Daily Grind,  Show Ring Ready

Must Haves at the Show Ring

May 27, 2020

Buckle up…its show time!!

Okay. It’s happening. We are doing this people. We are going back into the show ring! You might be a little off your game since COVID-19 turned the whole world upside down. This post is about getting you back on track and having your horse look Show Ring Ready. Let’s talk about what you are going to find in my backpack following me ring to ring this coming weekend.

My daughter, Annie, carrying my ring side bag

Admittedly, the pack is a bit heavy, but being a mom to 3 kids requires me to overpack and plan for contingency. So if we are standing ringside, these are the items I consider a NEED.

Let’s start with my grooming essentials.

I bring my HAAS brushes and make sure I have the HAAS stiff brush to remove the warm up ring dust off their legs and my HAAS Diamond Gloss to run over their necks and backs. I also carry three microfiber cloths with me:

  • One rag is wet with Equifuse shine spray added
  • One rag to remove pesky dust (especially from their back ends)
  • One has some boot polish to touch up the toe and heel of the tall boot which always gets messy in the warm up ring.

Stubben Rose & Green Tea Coat Shine to brush through the tail, but take EquiFUSE Gleam to apply at the tail base and ends to keep the tail well groomed and super shiny.

I am torn between two shine products and I carry both ringside. EquiFUSE Shine Spray is amazing and I apply with a rag, but I am also obsessed with World Champion Pepi Coat Condition which I typically apply around the shoulder and down the neck because it provides such a beautiful sheen and a truly polished appearance. Yes different products for different body parts feels appropriate, why do you ask?

As far as the face goes, I carry a product called Smart Grooming Super Shine that is applied to a really damp cloth and I rub it over their faces paying particular attention to their eyes and muzzle. Baby wipes are my go to for the slobbery boys that get a foamy smile before going into the show ring.

As for the finishing touches, we have fly spray and hoof dressing. I love Bye Fly Plus and I firmly believe flying pests can unnerve the very best of horses, and this fly spray keeps them bug free. For the hoof, we prefer the original Fiebing’s Improved Hoof Dressing.

As far as my rider goes, I will always carry lip balm, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a crop (you just never know!). I also have a small carry box of safety pins and a lint roller to clean up a show coat.

Last but not least – I am a walking treat dispenser. I always have peppermints, but I have one particular mare that is far more interested in Canterbury Cookies Peppermint Plops, and when they are working hard for us, I am happy to provide a yummy reward for their hard work.

I will acknowledge that my bag is stuffed to the gills with products, rags, wipes, and it is undoubtedly giving me a curved spine, but I love knowing that I am ready for the unexpected contingency. So let’s get our boots polished and get our tack cleaned up, because this is happening… see you ringside!!!