Conditioning & Showing
Once you have selected a horse, which displays proper body conformation, provided that it is in good health, and is receiving a balanced and nutritious diet, you should begin a conditioning program. One of the most difficult tasks with respect to conditioning a horse is deciding which method is best of you. What works for one individual may or may not work for another. Your horse should be exercised daily. Begin with a workout of five to ten minutes and gradually increase this length of time. You should exercise the horse until it is just breaking a sweat unless you have a neck sweat on and are trying to remove excess fat. Some miniature horses must have their necks sweated to remove excess fat around the throat latch and on the neck. It is a very easy thing to do while lunging your horse. It is not good to do much lunging with young horses on a longe line because it can put excessive strain on the legs. If possible free lunging is the best choice for horses under1 1/2 yr. old. A well-exercised horse is much less likely to become bored and exhibit bad habits. Whether you longe, drive or jump your horse through a course, it will soon show physical improvement. Once you reach this stage, your horse is ready for the "grooming-to-win" process, regardless of which class you've chosen to enter. Prior to the horse entering a trailer bound for the show, it should be groomed and all tack should be cleaned and in good shape. Bathing, brushing, combing, rubbing, and other work should be complete. Most Miniature Horses are shown fully body shaved, but they may be shown in a full coat if the coat is short and in good condition. Upon arrival at the show grounds, touch-ups and other details can be handled. Be prepared. Arrive at the showring prior to the class being called, with a clean and will trained horse, making certain that you are properly dressed for the specific class. Take all instructions from the ring steward and be sure that as you enter the ring to always keep the horse between yourself and the judge. When walking or trotting your horse for the judge, always travel in a straight line. Remember, when in the showring always be alert and courteous to everyone. When the judge is inspecting your horse, always try and present the animal to its best advantage. If you have conditioned your horse and have it groomed properly, you should do quite well. Proper care, a responsible owner, good training, and a generous dose of love can provide a near trouble-free life for today's horses. |
