Supreme Products sponsored showing rider Robert Walker offers advice on show preparation and explains the required turnout. When preparing for the show ring it is imperative to present your horse immaculately. Preparation is an art form and every effort should be made to perfect it. As well as trimming, pulling, and plaiting, showing requires that you accentuate your horses’ best features.

Plaiting

When plaiting up, I never stick to a set number of plaits; they are there to enhance the neck so plait accordingly. With a very thick neck the main aim is to make it appear finer and less chunky, hence the need for smaller plaits.

If your horse has a thin long neck, I would recommend more and bigger plaits, sitting them higher up the crest to give the appearance of a better top line.

The key to a good plait is to keep it tight at the start and always sew it in, cotton hides many a stray hair.

I find it easier to plait a mane that has not been freshly washed and I highly recommend Supreme Easy Plait which prevents the hair slipping through my fingers and holds in plaits brilliantly.

Adding the finishing touches

As well as trimming, pulling and plaiting a lot more can be done to enhance the appearance of your horse or pony.

The end result should always be in the back of your mind when preparing for a show: remember, you are trying to create a sharp, immaculate outline.

Little things like blackening the hooves make all the difference. We always use Supreme Hoof Paint, which completely covers the hoof wall giving it a jet black, glossy finish, it looks extremely smart and really defines the foot.

However if your horse doesn’t have the best feet try clear hoof paint as this will make them shiny, but not draw as much attention.

A good coat shine is essential for producing an all over outstanding finish and for our grey, white and coloured horses we take extra care in keeping them clean and take pride in their presentation.

Quarter markings

These patterns are drawn on the horses’ quarters by combing the hair backwards, creating a contrasting texture.

On the hunters and riding horses we use two or three large stripes down from the rump and shark’s teeth on the flanks, whilst the hacks have chequer board quarter marks and sharks teeth.

Quarter markings are very important as they enhance the hindquarters and improve the horse’s overall look.