Emily and Josh win SUPREME PRODUCTS® Amateur Competition!

WITH more than 600 entries for the Supreme Products Amateur Competition -competition was tough to say the least!

But the winner is.....................Hertfordshire-based Emily Wells and her stunning grey Show Hunter Pony, Bolgoed Just Joshua.

Emily (21) works full time as a PA for a firm of solicitors and competes in home produced, part bred welsh and concourse de elegance classes, with sister Florence (17) now taking over the reins in show hunter pony classes.

As the winner of the Supreme Products Amateur Competition, Emily and Josh won  a visit to Robert Walker’s yard for a Makeover Masterclass and lesson, as well as a host of products and garments from the Supreme Products Professional Collection, and rider clothing for the 2011 season.

Said Emily: “I couldn’t believe it when we heard we had won, it was amazing.  To win the Masterclass with Robert was brilliant and then there are all the extra prizes from Supreme Products - it is amazing.

 “I am over the moon that we have been chosen as the Supreme Products Amateur winner. Josh is truly unique and he puts his heart into everything he does.”

“We have been using the Supreme Products range for a while now and the products really do make him stand out from the crowd, we take our appearance very seriously in order to look professional in the ring.”

Sarah Turnbull of Supreme Products said: “We are delighted to support Emily and Josh as the 2011 Supreme Products Amateur rider, and to reward a Home Producer for all the hard work and commitment they put in.

“Everyone in the equestrian world knows how much time and effort it takes to produce a horse or pony to a high level and this new initiative is our way of recognising that level of hard work that is put in week in, week out.”

Robert Walker  with the Wells Family and Josh.

Great Start at HOYS for SUPREME PRODUCTS® Team Riders

TEAM Supreme Products riders Robert Walker and Sarah Challinor were in winning form on the first day of the 2010 Horse of the Year Show.

Robert set the scene when heading the TopSpec Middleweight Show Hunter of the Year section with Jill Day’s beautifully turned out, seven-year-old bay gelding Pride and Joy. The young show horse was groomed to perfection with perfectly plaited mane and coat shining under the lights. All the hard work and show ring presentation products that had been used before the class truly provided a stunning finish.

Going through to the championship, held during the evening performance, Robert and PJ, as he is known at home, continued to impress the judges Chris McGrann and Kath Barley when going on to take the Show Hunter Championship to everyone’s delight.

Meanwhile in the Caldene Arena, Sarah Challinor and the seven-year-old stallion, Pumphill Buckthorn, owned by Mrs S Hughes, first won the Dartmoor, Exmoor and Shetland section of the Mace Group Mountain and Moorland Pony of the Year, before going on to stand champion to much excitement.

More HOYS Tickets for Emmerson Show Team

Supreme Products sponsored show producers, Emmersons Show Team are on a high after several successful wins at the Scottish Horse Show, Kelso.

The team, who are well known for producing lead rein and first ridden ponies as well as show horses, took the show by storm with some of their top ponies.

Tamevalley Black Jack owned by Mrs L. Reed and ridden by Thomas Teur, took the top spot in the Lead Rein Mountain & Moorland class and then went champion qualifying for a place at the Horse of the Year Show.

Westway Twilight Rose owned by Mr S.Borrowdale and ridden by Laura Aitken won the First Ridden class and took the honours of Mini Champion and the McWilliam Mini Supreme Champion qualifying in true style for HOYS.

Colbeach Elegance also owned by Mr S. Borrowdale and ridden by Laura’s sister Hollie Aitken headed the line in the 138cm Show Pony class and was Reserve Show Pony Champion, gaining another HOYS ticket for the yard.

Charlotte Blythman and her ride Westerby Firelight also qualified for HOYS in the 13hh Show Hunter Pony section, after just missing out on several occasions.

Emmersons Show Team are having an excellent season and currently have 14 ponies qualified for HOYS.
Said Sarah Emmerson: “We were delighted with our success at the Scottish Horse Show, ponies and riders were really on form and thanks to our show ring presentation products, they were turned out to perfection. They had perfectly plaited manes and the coat shine made them gleam. They all looked an absolute picture."

Ponies UK News: Simon and Sarah Head for HOYS

SUPREME PRODUCTS™ sponsored show riders Simon Charlesworth and Sarah Emmerson hit top form at Ponies UK both qualifying for the Horse of the Year Show.
Simon took the honours in the large hack class, with Holtess Wise and Wonderful a five-year-old brown gelding, owned by Vicky Rudd. They went on to take the Hack Championship and the Supreme Ridden Championship of the show.

Stokesley based Sarah Emmerson and her four-year-old Chiddock Time Out were also in good form taking second place in the Small Hack and second reserve champion to also win their way through to HOYS.
Earlier in the season the pair had a win in the Part-bred Arabs class at White Rose County securing them a place at the Royal International Horse Show where they finished sixth.

As a four-year-old Chiddock Time Out has had a quiet season but is starting to show his potential when it counts, qualifying for all the top shows.

