Preparing for Show Season: Grooming Tips from the Equine America Team

Show season is an exciting time of year – the chance to showcase all the hard work you and your horse have been putting in. From turnout to tack, every detail matters when you step into the ring. At Equine America, our team don’t just work with horses – we live and breathe them! That’s why we’ve gathered some of our favourite grooming tips to help your horse look their best.

Lucy’s Tips

“I find daily grooming and regular curry combing helps keep the coat looking healthy and shiny. I also:

• Spray the tail with detangler while it’s wet, then brush once it’s dry.
• Leave whitening shampoo in the tail while I wash the rest of the horse for maximum brightness.
• After every ride, I either shampoo (if they’re hot and sweaty) or hot cloth with no-rinse – I never just sponge with water, as no-rinse helps lift dirt and sweat.
• Always towel dry the face and legs… and don’t let them roll until they’re completely dry!”

Elaine’s Tips 

“Hot clothing is brilliant for additional coat cleaning, especially in the winter months. My top show prep hacks are:

• Keep some whitening shampoo on the lorry for last-minute touch-ups (perfect for those white socks!).
• Baby wipes are a lifesaver – quick and easy for wiping down your horse, your tack, or even yourself in a rush!”

Emma’s Tips 

“For me, curry combing every day is non-negotiable – it removes the dead hair that can dull the coat. Some of my other go-to tricks include:

• Proper shampooing is the best way to lift dirt and dead skin – no amount of brushing will do it.
• Always use whitening shampoo on grey or white areas, and leave it on while you shampoo the rest. Rinse thoroughly – any residue can leave the coat looking dull.
• Dust white socks with talcum powder for that extra sparkle.
• Rub a little petroleum jelly on a sponge and apply to eyes, nose, knees, hocks and black points for definition and shine.
• Don’t just oil the outside of hooves – oil or paint the frogs and sole too.
• Keep an oiled cloth handy to wipe down tack and horse at the last minute to remove sweat and dust before entering the ring.”

Final Thoughts

Preparing for show season takes consistency and attention to detail – but with a solid routine, your horse will shine from nose to tail. Regular grooming not only boosts their appearance but also strengthens the bond between horse and rider.

At Equine America, we’re passionate about supporting horses and riders every step of the way. Alongside your grooming routine, our carefully selected range of shampoos, detanglers and coat-care products can help keep your horse looking smart and ring-ready.

Here’s to a successful show season!