Getting your horse competition- or show-ready takes three steps: washing, applying shine to coat, mane and tail, and finally varnishing the hooves. Here you will find shine spray and gel, glitter spray, glitter hoof polish, stencils and silicone plaiting bands.
Step-by-step: the day before and the morning itself
- The day before: wash your horse with a shampoo that suits its coat colour, such as Hi Gloss Shampoo White for greys and Black for dark horses. Let it dry well under a rug.
- Mane: plait with silicone or rubber bands. A spray such as Detangle & Shine makes the tail easier to detangle.
- The morning itself: groom, remove small stains with Hi Gloss Clean Spray and then apply Hi Gloss Spray or Hi Gloss Gel for shine.
- Finishing: use a stencil to put a pattern on the quarters, for example with the Hi Gloss Stencils or other stencils.
- Hooves last: clean, dry hooves, then hoof polish with a brush. Let it dry before your horse walks through sand or straw.
Shine or glitter?
For dressage and classic competitions, you usually choose a clear shine. Glitter is for shows, children's competitions, photo shoots and holidays. For that there is Hi Gloss Glitter Spray in silver, gold, pink and rainbow, among others, other gloss sprays with glitter, the Lucky Horse Unicorn line and glitter hoof polish in silver, gold, pink, green and orange. Check your competition's rules if you are unsure whether glitter is allowed. For the legs there are 5 and 10 cm glitter bandages.
Points to note
Do not spray shine spray on the saddle area: a slippery coat makes the saddle slide. On a sensitive horse, try a new product on a small patch of skin first. Hoof polish is cosmetic; to care for the horn, use hoof oil or hoof balm.
More on that care is in hoof oil and hoof grease. For washing and brushing, see shampoo and coat care and mane and tail, and for skin problems mud fever, itching and sweet itch. The full overview is in horse care.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance do I apply shine spray?
On the morning of the competition, after grooming. If you spray too early, dust and straw stick to it.
How do I get hoof polish off again?
Follow the directions on the pack. Brush the hooves clean after the competition and then care for them with hoof oil.
Is glitter spray allowed at competitions?
That differs per organisation and discipline. Check your competition's rules or ask the organisers before you spray.