Ask the Experts

A. Make sure that the coat is clean. Spray the area to be marked up with Supreme Products de-luxe Coat Gloss. Spray the area so that it looks really wet, particularly for quarter marks. Then mark up or brush in the shark's teeth - and leave. Supreme Coat Gloss will keep all in place. Finish off with Supreme Products Quarter Marking Spray to help the marks stand out and stay firmly in place!

Visit our Facebook Page and view the galleries as there are step by step guides to applying the different quarter marks.

(asked by Lucy from Westow)

A. Sarah from Supreme Products says: We have a couple of products that could really help you here - one is Supreme Products Moisturise & Condition which is excellent for challenging dry manes and tails (as well as for use all over the body) and can be used all year round to maintain shine and condition. Work it well in to the coat, mane and tail for best results.

We also have Supreme Products Detangle & Shine which will do exactly as it says - detangle manes and tails and keeps them silky, lustrous and tangle-free.

New in 2011 was the Heritage Collection which is aimed at Natives and Traditionals who have coarser coats and mane and tail hair. We have a fantastic deep conditioner in this range - Supreme Products Ultra-Condition - which can be applied and rinsed out or for really deep conditioning can be worked in to the mane and tail, wrapped and left on overnight!

One of our most popular products is 'Sparkle' which also contains a detangler and is fantastic for producing shine on the mane and tail (if you plait, plait first then apply Sparkle).

All these products are available on the site, in the 'Shop' area. As with all of our products, use them sparingly - a little does go a long way and will produce excellent results.

(asked by Bridget from Oving)

A. Sarah from Supreme Products says - With DeFUSE there are two things to establish - how much to give and how far in advance to give it for when it is needed.

With a nervy 15hh horse, we would suggest starting 'high' and making sure this works for you, then once you have established the product works you can reduce the amount the next time you use it (just by a small amount each time) until you find the 'balance' that works for you. How much to use is the $64 million question!

The guideline amount for horses is 60ml - 120 ml and - depending on your horses' metabolism - it is really a case of establishing the right amount to use.

As I mentioned, we would recommend you start quite high, possible 100ml and ensure that this works. The next time you use the product, administer 90ml and if you are happy that this also works then you may wish to reduce the amount the next time you use it.

If you give too much of the product (i.e. more than is needed for your particular horse) there will be no adverse effects, all that will happen is that the excess will be wasted. This is why we recommend reducing how much you give each time until you find the 'balance' (the correct amount) the works for your horse.

You might well find that only 40ml works brilliantly for your horse, conversely you might find you need 120ml.

I would suggest you start with a 500ml bottle, try it and see, then once you are happy that it works - and we have had some fantastic feedback since we introduced this to our range nearly 10 years ago - then you can go up to the next size.

For your info - the shelf life of this product is 2 years if you keep it at room temperature and once you establish how much to use, it should work very well for you.

Finally, for reference, the guideline time to give the product is 2 1/2 hours before a 'nervy' situation - be it a class; shoeing, travelling etc.

I hope this helps....

(asked by Louise from London)

A.

Team Supreme Products rider and producer Robert Walker provides advice:

The biggest difference from your local show will be the atmosphere. It can be all hustle and bustle, usually with band stands, marquees, crowds of spectators and even a fun fair at times. There are things happening all over the show so be prepared for the added distractions. 

I would suggest going to a couple of county shows beforehand to watch the professionals in action, this will give you a good idea of what the show is like and what is expected in the ring. The main thing is to be prepared! If you are still unsure you can always seek the help of a professional. 

Anyone can enter at a county show, so you may want to find a county show near to your base rather than having to travel miles which can add to the occasion. 

Some have classes that are qualifiers for the Royal International Horse Show and the Horse of the Year Show, which is something you can work towards if you are successful. The most important thing is... enjoy it! 

Depending on what class you are aiming for there may be a ride judge, who will ride your horse and a conformation judge but again this depends on the category you are entering.

If there is a ride judge they will walk, trot, canter and in some classes gallop and your horse will be expected to behave and perform obediently.  If your horse is to be ridden by a judge I would advise that you have someone else ride him at home before the show so that he gets used to having someone else ride him apart from yourself. 

The competition will be tough with some very good horses and riders in the class. Make sure you and your horse look the part including tack and turnout. Supreme Products can help with this, with products such as De Luxe Coat Gloss, Glistening Oil, Sparkle and Quarter Marking Spray really helping you to stand out from the crowd. It’s all in the preparation!

