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Lynn RussellKeeping the Show Horse on the Road

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When it comes to producing top show horses, Lynn Russell has over 20 years experience at the very top and over the years has accumulated numerous high profile winnings and titles under her belt, including those at prestigious events such as the Royal Windsor and HOYS. Here are Lynn’s insider tips on how she keeps her horses happy and healthy throughout the season:

  • DO keep your show horse’s work interesting at home – make sure you keep their work varied and include trotting poles, jumps and hacking into his routine
  • DON’T skimp on poor quality feed and hay – your horse will suffer in the long term. A good feeding plan will ensure that your horse feels and looks fit, healthy and happy
  • DO check over your horse’s legs daily to check for any new lumps and bumps that could develop into something more serious or unsightly. We always bandage our horse’s legs up at the shows for the warm-up, especially the youngsters, who perhaps feel a little more jolly than the more experienced horses!
  • DO check over your show tack regularly as your show horse starts to build muscle as the season progresses, you may find that your show saddle needs adjusting accordingly – this is important because if your show horse becomes uncomfortable, he won’t be giving you or the judge a good ride and it could lead to bad behaviour in the ring
  • DO pre-book regular farrier visits in and around your show schedule –well trimmed/shod feet complete the picture and will help keep your horse sound and looking correct
  • DO keep on top of stable and grass stains – my range of stain removers do what they say on the bottle and really do shift stubborn stains!
  • DON’T forget his teeth either! If your horse suddenly starts to play up, make sure that you have his teeth checked – he could have a problem in his mouth, which no amount of schooling or work will sort out!
  • DO keep up to date with your vaccinations, as you won’t be allowed on the show ground without having an up to date vaccination card
  • DON’T forget that manners are important in the show ring, so simple things like your horse standing still whilst you mount at home will pay dividends in the show ring
  • DO ensure that you never leave home un-prepared – an equine first aid kit is essential for dealing with emergencies and my own Lynn Russell Surgical gel and shampoo are great for dealing with minor nicks and grazes on the road or at home
  • DON’T neglect your show tack, always use a good conditioning leather feed and clean (my range is perfect for cleaning and conditioning tack!) and dry your tack naturally if it (and you) gets caught in a downpour!
  • DO practice loading and un-loading if your horse is reluctant or silly – if you are constantly on the road like we are, we cant afford to spend hours at the show ground trying to load after a long day and in the same way, none of us can afford to get a kick from an over-excitable horse leaping off the ramp!
  • DO offer your horse fresh water regularly. It’s easy for horses to get dehydrated quickly, so make sure you offer them water and if they tend not to drink very much, very often a dash of apple cordial can encourage them to drink something.  Always bring your own water to the show if he or she is fussy.
  • DON’T leave your horse unattended in the lorry for hours on end, especially in the summer months, when effectively they are standing inside a tin can! If you do tie your horse up in the lorry, make sure you check them at regular intervals and leave the lorry ramp down to allow some air to circulate
  • DO keep an eye on their weight; competiting and travelling can take their toll, so weight tape them regularly to ensure that they don’t start too drop off too early on in the season
  • DO groom your horse properly every day, this gives the chance to check him over for any lumps and bumps or soreness and also helps keep his coat looking good
  • DO ensure that you travel with all those essentials that you may just need: there is nothing worse than arriving somewhere miles away from home and then discovering that you don’t have an essential bit of kit. Keep a check list handy, so that you can double check on the morning of the show
  • DO make sure that your horse has plenty of roughage in his diet and if you are staying away from home, make sure you have enough hay and feed to last you until you head home (with some to spare – in case of delays such as the M25!)

 

 


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