Katy Carter in Top Form!

Team Katy Carter has continued its winning form from the start of the season with wins and championships across the board.

The Supreme Products sponsored team took three wins and a championship at their local show, Staffordshire County, and were even bigger winners at Kings Heath when Cassie Hartley and Classic Coincidence took the Reserve Supreme Championship.

Said Katy: “So far the season is going really well. I have a superb back up team who are experts when it comes to pulling manes and tails, plaiting ponies, bathing them and making sure they are spotless. This is all helped by the products that are supplied by Supreme Products and we are delighted to be working so closely with them.”

Major wins and championships include:

BSPS Area 4B:

Chagford Leon, 1st 128cm Show Pony, rider Olivia Maltby, owned by Alick and Louise Maltby

Rosedew Renoir, 1st and Reserve Champion, 133cm Show Hunter Pony, rider Olivia Maltby, owned by Maria Dent

BSPS Area 10:

Lowland Toy Soldier, 1st RIHS First Ridden Show Pony, rider Poppy Carter, owned by Jason Lindley

Woodend Matilda, 1st Mixed Height Open Show Hunter Pony, rider Poppy Cater, owned by Katy Carter

Classic Coincidence, 1st 158cm Show Riding Type, rider Cassie Hartley, owned by Black Country Saddles, Wendy and John Hartley


BSPS Area 2B:

Classic Coincidence, 1st 158cm Show Riding Type, rider Cassie Hartley, owned by Black Country Saddles, Wendy and John Hartley

Chagford Leon, Supreme of Show, 1st and Champion 128cm Novice Show Pony, 1st and Champion Premier League, rider Olivia Maltby, owned by Louise Maltby

Parkhill Beckham, 1st and Reserve Champion 133cm Show Hunter Pony, rider Charlotte Horne, owned by Sara Horne

Kings Heath:

Lowland Toy Soldier, Mini Champion First Ridden, rider Poppy Carter, owned by
Jason Lindley

Shamrock Shirley Temple, Mini Supreme Champion, rider Poppy Carter owned by Mrs Cartlidge

Woodend Matilda, 1st 122cm Show Hunter Pony, rider Poppy Carter, owned by Katy Carter

Cosford Glamour, 1st Mixed Novice Show Pony, rider Charlotte Horse, owned by Karen Sarling

Classic Coincidence, 1st and Champion Intermediate 158cm Show Riding Type, Reserve Supreme of Show, rider Cassie Hartley, owned by Black Country Saddles, Wendy and John Hartley

Staffordshire County

Mirabelle P, 1st Lead Rein Show Hunter Type, rider Sam Walker, owned by Robert and Sarah Walker

Lowland Shadowfax, 1st and Reserve Champion, rider Carlotte Dent, owned by Maria Dent

Lowland Toy Soldier, 1st and Mini Champion, rider Poppy Carter, owned by Jason Lindley

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!

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.

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."