Said Sarah: “Although we have not over shown him, he is on top form and is going really well. I am very pleased with him and over the moon we have our ticket for HOYS. Thanks to the Supreme Products range we can always make sure he looks fantastic and his coat really does shine. The show ring presentation products and grooming aids really do help give a perfect finishing touch."

Simon was also in form at Ponies UK in the young stock classes taking the JB Memorial Championship with Stanley Grange Regal Heights, a three-year-old colt owned by Jenny Gilchrist, continuing their great season so far.

Interview with Nigel Hollings

Team Hollings have been at the top of their game for more than 40 years. Nigel Hollings and brother, Stuart are well known on the showing circuit for producing some top show horses and ponies. Based in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire with wife Penny and daughter Alexandra, here we catch up with Nigel to find out more about his busy life and how the team use the SUPREME PRODUCTS™ range for top class show preparation.


Q. What school did you go to?

A. I went to Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, which seems such a long time ago now!

Q. Do you have a nickname?

A. Yes, George, it is my middle name. Not many people call me by my nickname now though and until revealing it just now, most people probably wouldn’t know!

Q. If you hadn’t gone into showing what do you think you would be doing now?

A. I think I would like to have been a History teacher or a merchant seaman! I have always enjoyed history and learning about the past.

Q. Why did you choose showing as your particular discipline?

A. I became hooked on showing at an early age after watching a showing class at the Royal Lancashire in 1967 and it just went from there, riding as a child and eventually progressing to produce for owners and developing the business.

Q. Do you have any family pets?

A. Yes we have two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels called Libby and Promise and we also have five cats that live on the yard.

Q. Do you follow or play any other sports? If so what are they?

A. I enjoy most sports but football is my favourite. I enjoy watching games whenever I can, and when the showing commitments allow time.

Q. Who is your main sponsor?

A. Our main sponsor is Supreme Products, their range of products are brilliant for preparing our horses and ponies for the show ring. Both long term preparation and those final finishing touches are so important if you want to stand at the top of the line.

Q. In what way do they help you?

A. Supreme Products supply us with shampoos, highlighters, whiteners and hoof care products from the range, helping all our horses and ponies to look outstanding in the show ring. They are brilliant for adding that extra touch of shine, sparkle and gloss so we stand out from the crowd. Supreme Products also supply us with clothing which keeps the team looking smart.

Q. What is your biggest achievement in life so far?

A. My daughter Alexandra who also rides and shows.

Q. How many horses/ponies do you have on your yard?

A. We have 31 at the minute including some youngsters that we have bred ourselves. I always enjoy seeing the youngsters progress and develop, it is very exciting and you always hope you have a star of the future.

Q. How long have you been riding?

A. I have been riding for 43 years and still enjoy it.

Q. Do you have a favourite horse or pony?

A. There are far too many to mention but if I have to name one it would be Fair Breeze who was Riding Horse of the Year 1988, 89 and 90. A great achievement and a wonderful horse.

Q. How did you feel when you won your first major title?

A. It seems a long time ago now as I was only 12-years-old and quite shocked!

Q. Is there a title you would like to win?

A. For me the best title to win is the Champion Show Pony at the Horse of the Year Show. I have won it as a rider in 1972 and as a trainer in 1982 but would always love to win it again. It is a very special championship.

Q. Do you have a favourite event?

A. The Royal Highland Show and Lincolnshire Show are both wonderful events. They are both well run and there is always a lot of good competition to beat.

Q. Do you have any tips for readers interested in taking up showing?

A. Work hard and remember you are only as good as your horses! You need to be dedicated and focused and never give up trying to improve.

Q. How much training per day do you put in?

A. I work for about three hours at the stables and spend a lot of time doing the paper work and generally running the team.

Q. What is your daily routine?

A. I get up each morning at 4am and work until the evening.

Q. Do you have a favourite holiday destination?

A. No not really a break is always welcome though! I also like to go somewhere nice and hot.

Q. What music do you currently listen to?

A. I like listening to all kinds of music, from classical to heavy rock, but am not too keen on Jazz.

Q. What is your favourite TV programme?

A. Any ‘Who Dunnits’, Horror/Ghost, historical documentaries and Star Trek – I’m a bit of a Trekkie fan!

Q. What is your favourite film?

A. Hunt for Red October which stars Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin is a great film.

Q. What was the last film you watched at the cinema?

A. Alice in Wonderland which was out earlier this year and starred Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.

Q. Last item you bought at the supermarket?

A. Lamb chops for dinner.

Q. If you could have an hour’s conversation with anyone who would it be and why?

A. The astronaut Neil Armstrong, I would ask him what it felt like to place the first human foot print on the moon.

Q. What methods of relaxation do you use before a competition?

A. I enjoy reading - newspapers, magazines anything really. It provides a bit of down time, especially when things are so hectic.

