Perfect Horse Show Turnout

plus jeans worn with a belt boots and hat or helmet.
Chaps will be the first big investment in a western show wardrobe. A colorcoordinated look is important for western riders who often match their shirt and outfit with a saddle blanket in a color that flatters their horses coat.
Girls can choose from a variety of fitted blouses and tops zipup vests and short jackets adorned with sparkling crystals sequins and eyecatching designs. Make sure the outfit you choose is appropriate to the class.
Most schooling shows have a more relaxed dress code. Check to see if you can wear a polo or quarterzip riding shirt instead of a jacket. Photo by Elizabeth Moyer.
Tip Clean your leather tack and boots thoroughly before the show. This includes a spotless saddle pad and sparkling bit. Also make sure your helmet or hat is clean. Remove dust with a soft brush or damp cloth depending on the type of material.
Grooming for Turnout
Bathing Give your horse a good bath the day before the show. White horses or those with white markings take regular frequent maintenance to stay sparkling. A good whitening shampoo is your secret weapon.
After bathing apply a spritz of coat polish spray to add extra shine and help repel dust and stains from your horses coat. Just be sure to avoid the saddle area since these products can make the coat slick and can cause your saddle to slip.
Mane BraidingBanding If your horses mane needs to be thinned and shortened or pulled tackle this chore the week before the show since it can be timeconsuming see the YR MINI Digital released this May for details. Dont cut a mane with scissorsa mane knife or trimming device such as the SoloComb is a better way to shorten the mane without pulling.
For shows where braidingbanding is expected know that it can take some time to achieve a showworthy look. If you plan to DIY your horses hairstyle allow plenty of time to practice before show day.
Get your horse clean the day before and touch up any trouble spots in the morning before your class. Photo by Elizabeth Moyer.
Clipping Trimming the excess hair around your horses face and legs will take his look from scruffy to sleek. Clip the long beard hairs from your horses jawline and neaten any long tufts of hair poking out of his earsjust cup them closed first with your hand.
Clipping a small