How to Groom an Arabian for a Sporthorse In-Hand Class
Showing Arabian horses is a glamorous and exciting business, but it is not easy. A great deal of preparation and training goes into the showing of these beautiful and sensitive equines. Here are some tips on how to groom an Arabian for a Sporthorse In-Hand class.
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Instructions
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Begin with a thorough washing. The horse needs to be cleaned with shampoo, and the mane and tail need to be squeaky clean and then have a heavy conditioner applied and rinsed thoroughly.
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Clip the horse with number 10 blades around the fetlocks, coronet band or--if the horse is shaggy--you will need to clip the entire horse's body. Use a number 40 blade around the muzzle, ears, eyes and along the bridlepath.
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Cut a slightly longer bridlepath. Instead of an inch, you should cut around 4 inches of bridlepath on the Arabian horse.
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Braid the tail. Braid every 2 inches down the mane, then double the braid up on itself, and, 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. Use a mane protector to protect your hard work. The tail is braided only at the top, the rest is left loose and flowing.
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Polish your horse with a fine silicon spray, such as ShowSheen or any other grooming polish product, right before class (see Resources below). Apply a soft towel to smooth the polish on the coat.
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Resources
- Photo Credit courtesy of Boardman Arabians, LLC
