How to Groom Your Horse for an English Show

Putting a spit-shine on your horse will not only make the judge take notice, but perfect turnout can give you the confidence necessary to put in a stellar riding performance.

Things You'll Need

  • A complete grooming kit with body brushes, soft brushes, cloths, hoof pick, comb, and rubber curry
  • Show Sheen or similar shine and detangling products
  • Braiding elastics, waxed thread and carpet needle
  • Hoof polish
  • Baby oil or highlighter
  • Baby powder or corn starch
  • Hoof Picks
  • Halter
  • Lead Ropes
  • Medium-bristled Horse Brush
  • Soft-bristled Horse Brush
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Secure your horse. Use a single tie or a cross tie to secure him to a post, railing or tie hook. The tie should be loose enough so he can move his head from side to side, but can't walk away.

    • 2

      Start with a brush. Depending on how sensitive your horse's skin is, use a soft- or medium-bristled brush to brush your horse's entire body, including his mane (but not his face). Get his legs, belly and tail. Lightly spray, or wipe, a shine product like Show Sheen over your horse's body, carefully avoiding the saddle and girth area.

    • 3

      Brush your horse's face with a soft-bristled brush. Wipe his eyes and muzzle with a damp cloth. Smooth baby oil or highlighter over his face to accentuate his features.

    • 4

      Braid your horse's mane and secure the braids with elastics or needle and thread. This will give the judges the best look at your horse's neck as well as add style to your entire ensemble.

    • 5

      Move to the hooves. Use a hoof pick to pick embedded dirt out of your horse's hooves. Brush hoof polish, either black or clear, onto clean hooves.

    • 6

      If your horse has white leg markings, dust them with baby powder or corn starch. Brush away the excess, and admire the gleaming stockings!