Good luck and have a go!

(asked by Emma from Worcester)

A. Practise standing your horse square with the head in the right position. Some horses need to look up to give a more swan-like impression, whilst some need to keep their head lower if your horse lacks length of rein.

Try to stand on a good piece of level ground or slightly up hill as this will enhance the appearance of the horse. When walking away from the judge and trotting back do so in a straight line.

Always have a helper on hand to help encourage your horse forward - dragging a horse is never a good look!

(asked by John from Weymouth)

A. Rob Walker says - It goes without saying that a perfect show how horse will have correct conformation, impeccable manners and breathtaking paces.

A horse that has amazing presence has the ability to grab the judges attention, something which you should always look for when you are searching for a perfect horse.

If I were to choose my ideal horse I would pick an old fashioned lightweight hunter with plenty of Thoroughbred breeding. An athletic type, who could easily cope with a day out on the hunting field.

The thoroughbred breeding would bring quality and presence with a trainable attitude.

Over the years there have been many good show horses but one stands out of the crowd for me, Top Notch ridden by Norman Crow, a great example of what a lightweight hunter should be.

Top Notch was always special when you saw him in the ring you had to look at him, he breathed quality.

A fabulous dark brown gelding, with tremendous presence and near perfect confirmation, he was just a winner.

A traditional sort, Top Notch always looked athletic and always had a great attitude towards work and showing. Conformationally Top Notch was near perfect.

(asked by Simon from Ayr)

A. Rob Walker says: Browbands can be as flamboyant as you like, hacks must wear coloured velvet ones (unlike hunters and cobs).

When choosing the colour and style, pick a shade that does not clash with your horses colour. Red, white and blue are very popular and for that extra bit of glamour, some brow bands are made with diamante!

Which ever colour brow band you go for make sure your tie corresponds.

(asked by Brenda Williams from Powys)

A. The main thing to bear in mind is for the groom to complement the horse and rider and not detract from the picture. So for a County Show I would suggest a pair of light coloured jodphurs and short boots and a jacket with coloured shirt and plain tie. A riding hat is essential, no obvious jewellery, tidy hair etc. This will give a business-like presentation with a well turned-out combination of rider, horse and groom. It all helps!

(asked by Wendy from South Yorkshire)

A. We suggest you massage Supreme Products Moisturise and Condition into her mane and skin 4 -5 times weekly at first to help repair damaged hair and to soften and moisturise her skin to keep it soft and supple and to provide a situation where hair can grow back (its great for rug rubs and scar tissue too). After the first week or so, use of the product once or twice weekly will certainly help.

(asked by Jane from Bristol)

A. The main point to remember about the individual show is that it is your sole opportunity to impress the judge, where for two or three minutes all eyes are on you, so make the most of it!

Your individual show should be catered around your horse's or pony's best points, if he has an extravagant trot then you should add an extra trot to finish, likewise if his canter is exceptionally good, ride more in this pace with a two time change.

Always make the most of the ring space and keep your show short and sweet. If you are including a rein back in your show make sure it is well practised. It should be an even two time gait performed from a square halt, and can not be done from a tense halt as the rhythm will be affected and probably reverse to one side.

(asked by Liz from Banbury)

A. Regarding the best type of fencing for an outdoor arena we would suggest a good quality post and rail fence with a gate allowing wide enough access for a vehicle or tractor through in order to harrow or roll the surface, collect droppings etc.

As for the best surface to put down - this depends on factors such as amount of use, price, your local area for rainfall, wind and drainage factors. Our advice would be to do some research by asking around for recommendations from users - professional yards, riding schools & large commercial arenas
both indoor and outdoor so that you have information on the types of surfaces available, the durability of the surface and equally important - the maintenance of the surface.

 We think that personal experience and recommendation, both of surface type and contractor, is very important help before embarking on a major purchase such as this.

(asked by Jenny from Cumbria)

A. Rob Walker says: Many people get told to plait to an odd number, however I like to plait according to the neck. A short neck should have more plaits, which gives the impression of it being longer than it really is.

Likewise, a long neck should have fewer bigger plaits, which shortens up the overall appearance.

(asked by Tim from Lincolnshire)

A. Different brushes should always be used in order to restrict
cross-contamination or infection between animals if an illness or infection is suspected or diagnosed.

(asked by Chris from Durham)

• Show Dates
• Request a Brochure
• Press & Features
• Our Team
• Ask the Experts
• Photo Gallery
• Mailing List
• Links