Posted 2014-09-25 9:04 PM Subject: What's your "big show" routine for your horses?
Georgia Peach
Posts: 8338 Location: Georgia
Just curious what everyone does for their horses at bigger races where the horses are hauled into and stalled for several days. My horses always seem to have less than par runs at these shows and I cant figure out why. Im sure some of it has to due with my nerves but im wondering if it has something to do with my routine too. But anyway, what do you guys do that has produced good results? Please share!
Also note that my horses are not stalled regularly so im sure this effects their perfomance on some level as well. Going from 24/7 pasture to being stalled for over 72 hours straight probably isnt ideal for them. Any tips for making them comfortable? I take them out as often as I can to stretch their legs and let them graze.
Posted 2014-09-25 9:13 PM Subject: RE: What's your "big show" routine for your horses?
Expert
Posts: 1612 Location: Cocoa, Florida
I'm very meticulous about hand walking mine. I have one that hates to be stalled up but he goes so much that he's used to it. I make sure to hand walk them a few times a day, make sure they're stretched out good and not cramped up. I also make sure they have lots and lots of shavings to lay on (both of mine have slept on the ground at 3 day shows).
I give myself lots of extra time to get ready and be prepared that way I don't Rush, that makes me nervous when I'm running behind. I don't get nervous anymore like I used to because Ive done so many big shows and that's half the battle!!!
I think being prepared is most important- make a check list always!!!!
Posted 2014-09-25 9:14 PM Subject: RE: What's your "big show" routine for your horses?
More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425 Location: Riding Crackhead.
My horses aren't stalled at home, they are on pasture. My mare usually runs better at the bigger runs than the 1 day runs but I think its because I usually have more time. 1 run a day and a few hundred girls means lots of down time to baby my girl. Most of my horses are very used to being hauled so going from pasture to stalling isn't a big deal. If your horse isn't running as well make sure your getting them out for a little Jane Fonda. I also take my horses back to the trailer and tie them out to get away from the hub bub and other crazy horses and people.
Posted 2014-09-25 9:24 PM Subject: RE: What's your "big show" routine for your horses?
You get what you give
Posts: 13030 Location: Texas
We make sure to take ours out and hand walk them every day they are at the show. I also keep hay in front of them pretty much all the time. I make sure their stalls are really bedded down and they always have water and that it's clean and not junked up like they like to make it when we are away from home.
When I warm up I try and stick to my regular routine. I get on with plenty of time to warm up and walk afterward. I walk and I go over my run and go over what I want to have happen and what I need to do to get it to happen. I make sure I have plenty of rubber bands and everything with my equipment is right so there are no surprises.
Now… I may totally FLIP OUT at the qualifier so LOL. we will see how I hold up.
Posted 2014-09-26 9:22 AM Subject: RE: What's your "big show" routine for your horses?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 788
My horses are in pasture at home as well. When im at big shows I don't let mine stay in a stall all day. I make sure I get them out walk them and then let them stay at the trailer for a while and then let them graze and usually chill at the trailer for a while and then back to stall. Later after dinner I walk them one last time and let them eat for a little bit. They always have hay in front of them also.
Posted 2014-09-26 11:09 AM Subject: RE: What's your "big show" routine for your horses?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 602
I like to use a slow feeding net and I like to let them loose in the warm up arena or round pen. (If possible) I usually will do it around 5 am when no one else is around. Ill stand there and drink some coffee and watch. This also gives me time to start thinking about my run and focus. After about 5-10 mins Ill walk them back to the stall and let them eat. If I know I wont run till later in the day, Ill hop on and walk around for about 15 mins.
Posted 2014-09-26 11:13 AM Subject: RE: What's your "big show" routine for your horses?
Texas Taco
Posts: 7499 Location: Bandera, TX
I hand walk mine a lot too. I also, poultice their legs, as well PHT and BOT blanket pending on temperature. I ice their legs after their runs and bathe them with liniment.
Posted 2014-09-26 12:33 PM Subject: RE: What's your "big show" routine for your horses?
Member
Posts: 41
My mare stays in 20 acres when she is at home. But when I know I am going somewhere she has to stay up I start putting her up in a stall either overnight or during the day to get her used to it. Then when at the event I walk her multiple times a day for 5-10 min each time. I leave her softrides on her and have her bedded extra heavy. I make sure she has hay at all times and I start warming her up about an hour to hour half before I run and do alot of long trotting and walking with her. (one day races I just long trot and lope(minimally) about 40 before me) so it is extra to help loosen her up. I also give her previcox daily at at big shows to keep her feeling good.
What's your "big show" routine for your horses?
