Success For Poppy at Area 5

Poppy Carter, from the Katy Carter Show Team, continued with the Supreme Products Team’s list of early season successes at the Area 5 show held at Arena UK.

Riding Robert and Sarah Walker’s four-year-old Mirabelle P on her debut outing, Poppy and the 12hh Show Hunter Pony were foot-perfect to take the honours in the RIHS Lead Rein Show Hunter Type class.

The pair then went on to take the Premier League Lead Rein Hunter Type section before rounding off the day by taking the Premier Championship, much to the delight of all connections and her sponsor’s Supreme Products.

Another pony from the Stoke on Trent yard, Chagford Leon, won the Open 128cm Show Pony class and then went on to be Reserve Champion with young Olivia Maltby on board.

Meet the Supreme Products Team- Katy Carter

Katy Carter produces a wide range of ponies from lead rein’s to intermediates, with great success, from her Stoke-on-Trent yard. Her daughter Poppy is well known in the show ring and is busy following in Katy’s footsteps.

Q&A with Katy Carter:

Where are you based?

Wetley Rocks, Stoke on Trent in Staffordshire

What led you to showing and ultimately to be a professional producer?

I started out at the local riding club competing in gymkhanas and progressed from there. My sister, Joanne, and I branched out to small BSPS shows when we got a little older. Joanne was the braver rider but gave up at 16 to work in a bank, however she has remained in showing and is a well respected judge.

I had a successful career in the 80’s riding some lovely ponies including Groundhills Amazing Grace who I rode for Mr Champion the owner and producer Alan Bullock who was also a great horseman. Alan’s family were like my second family in 1987. I had some great successes that year, I won and went show pony champion at HOYS. It was my dream come true, a day I will never forget.

Tell us about your family:

My partner Jason is a farrier and I have three children Harry 10, Poppy 8, and Harvey 1.

What type of animals do you produce and show?

I produce show ponies, mountain and moorlands, show hunter ponies and intermediates.

What is your biggest and/or proudest achievement to date?

My proudest would have to be leading my daughter Poppy at HOYS in 2008 to take the Supreme Pony title, and again in 2009 to take the Dick Saunders Supreme at the Royal International.

Do you have any show ring superstitions or show ring rituals?

I do have a mouse tin that has a little plastic mouse and a piece of cheese in (not real!) I had it at HOYS in 1987 and in my pocket when I won at Olympia. Poppy had it in her pocket at HOYS and RIHS.

If you were not involved with horses, what would you like to be?

I love fashion so I think it would be fun to work in, also I would love to run a family restaurant, however Jason, laughs at this because I am a terrible cook. He would have to be the chef and I would be the waitress.

What tip could you give to newcomers to showing?

Watch, learn and be critical of yourself, have an open mind and never stop listening to what people say.

Laying the Coat Tip: An essential part of our show preparation is using the Supreme Products Body Wraps and Lycra Mix Hoods. I always have total confidence that the coats will be laid and conditioned, that plaits will be protected and that ponies are pristine when stabled or travelling to shows when I use these garments.

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!

Supreme Team Triumphant at North of England Spring Show

THE SUPREME PRODUCTS™ show team were in all-conquering form at the North of England Spring Show, Osbaldeston.

The show started with a host of wins and championships for Robert Walker who was unstoppable on his team of established and up and coming horses.

The charismatic bay gelding Ballard Bouncer, owned by Jill Day, started the proceedings well by winning the Novice Lightweight Hunter, before going on to take the Novice Hunter Championship.

His winning ways didn’t stop there as Robert then went on to head the Open Lightweight Hunter class with the same horse, who eventually took the Open Hunter Championship with Robert’s wife, Sarah, on board.

Robert chose to ride his Open Heavyweight winner Manton in the championship and took the reserve spot behind Sarah.

In the Riding Horse classes the following day Robert took the honours in the Novice Riding Horse Class with Holtess D-Day before the Large Riding Horse, Tranquil Heights, won his class and then went on to take the Riding Horse Championship.

The Small Hack, Southills Hocus Pocus took the Reserve Championship for owner Lucy Smith-Crallan while the Maxi Cob, Super Sonic also took home a Reserve Championship award. The Stanley Grange Show Team were also in top form with Danielle Purves and Holtess Wise & Wonderful winning the Novice Hack class and taking Reserve Novice Champion.

In the pony classes Julie Bankier and Little Brown Sugar ran out the winners in 128cm Show Pony section. Poppy Carter from the Katy Carter Show Team continued with the Supreme Team’s winning ways. Poppy and the 12hh Show Hunter Pony, Woodend Matilda, first took the honours in their section before going on to become Champion Open Show Hunter Pony.

To add to their collection of ribbons, Poppy also headed the Heritage Mountain & Moorland First Ridden, with the four-year-old palomino, Shamrock Lake Shirley Temple, a win which took them through to the Mini Mountain & Moorland Championship which they duly won to round off a very successful day.

Ponies from Staffordshire-based Gill Thompson’s yard were also in great form. Mrs Hinchcliffe’s Roseberry Highland Fling and Charlotte Thompson won the Small Intermediate Show Riding Type before going on to finish Reserve Intermediate Champion.

While in the Show Hunter Pony section it was another triumph with young Daisy Cambray and Parkhill Renaldo capturing the exceeding 133cms not exceeding 148cms section. For Emmersons Show Team, North of England Spring Show continued their great start to the season.

