Making a Grand Prix Entrance

"A lovely pair, nicely turned out," said the judge in the center ring. What equestrian doesn't want to hear that?

By the time you and your horse are ready to enter a horse show, you have worked long and hard together. Your equitation is excellent. Your horse is fit, sound, and conditioned. What can you do to prepare for the main event?

Here's how to achieve a show-perfect appearance!

Clean Tack Till It Shines.

Dirty tack is totally tacky. The bridle, reins, saddle, and other leather items must be spotless and supple. Clean all items, and condition them well.

Bits and buckles should gleam in the sunlight.

Clip Your Horse Carefully.

Whiskers are inappropriate in the show ring. The day before the show, clip your horse's muzzle, ears, face, and bridle path. Clip his legs and fetlocks, unless he is a Freesian or other feathered-fetlock breed. Body-clip, if needed.

If you don't know how to do this confidently and presentably, it is fairly simple to hire someone to do a professionally clipping. (Check with your barn manager.)

Give Your Horse a Spa Day.

Most definitely, you and your horse have trained hard to prepare for the show. Take a day off, and pamper your show-horse with full bath and complete grooming. Scrub all socks and white markings until they shine. Your horse will look lovely, and the day off will make him fresh and perky for the show ring!

Cover Your Assets.

If you clip and bathe your horse the day before the show, consider shielding him from stall soiling with a show sheet or lightweight blanket. As long as it's not a steamy midsummer night, your horse will not mind at all.

Braid Him Up Beautifully.

Braid your horse's mane and forelock, according to the generally accepted standards of your riding discipline. (This varies from hunter-jumper to dressage to English pleasure and more.) Try to braid the morning of the show. If you must braid the night before, careful cover the braids with a slinky wrap.

Tack Him Up Yourself.

Before your class, tack up your own horse. Employ a brand-new or spotlessly clean saddle pad. Use your best bridle and girth. (Be sure to use only show-approved equipment. For example, martingales are usually allowed in jumping classes, but not flat classes.)

Double-check all leather items, making sure buckles are fastened and straps are contained in their corresponding keepers.

For more equestrian disciplines, sport boots and polo wraps are not allowed during show classes. They may, however, be used in the practice and warm-up arenas.

Many equestrians bring their own grooms to horse shows. However, the process of tacking up your show partner can be calming and help you to focus on what is to follow. Also, this gives you, as the rider, the opportunity to check your stirrup length, girth, and other necessities.

Deck Yourself Out.

Dress yourself at the last possible minute, to avoid soiling your show clothes in the stall. (Many competitors wear coveralls or aprons over their show clothes until their class is called.)

Approved show clothing, clean and neatly pressed, is a must. Hair must be well-groomed and tucked up in the appropriate headwear. For longer-haired riders, a hairnet is essential. A flippy ponytail is fine for schooling but a definite no-no in the show arena. Spit-shined tall boots with shiny spurs are a must. (Ask a trusted friend to dust off your boots after you are aboard.)

Makeup, if worn at all, should be understated.

Nothing about the rider should detract from the lovely horse upon which he or she is mounted.

Capture the Moment.

Once you and your horse are fully shined and suited up, be sure to ask someone to take pictures. After all that effort, you will want to revisit how you looked together, in all your going-to-show glory!

Besides, you can hang the framed photos next to all your hard-earned ribbons!