How to Groom a Horse for Western Pleasure Classes

A great deal of preparation and training goes into the showing Arabian horses in Western Pleasure. Although it is exciting, it is not easy grooming the horse to be ready. Because the best groomed are often the winners, grooming the horse is an important step. Here's how to groom an Arabian for a Western Pleasure Class.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse clippers
  • Grooming supplies and brushes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin with a well-conditioned, well trained and spotlessly clean horse. If your horse is not in good condition, and does not know his cues expertly, then you might as well not waste your time or money. You must also apply a lot of time shampooing and conditioning the mane and tail. A show horse takes a lot of time and work.

    • 2

      Using the number 10 blade, body clip the entire horse. Use great care on the legs because any errors will show up. A number 40 blade should be used on the face, ears and bridlepath. The bridlepath should be clipped at least 6 inches long and up to 12 inches long, depending on the length of neck on your horse. Western Classes want to see a lot of neck.

    • 3

      Apply a polish to the coat in multiple layers, but only apply one layer to the saddle area as this will make the coat very slick and you'll want to make sure the saddle stays on. Each layer must dry before you move onto the next. Hooves must be spotlessly clean and well filed. Shoes are required on all four feet.

    • 4

      The mane and tail of the Arabian must be like silk and look as shiny and fine as human hair. It also must be as long and as full as you can make it. This takes a great deal of washing and conditioning to get horse hair to be this smooth, but it can be done. Use a hairdryer to provide a fluffy look and braid the tail whenever the horse is not being shown to encourage it to grow as long as possible.

    • 5

      Just before classtime, take a soft towel and run it over the horse's coat with a final layer of polish. Use a light layer of face highlighter on the horse's face, ears and under the tail. Make sure the saddle, bridle and your own costume are as flawless as you can make them. Now, go enjoy the class.