture. Says Robert Walker "This product is an absolute unsung hero! It's fantastic for aiding and improving the condition of manes and tails; it can also be used on coats and feather and it also helps promote hair growth on bald patches or thin manes and tails. Its a product that everyone should have in their tack room as it has so many benefits for use."

Wednesday, 3 March 2010

New Massage Cream from Supreme Products


New SUPREME PRODUCTS™ Glucosamine Massage Cream offers a helping hand for stiff, tired joints and muscles.

Massaging the cream into joints and muscles twice daily will help to ease soreness and stiffness, especially after hard work.

Supreme Products Glucosamine Massage Cream is also ideal for older horses and ponies that experience joint and muscle problems due to wear and tear.

For those needing a lot of working in before a competition or animals that are required to do a lot of roadwork the massage cream will also prove very beneficial.

Supreme Products Glucosamine Massage Cream – 500ml - £14.95

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