Jane Bradbury

BEFORE LEAVING HOME

  • Label the bridles and head collars, so each horse has its own and then there is no confusion. A spare bridle and head collar is essential. It nearly always happens that something on either of these items gets broken!
  • It is always good to try and keep the gear for the ring separate in case of wettings and sweatings. Dirty numnahs give sore backs.
  • The usual feed that the horses are on and buckets. There is good hay available at the show, but alongside this we bring some haylage to mix with it, as this is what they are used to at home. Try to keep everything normal for each horse.
  • Electrolytes are important to have with you for the week. Tough competition and busy stable blocks are sure to take it out of your horse. It is important to replenish any salt that is lost naturally through sweating.
  • Bring a lot of rugs. Waterproof rugs are necessary as we are never too sure of the weather. Stable rugs to keep horses clean overnight, coolers for when the horse has been worked or washed.
  • Double check your horse’s passport and relevant numbers and passes.

    • THE SHOW TACK ROOM

  • A torch is essential as the early mornings can create havoc in the tack room when light is to a minimum!
  • I bring nails and string for hanging things up and labels for identifying tack.
  • Padlocks with keys should be given to each member of staff, or use a number lock which can sometimes be easier.
  • Trolleys or a wheel barrow for feeding and transporting equipment to and from the stables.
  • Vet box with general first aid, bandages, hibiscrub, cotton wool, et cetera.
  • Washing kit to include sponges, scraper, shampoo and brushes.
  • Grooming kit and in-the-ring kit (more on this later).
  • Wet gear for everyone involved.
  • A couple of chairs are nice to have. The tack room is a great place to ‘hide out’ if necessary!
  • A cool box for water. Keep everyone hydrated!

    • THE STABLE

  • Bigger water tubs in the stables are a good idea, along with large hay nets and we find they quite enjoy a molasses lick to keep them occupied.
  • Don’t forget your own mucking out tools.

    • TACK

  • Along with the tack we also have a large supply of boots, leg bandages, tail bandages (with tights for the bottom of the tail to keep clean).
  • It is important that the stirrups on the saddle are wide enough for the judges and also that the leathers are adjustable enough for the judge that either rides short or long.
  • Rubber reins for the double bridle bridoon bit may be needed if the weather is very wet.
  • Rider’s work gear, chaps and boots, gloves, hat and schooling whip if needed. Also string for the number for exercising.

    • GROOMING KITS

  • We keep one big kit for general use and then a separate, smarter kit for the ring.

    • THE BIG KIT

  • This includes the general brushes, stable rubbers, hoof oil, talc and chalk (for the white socks), fly spray, various show sheens, supreme products ingredients, saddle soap, baby oil and scissors.
  • We stitch in the mane plaits, so bring thread, scissors, comb, gel/spray to dampen the hair. A plaiting bib and something sturdy to stand on is very handy.

    • THE SHOW RING KIT

  • A small basket can look quite smart as a grooming kit in the ring.
  • It is important that the person helping you is smartly dressed (no jeans) and is wearing a hat.
  • A wet sponge (keep in plastic bag), brush, cloth, hoof oil, scissors, spare bands, tack cleaning soap and sponge, shoe shiner, and spare gloves if it is raining.
  • A smart rug for the ring if it wet/cool/cold, and also if it is wet have a cloth to wipe the saddle so the judge is not getting onto it wet.

    • In conclusion, a nice horse is always essential!