May 4, 2001, Newsletter Issue #36: May - Parades, Drill Teams, State Fairs, Rodeos, Half Time Riding Demo`s

Tip of the Week

In choosing clothing, anything goes, and the more glitz, sparkly and flashy the better. In regards to your tack, Western Saddle pads with one or two colors that match your outfit provides a classy finish to the whole picture of Horse and Rider.

You may not have the necessary $$$ for the silver trim, but you can make that metal trim appear silver, as it catches the light and then twinkles and sparkles. Applying a layer of either "gold fleck" or "silver fleck" nail polish to the metal pieces showing on your saddle and bridle (not the bit however....with the exception of the shanks on a curb bit). Apply enough to be seen and reflect light, but not so much that it appears like "runny silver or runny gold" metallica! When you apply the "fleck" strategically on the metal, it gives a great highlight and finish to otherwise "plain" western tack. Apply very carefully, remember to apply a little at a time. You can always add more if necessary, but it is harder to have to completely remove all, and start all over again! When it comes time to remove, use Q-tips and small cotton balls with nail polish remover and carefully remove so to not stain the leather. DO NOT APPLY either color to the mouthpiece of a bit, EVER!

Another area necessary for the peace and confidence of horse and rider in Parades is to have Barium Inserts applied to the horse’s shoes. . .front and back. Either your farrier can install, or you can purchase screw in posts of Barium or Rubber Stoppers that will prevent your horse from slipping on the Concrete or Asphalt should the horse become spooked by something. These Barium or Rubber screw in’s will provide the horse the confidence necessary to proceed along the Parade route with security and assurance.

Remember to have someone along the route (if it is long) carry water for your horse. It is a good idea to have a "groundsman" along to provide water in the waiting to depart line up, and to have water available at the end of the Parade route for the horse. If your horse is becoming unsettled along the route from the crowds or the closeness or the activity, try softly whistling or singing very quietly to the horse. I had one mare that if I waved and greeted the crowds, she was a lathered mess; when I quietly sang and waved to the crowds, she pranced along in a beautiful calm and strutty fashion! So have a GREAT GOOD GO! and get all glitzy, and enjoy the glory!

You will find all tips in this newsletter in the Tips, either Showing, or Breeds of Horses.

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