SHOW PREPARATION
Photo: 1stclassimages
SHOW PREP TIPS FROM THE Top!
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how Preparation tips from seven-time, Horse of the Year supreme champion Jayne Ross. TRIMMING LEGS “In all disciplines it is important for your horse to look its best and trimming legs is something we do regularly as part of our pre-show management. It isn’t
all about looks as it helps keep the skin cleaner, drier, and medication is more effectively applied. Before you start make sure you wash the horse’s legs with a shampoo rather than just water as this will remove grease and scurf – this makes the area much easier to work on. We use Absorbine’s ShowSheen 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner because it deeps cleans, is pHbalanced for horse’s sensitive skin and rinses out easily, leaving no residue. “There are two options when trimming - scissors or clippers. Whatever method you choose always have an experienced helper holding your horse.”
Scissors: “If your horse isn’t keen on being clipped, then this is the way to go. You need a small mane comb and small sharp scissors.” • Lift the hair from underneath and cut the ends straight across. Start at the top of the leg and slowly work down • Use the same method when you get to the fetlock • Blend the hairs by altering the angle of the scissors over the back of the fetlock Use the same technique at the fetlock
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The scissor method - lift hair from underneath
Work around the fetlock
IN THIS ISSUE WE SPEAK WITH ABSORBINE SPONSORED RIDERS, JAYNE ROSS AND BOTH EMMA AND KEVIN MCNAB ABOUT TOP-TO-TOE HORSE PREP... Repeat the process for the back end
Hold tail out of the way
Clippers: “As with all clipping make sure your blades are sharp and clean before you begin. The quickest way to trim your horse’s legs is with a small pair of cordless clippers. It is important that your horse stands still while you do this and if he’s not used to having his legs clipped introduce the trimmers gradually.“ • Start with the front legs at the back of the knee • With a light pressure, run the trimmers straight down the leg to the top of the fetlock. This will give a free-line finish and not appear ‘chopped into’ • Ensure everything looks tidy - go back for any stray hairs • Spend time blending the hairs behind the knee • The same method is used for the back legs – start a few inches below the hock. Make sure your horse’s tail is out of the way. Clipping around the fetlock • Clip the longer hairs at the back of the fetlock in an upward movement at first, then angle the clippers to catch the rest of the hairs and blend in • When working on the pastern area hold the clippers the other way up • When you have finished tidy up any stray hairs, give the legs a brush and remove any dirt. “I then like to apply Absorbine’s Hooflex Liquid Conditioner because it creates a breathable moisture barrier to help maintain a lasting moisture balance. It absorbs quickly giving deep conditioning and helps avoid hoof cracking and chipping, ideal for application around nail holes.”
The result is smart and tidy legs and hooves, ready for the show ring!
