| How to insure your horse is safe and comfortable | | | | Step 2. The Feed Be sure to feed your horse at the |
| when at the show | | | | show the same kind of hay he would eat at home. If |
| If you think the show ring is stressful then you haven't | | | | you can you should even bring the feed from your |
| had the opportunity to settle your horse into a strange | | | | home to keep your horse from eating hay from a |
| stall at a strange showgrounds. Many veteran | | | | different region which can cause him to colic or have |
| exhibitors can attest to the fact that how well your | | | | allergic reactions. |
| horse settles into his weekend abode can make or | | | | It's good to have something in front of him at all times. |
| break your chance at a ribbon at best but at worst | | | | Horses relax when they chew so consider some kind |
| can be the reason for a full blown catastrophe. | | | | of "grazing" feed to keep him busy and help him to |
| Listed below is a step by step accounting of some | | | | unwind. Something really tasty like a nice Timothy or |
| procedures that need to be adhered to if you're to | | | | Orchard Grass will tempt him to focus more on what's |
| give to your horse a safe and enjoyable experience at | | | | in front of him then the Stallion across the barn aisle. |
| his next show. | | | | Be careful not to feed too many treats. It's great to |
| Let's start at the beginning assuming you're organized | | | | reward your horse especially when he's being really |
| and your departure wasn't too stressful. | | | | good but be careful not to overdo anything in the way |
| Step 1. The Stall Before you put your horse into it you | | | | of nutrition at the show. A too rich diet can wreck |
| must scrutinize every inch of it checking for nails, loose | | | | havoc on a horse's system when they're under the |
| boards, splinters, any thing that may pose a threat. | | | | stress of new surroundings. |
| Check the ground. Are there rocks, nails, glass, and | | | | Step 3. The Horse As mentioned before the horse |
| any thing that can pose a hazard? Remember if | | | | stalls at shows are usually quite small so be sure to |
| there's even the slightest thing that a horse can get | | | | get your horse out as often as possible for a walk |
| hurt on believe me he will find it. If there's something | | | | especially if he's been in a lot of classes that day. |
| that isn't appropriate, a tough door to open or close an | | | | After working so hard he will likely get stiff and sore if |
| electrical wire close by or anything dangerous within | | | | he's not allowed to keep moving besides it gives you a |
| your horse's reach don't hesitate to consult with | | | | chance to check in with all your friends down the barn |
| whoever's in charge and ask for a new stall. You | | | | aisle to see how they faired in their classes. |
| have every right to and they want you to feel secure | | | | Keep your horse well groomed to keep him from |
| so often they'll work hard to get you what you need. | | | | getting itchy and prevent rolling. Granted at some point |
| Next, check to see what angle the sun moves at. Will | | | | your horse will want to lay down and perhaps even roll |
| it cause your stall to overheat? During summer months | | | | but the risk of getting cast is ever present so the more |
| it is typical for owners to place fans and even misting | | | | you can reduce his chances of him rolling the more |
| systems above their horse's stall to keep them cool. | | | | you can reduce the chance of him getting cast. |
| Just as mentioned earlier though be careful to not | | | | You may want to consider keeping your horse's legs |
| have any electric cord or nail or string where your | | | | bandaged if they stock up from being in a small stall |
| horse can get to. | | | | but do not, I repeat, do not bandage your horse's legs |
| Be sure to secure your horse's water bucket so he | | | | unless you are an expert or have access to one that |
| cannot turn it over or spill it out and be careful it's hung | | | | will do it for you because you can do more damage |
| at just the right height. For an average horse you | | | | than good putting a bandage on your horse the wrong |
| should have two buckets, one always with fresh | | | | way. Putting a bandage properly on a horse is almost |
| water and one with electrolytes. The water should | | | | an art form and takes a lot of experience to master. |
| always be kept full because dehydration is one of the | | | | So there you have a basic list of things that are mostly |
| most typical ailments at shows. Besides dehydration if | | | | necessary. Properly settling your horse is lot of work |
| a horse doesn't drink enough water to process his | | | | and a lot of things to be aware of but it's something |
| food he could end up colicking which will bring a quick | | | | that must be done right to avert disaster and enable |
| end to your weekend and perhaps even to your | | | | your horse to compete at his best. If your horse isn't |
| horse. | | | | comfortable I can assure you your show will be an |
| Always properly bed your stall. This is not the time to | | | | unsuccessful endeavor in one form or another. |
| skimp on bedding. Use enough to keep your horse | | | | If you're going to all the expense of showing, the time |
| from meeting the ground under his body when lying | | | | put into your training and all the sweat equity in general |
| down and be sure to bank the shavings up alone the | | | | then you want to be sure you will have your best |
| walls. Most show stalls are a bit cramped and you | | | | chance of winning and it starts with the comfort and |
| want to bank your bedding far up the sides to prevent | | | | safety of your horse, your partner and your friend. |
| your horse from getting cast. | | | | |