Jo Prenderdest’s Chaseford Aloof and Ella Raynard headed up the Mini Show Pony Championship much to everyone’s delight.

Say’s Sarah Turnbull of Supreme Products “I’m thrilled at the run of results over the weekend, they all did brilliantly well. The horses and ponies looked absolutely immaculate and the team really did us proud.”

Supreme Products Rider, Hannah Esberger-Shepherd, is on a Roll!

Supreme Products sponsored dressage rider Hannah Esberger-Shepherd triumphed in two classes at Witham Villa in Leicestershire, continuing her fantastic run of results.

Riding Welkcom, Hannah took the winner’s slot in the Medium class and then with her top ride Rubin, she went on to secure second place in the Advanced/Medium before finishing the day off by winning the Prix St George, also on Rubin.

Said Hannah: “I was very pleased with their performances at Witham Villa. We have just entered Rubin for his first Premier League Dressage competition which we are very excited about.

“Welkcom’s qualificiation for the National Championships is going well and we are half way there and looking forward to a busy summer. The horses are all looking great and we are delighted with how they are developing.”

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

Supreme Products- 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 and 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 the Supreme Products website, also available at stockists nationwide.

Supreme Products Turnout Tips for the Show Ring

When you enter the show ring you want to catch the judge’s eye as soon as possible. Therefore, turnout is the essential element for creating a good first impression. Once you have the judge’s attention it will become easier to impress them with your horse’s paces and manners.

At Home

Trimming

First make sure your horse looks elegant by trimming out the ears, muzzle and bridle path. Also trim out the heels to remove any unnecessary leg hair.

Mountain and Moorland Ponies should be shown in their natural state, however you can do some trimming on the pony’s head to make it appear more defined.

If you want to trim the mane be careful to make sure it still looks natural, and the tail should be left neat and tidy, but again in a natural style.

Show horses should also have their tails pulled. If you are not comfortable with pulling tails, use a Supreme Products Thinning Comb. This is a humane and efficient bladed comb which thins tails and manes easily and quickly.

Bathing

Firstly wet your horse all over with lukewarm water. For that ultra clean and shiny look choose a shampoo specific to your horse or pony’s colour. These shampoos really help to enhance the colour of the coat.

Once you have the shampoo to hand you can either put some in a bucket of warm water or place it straight on to your sponge. Get a good lather on the coat and where possible leave the lather on the coat for a few minutes to work in. In stubborn areas you can apply the shampoo neat and leave for a few minutes before washing off.

Thoroughly rinse the shampoo off the coat and sweat scrape the worst of the water away. If you want to enhance your horse’s colour further use Supreme Blue Rinse as a finishing touch as this will add shine and enhance the depth of colour for all coats.

After washing the tail spray with Supreme Products Detangle & Shine to help gently brush through the tail when it is dry. You want to leave your horse or pony’s tail as thick and lustrous as possible so only brush through the tail when you really have to.

Plaiting

When it comes to plaiting you want to be able to stand back and be happy that the number of plaits suit the length of the neck.

Sewing in plaits always leaves a much smarter appearance and is the only way to plait for showing classes.

If you find plaits become loose before you sew them in you can always secure with a rubber band at the bottom of the plait and then start to roll the plait up.

There may be occasions when it is easier to plait up the evening before to save time and reduce stress on the day of the competition.

Using Supreme Products Easy Plait will help you achieve a good professional finish. Spray the section of the mane with Easy Plait and this will help you get a good grip and also hold the plaits in place, without being sticky or greasy.

Once you have plaited, fitting a Supreme Products Lycra Mix Hood will protect the plaits and help lay them and keep them pristine. A hood will also lay the coat, as well as adding condition and shine to the neck.

Plaits can be used to disguise problems with your horse’s neck. 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 then he will require small plaits set low down.

For a long neck you need fewer larger plaits, and more plaits for a short neck. Stitch in the plaits to keep them secure.

At The Show

Quarter Marks

All show horses can wear quarter marks apart from Mountain and Moorland ponies.

When applying quarter markers use Supreme Products De Luxe Coat Gloss to help provide the perfect canvas and leave a natural looking shine on the coat.

For Show Ponies and Hacks the traditional markings are an upside down V checked board with sharks teeth, for this you will need a small quarter marking comb.

Start on the left and gently comb down to create a small square, leave a space of an equal width and comb in another square. Continue until about 6 squares have been created.

Then comb directly under the blank squares on the row above. Each row should have one less square, this should create the V shape. Then repeat on the other side, making sure they are symmetrical.

Hunters markers are much simpler, they have two or three rectangles which are produced with a wide body brush with closely knitted bristles.

Once the desired marks have been created, it is now time to add the sharks teeth. With a body brush, brush in an upwards direction in one stroke, you should see that the hair is now laying in a different direction. 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 exercise until three or four shark’s teeth have been created.

Finishing Touches

Once you have arrived at the show add the last minute finishing touches to your horse or pony before you enter the ring.

Painting feet is a must’. Supreme Products Hoof Paint is great at producing shiny hooves to give your horse that top class effect. It is a paint, not a varnish, so it allows the hooves to breathe whilst creating a shiny finish.

If your horse has any scars or blemishes, or you want to add extra definition around the eyes and muzzle add Supreme Products Make Up

Finish the look by applying Supreme Products Glistening Oil to add those final touches and enhance and highlight your horse’s best points.

Now head off to the arena with a smile on your face and plenty of confidence!