Isaac’s insights

INTERVIEW: SYDNE YORKE-HART

SHOW TIPS

Isaac from Lavender Hill Stud gave us his top show tips, and we loved them. Thank you, Isaac!

5 TIPS FOR SHOW PREP

1. To make sure the horse is mentally ready, from my side as a groom, I always have to work with the rider to know how each and every session of riding goes before the show. I know my horses well, and I know if and when they are ready for the show mentally and physically. 2. I always bathe my horses before a show; I always want them to look perfect and smart. 3. I always talk to my horses; this is my way with them. I talk to them and cuddle them a lot more before a show.

This is my way of preparing my horses for what they must do at the show and making sure they are ready. 4. I then make sure all tack/equipment is clean, and all grass and water (our own water from home) are ready to go into the truck. I like to make sure we have everything we will need. 5. I always make sure my horses are neat and ready for the show earlier in the morning on show day.

5 TIPS FOR BEING AT THE SHOW

1. Before taking the horses off the truck, I check all of my horses to make sure they are healthy after travelling. I check for any injuries or anything like that. 2. When I know my horses have travelled well and I take them off the truck, I make sure they have lots of water, grass and shade. I have to give them their special treats and cubes as well, as a treat from me. 3. After I know what time my rider wants to get on and is riding, I then plan my day and everything the horse needs before they ride. I like to give the horses a lot of grass and some lucerne before they ride for a little energy. 4. When I sit with my horses at the show,

I have to communicate with my horses before I start getting them ready. I like them to stay as relaxed as they can be. I talk to them the whole time to keep them relaxed. 5. I help my rider tack up and go with the rider to the arena to make sure they both have everything they need. My horses always get a special treat after they ride, no matter the performance of the horse; I like to reward the willingness of the horse no matter what. I always want to appreciate them and what they do.

5 TIPS AFTER THE SHOW

1. I check my horses at home before I offload them to make sure they have travelled safely. 2. I hose their legs down to make sure they have cooled down completely. 3. I like to take my horses to the paddock for a little bit of time, even if it is just for 15/20mins, to let them have fun and stretch their legs. 4. After my horse is back in the stable to relax, I always like to take some more time to treat them and appreciate them when we are back home, no matter what. The performance is always a bonus for me, as long as they are happy. 5. I get ready to feed the horses for the night to allow them to relax. When we get home from the show, I just want my horses to feel free, so I don’t like to do too much with them after they get home.