Things You'll Need
- Horse clippers Silicon spray Horse grooming supplies
Instructions
Begin with a thorough cleaning. The horse needs to be washed multiple times and the mane and tail need to be clean and then have a heavy conditioner applied. Rinse out the conditioner thoroughly.
Using the clippers with number 10 blades, clip around the fetlocks and coronet band. If the horse is shaggy, you will need to clip the entire horse's body. Use a number 40 blade around the nose, ears, eyes and along the bridlepath. The bridlepath does not need to be as long in Hunter Jumpers; therefore, 4 inches is sufficient.
Hunter Jumper classes require you braid the mane and tail. Braid every 2 inches down the mane, and then double the braid up on itself. Using a needle and thread the same color as the mane, secure the doubled-up braid so you have small "club" braids. This takes a great deal of work and time, and should be done the night before the show. Try a mane protector to protect your hard work. The tail is braided only at the top while the rest is left loose and flowing.
Should you choose to use the full braid method on the tail, you will need to braid all the way down the tail, then double it back up and club it like you did the mane, only far tighter. The top must also be French braided and secured with bands. This is enormously time consuming and should not be attempted without professional help.
Polish the coat with silicon spray and prep it with a soft damp towel before showtime. Make sure your saddle, bridle and your own outfit are spotless and gleaming, along with a high shine on your boots.