Shows and Clinics

Tack Room Set-Up

1. Pre-measure each horse's feedings into paper bags. Label each bag with the horse's name, competitor's name, contents, and time of feeding (A.M., noon, P.M.). At rally, add competitor's number. Pack the feedings from the last feeding to the first feeding.
   Color code all feedings for time of day to be fed
    
2. Place a piece of masking tape or small plain stickers on all equipment. At the rally, simply place competitor's number on the tape.
3. Each tack box used should have its contents labeled. If you have individual equipment (i.e. bell boots, galloping boots, etc.) keep it in a box or milk crate labeled with your name and number on it.
4. Equine and human first aid kits should be placed by the tack room door, not in one of the tack boxes.
5. Hang some string/rope/baling twine in the tack room area to hang sweaty saddle pads from to dry.

 

Cleaning Hints

1. Listerine can be used to help remove dandruff from the tail, mane, or forelock. Pour a small amount of liquid onto the area. Rub liquid into the base, near the skin. Let it stay in an hour, and then thoroughly rinse it out. Shampoo, condition, and brush as usual.
2. A little baby/mineral oil on a tissue to clean under the tail will soften the skin and relieve itching.
3. Apply hoof dressing the night before turnout. Towel off in the morning to a sheen before turnout. Use of dressing on sole and frog will show a cleaner look than a picked out, brushed out, hoof.
4. Keep a clean camp towel with you when grooming for wiping any dust or dirt from your hands. Clean your hands before you tough your clothes. This will help keep your clothing clean.
5. Wear a chef's apron with pockets while grooming, this is a way to groom while dressed to ride and remain clean.
6. For boot trees: roll up newspaper or magazines to fit the size of the calf. Spiral tape around paper to hold shape. Slip paper into a nylon knee-hi. An old tennis ball put into a sock down into the lower part of the boot will support the toe area.
7. Armorall on rubber riding boots makes them shiny. Do not put it on the inside of the calves; it will make the boots to slippery.
8. Black boot dye will cover scuffed toes that polish alone wont cover. Don't put dye on the inner calf where it'll rub off on the saddle. The black dye can also be used on rubber boots to give them a shine.
9. Old nylon stockings make good buffers for putting a shine on leather boots.
10. Black dye can also work on faded velvet.
11. Pam on suede kneepads before you wash them will make the last longer and stay softer.
12. A sink cleanser will clean white stirrup pads.
13. A small amount of Mr. Clean or Scotch Brite in tepid water cleans caked-on dirt and jockeys off of tack. Oil tack afterwards.
14. Spray and Wash or Shout scrubbed into elastic with a scrub brush will clean elastics. Rinse out carefully so leather doesn't get too wet.
15. For long hair done in a bun buy a bob sized hairnet put on hairnet at forehead and twist at nape of neck before putting over bun. The figure eight shape keeps in all stray hairs while staying close to the head.
16. Pin your stock at the bottom with four pins in case you lose any.

 

Preparing for the Rally

1. The better conditioned your horse is, the better he'll travel and the more sound he'll remain through the rally. This may take several weeks. See your manual for conditioning tips.
2. Start preparing a week or two in advance. This includes cleaning your tack, horse, and rally equipment.
3. Each person on the team can be responsible for an entire kit (utility, equine first aid, human first aid, extra equipment, etc.).
4. Each person on the team is responsible for his/her horse's equipment, i.e. brushes, tack, etc.
5. Saddlery is to be checked one month before the rally for any stitching that needs to be repaired.
6. Your horse should have his feet shod at least one week before the rally. Don't expect the rally blacksmith to be on hand when you arrive.
7. If traveling a long distance, check with your veterinarian as to when and how your horse should be prepared for travel, i.e. type of feeding the night before, care during travel, etc.
8. Place all medical certificates in an envelope labeled with your horse's name. Keep the envelope in the vehicle that is bringing the horse to the rally. Keep a copy of all certificates with you as well if you are traveling in a different vehicle.
9. Check flashlight and fire extinguishers to make sure they work. Get fire extinguishers checked at your local fire department.

 

At the Rally

1. Know the Horse Management rulebook.
2. Always try to smile and be polite. If you have any questions ASK!!! Don't be afraid to ask for help. Remember that this rally is to learn and have fun.
3. Keep pinnies tied whether riding or in barn area.
4. Try having a "magic word." Anyone on the team can say it when a team member starts to bicker. It will break the tension and remind the team they must work together.
5. Go to the rally as a TEAM! The last rider should know the others will he there to help him/her after the competition. He/she, in turn, will help the early ones.
6. Try to walk your horse frequently (use common sense here).
7. After a long journey, walk out horse for one to two hours if possible (use common sense here).
8. Before a jog out, walk out horse for one to two hours if possible (use common sense here).
9. Be ready at the time of turn-out. This includes presenting your horse according to your rating.
10. At turn-out present yourself by telling your name, rating, and what club or region you are representing.
11. At turn-out bring a small pail, containing damp clothes, dry clothes, bug spray, mirror, baby oil, hair brush, horse brush, and pins. These items can help put the finishing touches on you before presenting yourself to the judge.