How to Groom Your Horse for a Halter Class

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Begin with a regimented exercise program.

   Long periods of long-trot, lope, hill work and backing are essential for a well-muscled horse.
   
   Start small, especially with a young horse, and work every day, at least 60 days before the show.
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   Step 2: No hoof

   Work with your farrier to keep your horse’s hooves beautiful, strong and straight.
   
   A twice-weekly application of hoof conditioner will keep them from getting brittle, and aid in growth and appearance. , Use neck sweats and sweating lotions to keep your horse’s crest at bay. , Only add the highest quality supplements.
   
   There are many cheap products that only waste your money and time. , Train your horse to stop, walk, trot & set up on command, with minimal pressure on the lead.
   
   Make sure all your horse’s feet are square, and that he is not stretched or cramped. , For example, spray your glove with perfume, and gently wave it by your horse’s nostrils to wake him up.
   
   You can also snap, wriggle your fingers, or click, but do not distract the judge or the other horses.
   
   Do not over-practice at home, or your horse will learn to ignore it. , This allows time for the hair to grow back to a more natural looking state. ,, Horses enjoy it more, too. , Lift all the scruff and dirt out, and rinse well. ,, Comb out the tail with your fingers first, to get out all the snarls and knots.
   
   Use a color-intensifying shampoo if you desire. , Otherwise, it will be too slick to band.
   
   Leave in for a moment. , Then apply a leave-in, long term shining agent. , Apply a leave-in detangler. , Place him in a very clean stall or pasture, and cover him with a sheet, tail wrap, neck sheet and soft leg wraps to protect your work. , Use thin rubber bands the color of your horse’s mane. , Make sure you closely clip your horse’s muzzle, eye area, ears and bridle path. ,, This could be chalk, baby powder, or new whitening creams. , Brush his tail and extension well. , Use black for black or blue hooves, and clear for any other color.
   
   If in doubt, use clear. ,, Make sure all silver is shining, and that it does not sit too low on his face.
   
   It should sit one thumb width below his cheek bone. , Apply a hoof polish enhancer and touch up your highlighting job.
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   Step 3: no horse.

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   Step 4: A long

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   Step 5: lean neck is essential for a halter win

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   Step 6: especially at higher levels.

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   Step 7: Feed high-quality hay and grain.

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   Step 8: Practice.

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   Step 9: Find something to catch your horse’s attention that does not look crazy to the judge or spectators.

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    Step 10: Body clip your horse about three weeks before the show

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    Step 11: if you desire.

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    Step 12: Two days before the show

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    Step 13: bathe your horse.

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    Step 14: Use warm water for the best cleaning.

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    Step 15: Scrub in a moisturizing

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    Step 16: high quality shampoo with a soft rubber currycomb.

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    Step 17: Scrub any white areas with a whitening shampoo

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    Step 18: and get them very white.

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    Step 19: Shampoo the mane and tail with a shampoo meant for that purpose.

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    Step 20: Apply a generous amount of conditioner to the tail

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    Step 21: but only to the ends of the mane.

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    Step 22: Apply a conditioner to the body hair and rinse out well.

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    Step 23: Rinse out the mane and tail

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    Step 24: very well.

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    Step 25: When your horse is dry

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    Step 26: clip his legs

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    Step 27: bridle path

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    Step 28: muzzle & eye area.

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    Step 29: When you arrive at a show

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    Step 30: band your horse’s mane into 30-45 very thin ponytails.

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    Step 31: Before your class

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    Step 32: touch-up your clip job.

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    Step 33: Run a damp cloth sprayed with a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol over every part of your horse to get the fine dust out

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    Step 34: after brushing.

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    Step 35: Apply a whitening agent to any white markings.

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    Step 36: Spray his coat with a shining product once he is dry

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    Step 37: and apply tail extensions.

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    Step 38: Sand his hooves gently and apply a hoof polish.

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    Step 39: Apply a highlighter to his muzzle

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    Step 40: ears and bridle path.

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    Step 41: Clean and adjust his halter.

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    Step 42: Just before you enter the ring

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    Step 43: apply another spray of shining spray and fly spray.

Detailed Guide

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