Q. How do you wind down after a competition?

A. I like to enjoy a glass of wine, that always helps!

Q. If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

A. I wouldn’t like to change too much... although I wouldn’t mind being a little taller and a little slimmer!

Q. When you have time to yourself, how do you like to spend it?

A. Relaxing with friends and dining out, watching TV or reading.

Q. Wine, Beer or Champagne?

A. Has to be wine.

Q. Milk, White or Dark Chocolate?

A. Milk chocolate and white chocolate are both my favourites.

Q. Who is your best friend?

A. I have lots of good friends - not a single best friend!

Q. Who did you last recieve a text from and what did is say?

A. Not telling!

Q. If you could pass any law, what would it be?

A. Bring back capital punishment for certain offences.

Q. If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be?

A. The Prime Minister.

Q. What is your biggest regret?

A. I don’t have many regrets, but I would have loved to have more children.

Q. What has been the best day of your life so far?

A. There have been so many but to top them all it has to be the day Alexandra was born.

Q. If you were given £1million, what would you spend it on?

A. There are loads of things, too many to mention but I would definitely travel the world.

Q. What type of horsebox do you have?

A. It’s a Lehel.

Q. Where do you source your horses and ponies?

A. All over, I keep a look out all the time.

Q. If there was one horse you could own, past or present, who would it be?

A. Sandown – Police Horse of the Year 1972

Q. Would you make any changes to the way equestrianism is portrayed in the UK?

A. I would like to promote more showing worldwide.

Q. If you could sit down with five other people for a meal who would they be?

A.

Winston Churchill – The greatest Britain who ever lived

Neil Armstrong – First man on the moon

Margaret Thatcher – changed this country at the right time

Henry VIII – great man in history who changed the world forever

Sir Bobby Moore – England 1966 World Cup captain.

Q. If you were invisible for the day, what would be the first thing you’d do?

A. Sit on the front bench in the Houses of Parliament and take a wander around the White House.

Q. What is the most expensive thing you have ever bought?

A. Our farm and horsebox.

Q. Tell us something we don’t know about you...

A. I was awarded a Gold Blue Peter Badge for being the first boy to win the Show Pony Championship at HOYS in 1972.

Here Nigel and Supreme Products provide top tips for those final touch up before entering the show ring.

The Morning of the Competition

For the ultimate finishing touches you can make a huge difference by using Supreme Products Make Up and Highlighters.

Supreme Products Make Ups come in a variety of different shades and colours. They are perfect for highlighting the eyes and muzzle and producing real definition.

In showing, all of these finishing touches really make a difference to your overall appearance helping you to progress up the line. Make sure that you use Highlighters and Make Ups to enhance the appearance, not change it and use them sparingly – there is nothing worse than too much product being applied which would make your horse or pony look unnaturally ‘made up’ – judges do not like this!

When preparing for a competition it is important to aim for the ultimate in turnout, presenting both you and your horse in the best possible way.

Last Minute Touch Ups

The key to a smooth running competition day is good organisation. When possible always try to arrive in plenty of time to allow your horse or pony to take in the atmosphere and keep stress to a minimum by not rushing around.

After working the horse in and getting yourself ready, it is a good idea to apply last minute touch ups.

For extra glitz and glamour add a little Supreme Products Sparkle to the tail. This is the ultimate turn out product and looks fantastic especially when competing indoors or in bright sunlight.

To accentuate and highlight the head area concentrate on two main areas - the eyes and muzzle.

Apply a little Supreme Products Make Up around the eyes, dab it on with your fingers or a little sponge.

Once the Make Up is blended in well, finish off with Supreme Products Glistening Oil around the eyes and muzzle to really help you stand out from the crowd.

Highlighting the eye area really accentuates the head and when trotting around the ring helps catch the judge’s attention.

Supreme Products Glistening Oil and the Supreme Products Highlighters have the added benefit of a UV Sun Filter when competing in the hotter weather during the summer months, so can help to prevent sunburn, particularly on lighter skinned animals.

Supreme Products Professional Collection – The Choice of Champions

Supreme Products are available through stockists nationwide. For further information contact Supreme Products on 01377 299050 or visit www.supremeproducts.co.uk

Meet the Katy Carter Show Team- Sheila Robinson

Sheila Robinson has been based with top show producer Katy Carter for four years. Here we find out more.

1. How long have you been a groom?

I have been a groom for 25 years and worked for Katy for the last four years.

2. What is your favourite TV programme?

X-Factor

3. Do you have any brothers or sisters?

Yes – three sisters and one brother

4. What is your favourite food?

Indian food – I love a good curry!

5. Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Anywhere in America

6. Who is your favourite horse or pony on the yard and why?

Shamrock Lake Shirley Temple (Shirley for short), she is a gorgeous Palomino M&M, I love her colour.

7. What is your favourite event?

HOYS – there is always so much going on.

8. What is your favourite item from the Supreme Products Professional Collection?

I love Supreme Products Spray & Shine. It's a great show shine that gives them a fantastic gloss for the ring and really makes quarters marks and sharks teeth stand out.

9. Do you have a top tip for us?

When we are at home, I use Supreme Products Foot Care Spray on all of the ponies on the yard, it really does keep their hooves and frogs in great condition so that when I put Supreme Products Hoof Paint on at the show, their hooves look fabulous!

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 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.

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.