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.

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