Riding Against The Grain

When most people think of horse shows, they picture polished coats, perfect braids, and nerves at the in-gate. But if you’ve ever traveled with a horse, you know the real work starts long before (and after) your class. At the heart of it, showing isn’t just about performing—it’s about protecting your horse’s comfort, mindset, and wellbeing in an environment that’s anything but predictable.

Here’s what thoughtful care at a show actually entails.

1. It Starts at Home: Pre-Show Prep

Before you even pull out of the driveway, your horse’s care plan should be in motion. That means:

Ensuring they’re fit, not just physically but mentally—rushing into a show after time off or a stressful period rarely ends well. Packing familiar feed, hay, and water buckets to avoid digestion issues or dehydration. Prepping your trailer with non-slip mats, adequate ventilation, and protective shipping boots if needed.

Your goal? A calm, hydrated horse that steps off the trailer curious—not fried.

2. Arrival Routine: Settle Before You School

Once you arrive, resist the urge to throw tack on and hop on. Instead, give your horse time to acclimate:

Let them look around, hand-walk if possible, and settle in their stall with a flake of hay. Offer water early and often—some horses won’t drink unless it’s their usual bucket or flavored slightly (like with apple juice or electrolytes). Keep the grooming routine familiar. Same brushes, same order, same tone of voice.

This builds a sense of normalcy in a not-so-normal place.

3. The Small Details That Matter Most

Good show care is in the little things:

Shade and airflow: Is your horse baking in the sun all day? Bring a fan or rotate turnout sheets appropriately. Standing comfort: Deep shavings in the stall, hoof packing if needed, and time out of the stall to stretch legs. Mental breaks: Avoid overstimulation—some horses need earplugs, stall curtains, or a quiet walk away from the warm-up chaos. Snack access: Grazing or hay helps reduce acid buildup and tension. A quiet horse is often a chewing horse.

4. After the Ride: Recovery Is Still Care

Post-ride care is just as important as pre-ride prep:

Cool down slowly, especially in heat or humidity. Walk under shade or with a towel draped to absorb sweat. Hose legs and back, then apply liniment or ice boots if needed. Check for soreness—did that new footing impact their stride? Are they favoring a side after jumping?

Most importantly: praise them. Not because they won, but because they tried. That’s everything.

5. Back at Home: Decompression Matters

When you get home, give your horse time to rest and reset:

Light work for a few days, or just turnout if they need it. Watch for changes in appetite, energy, or movement—these are your clues that something felt off. Reflect honestly. Did your horse feel mentally overwhelmed? Was it too much stimulation, too soon?

There’s no shame in recalibrating show goals based on what your horse tells you—it’s respect in action.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your horse at a show isn’t just about being organized—it’s about being attentive. It’s tuning in to their needs even when everyone around you is chasing ribbons. And it’s knowing that true partnership means showing up for them when they can’t speak for themselves.

Winning is great. But walking away from a weekend knowing your horse felt safe, heard, and supported? That’s the real prize.