AQHA January / February Magazine AQHA JAN-FEB 2020 PRINT | Page 30

PG.28
Vehicle & Float
There’s nothing as bad as a breakdown on a busy highway
when you’re loaded up with horses and gear, not to
mention any passengers. Take your vehicle and float
along to your regular mechanic for a full engine, towing
and safety check.
A wooden floor in your float, gooseneck or truck must
be checked regularly, especially if it has rubber on top.
Never neglect it! Drop into your local tyre dealer and have
checks done on tyres, including the spares. Taking these
precautions won’t always guarantee smooth travelling –
anything can go wrong – but leave home prepared, just in
case. Never ignore these important things.
Rule Books, Registration
& Information
It’s a must to always have your current AQHA Rulebook
at every show, as you’re required to adhere to the rules
and regulations at all times.
There are likely to be rule changes or additions each year, so
check for these and ensure all have been noted. Throughout
the year, regularly go through your rulebook to keep
rules fresh in your mind. Set up a special show folder
containing all current and relevant information regarding
the AQHA, all membership numbers, club memberships,
horse registration papers and Amateur cards. Take it with
you to every show. Just in case you’re asked to produce any
information.
Your Horse
Most horses will come back in from any break with a
fresh mind and body and ready to work.
However, always ease your horse back into a regular routine
of show feeding, exercise and training, gradually increasing
the workload to suit the feed. It helps to get a regular vet
check to be certain your horse is healthy and on his way
back to being show fit. Is his vaccination and parasite
control up to date? Be sure also to have your horse’s teeth
checked, as many conditioning or behavioural issues can be
traced back to dental problems. Hooves should be regularly
and neatly trimmed or shod and in a healthy condition.
Check all rugs for broken clips and for any repairs needed.
Regular and sensible rugging should be carried out to get
his coat in top condition. If you plan to be out, or at work
all day, rug according to the temperatures predicted.
Before the shows begin you may choose to send your horse
to a trainer for a tune-up. If you’re time poor this is a
great option. It’ll take some pressure off, allowing time to
prepare for the busy show season. Alternatively, you may
wish to attend some lessons, or a clinic or two. Whatever
you decide, it all adds up to sensible preparation for horse
and rider.
Tack
Ideally you keep your tack and show gear correctly stored,
clean and dry.
Check all your tack regularly for wear and tear. Organise
for any repairs if required. Clean and condition the
leather, polish silver, and bag each one ready for travel, not
forgetting your work and training gear. Check and clean
your show and work saddle pads and leg protection boots
for grime, sand and prickles. When packing for shows don’t
forget a couple of extra bridles, reins, halters, leads and bits.
Grooming Tools
Replace grooming tools or brushes that are past their
use by date and check for anything that needs washing
or replacing. Re-stock horse shampoo, conditioner,
grooming products and fly repellent.
Make sure to buy hoof black and a white brightening
product, for socks, blazes, or those light and white manes
& tails! Have your clippers been cleaned since they were
last used? If they need sharpening, get it done now! Oil
and store them with your grooming tools. Clipper blades
go blunt at the worst times, so it can pay to buy a spare set.
Show Clothes
Check your show clothes for broken stitching, stains,
missing buttons and studs. Have them mended or DIY.
Check your chaps for any buckle, zipper or stitching
problems. Check, clean and re-shape hats and store in a
hatbox ready to pack. Clean and polish all silver, accessories
such as show jewellery, chaps, boots and spurs. If you need
to order new clothes or accessories, do it early so that you
aren’t disappointed.
Camping
Camping is all part of the fun of showing horses. When
the competition and work is over for the day, the campfires
start and time with good friends & family begins.
It can be a great time so make certain you’re fully set up to
stay overnight at shows. Plan and get yourself organised
early to make sure you have all the basics for a comfortable
overnight stay. Make a list of required camping items and
use it every time.
Knowing that you’re fully prepared for the show season
will now leave your mind free to concentrate on the job at
hand. That is watching, riding, showing and enjoying your
Quarter horses.
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - WWW.AQHA.COM.AU