For established show horses and ponies that have had a busy season on the competition circuit, winter can be the ideal time for them to have a rest and be let down. Looking after a show horse during the colder season is not necessarily a difficult task but it is harder work and being organised and having a routine is very important.
Turning Show Horses and Ponies Out to Grass
It has to be remembered that if a horse or pony is turned away entirely it will take longer to get it back to peak fitness and condition for the following show season. However, at the same time, it will be ready for a change of scene so it is a matter of striking the right balance.
After the British Horse of the Year Show, the pinnacle of the showing calendar, many producers and trainers like to turn their horses out for a few weeks. Do bear in mind that many competition animals will have very short coats though and will need sufficiently warm rugs to protect them from the winter conditions.
If possible, continue to groom the horse every day throughout winter to stimulate oil production and blood circulation. It also removes dead cells and coat to give the horse a healthy glow. This should help bring the summer coat through quickly when the weather changes.
How to Approach Equine Exercise Over Winter
As far as exercise goes, a change can be as good as a rest. Keep horses and ponies interested and happy throughout winter by constant hacking and occasional pole work to keep them thinking. Winter can also be the perfect time to concentrate on encouraging novice ponies to go forward in a mannerly fashion. If a young horse or pony is in training, focus on getting it going in a balanced rhythm with a certain amount of self carriage. The aim should be to get it engaging behind and the outline should come from the leg, not forced by the hand. When schooling a novice horse or pony only do this lightly because you do not want to make him stale before the show season has even kicked off.
Winter Competitions for Young Show Animals.
When preparing a young equine for competition, there are plenty of unaffiliated indoor winter shows which can be used to get them accustomed to a competitive environment. Societies such as Ponies UK and the British Show Pony Society run indoor shows throughout winter so riders can perfect their show ring technique and gain qualifications for the winter championship shows.
During the winter it can be difficult to prepare a horse or pony for the ring as it is cold and wet outside. This problem can be dealt with by using a stain remover spray. Simply spray any stains and marks with the spray and let it sink in before lifting it off with a damp cloth. This will reduce the need for bathing yet the horse will still look good. At indoor winter shows use a high quality equine show shine spray so that the coat gleams under the lights. This will also lay the coat and provide a good base for other products if they are going to be used.
Lastly, to ensure the horse or pony looks great for the early shows, clip them in January (UK). Once this has been done, the horse will need extra rugging, especially as he will be more susceptible to rug rubs and mane loss. The horse lycra body suits or body wraps from Supreme Products are especially effective as they ensure that a silky, smooth barrier remains between the skin and top rug. This not only keeps the horse clean and warm but also helps to keep the coat in the best possible condition, keeping coarse hairs to a minimum.
For more information on horse care over winter, read Winter Horse Shows, by Leeanne Bailey and Horse Care in Winter: 5 Tips for a Healthy, Happy Horse by Kirsty Jenkins.
Jennifer Boyes - Jennifer Boyes is originally from the United Kingdom but moved out to New Zealand in 2006, drawn by the healthy, outdoor lifestyle and the ...
