With Elle away at the Welsh Masters this weekend, we caught up with her before she left for a little run down on what she does on the build up to an away show and got a few top tips on products and feeds...
"First and probably most importantly is the training leading up to any show. This can be just general training over some fences at home or anything in particular that I feel needs working on. I usually have a good indication on areas to work on and exercises to do from the shows in the week before. To give you an example of a particular exercise I might do with all the horses; we may do some grid work, bounces or fences off a corner - depending on the horse. I train most days regardless but preparation is key!
Packing the lorry with all the essentials would usually come next, as well as everything I need for the trip as well. This goes from gas bottles for the living, to all my riding gear and clean tack! At the moment I am using Effax Leather Balsm, not only does it provide a really lovely shine on all my tack but the components in it increase the life span and reliability with the item which is ideal - so I don’t have to replace it quite as often!
It's vital that I remember everything at this point as once we have left and are on the road that’s it! And what we don't have with us ... we won’t have! I also make sure that I have enough feed, haylage and shavings to last me however long I am away. I currently have four favourites when it comes to feed; Alfa A with Oil, Baileys No 4 Topline Cubes, Baileys No 9 Conditioning Mix and TopSpec Joint Balancer.
I have just recently started feeding Alfa A with Oil and have already noticed a huge difference in my horses’ coats, they really are noticeably more shiny which looks great - especially when we are at a show. I will definitely be continuing with this feed!
I swear by Baileys No 4 Conditioning Cubes and it will always be on my shopping list at Griggs. These cubes seem to always keep any horse in great condition. I feed all my horses on this feed - including the young ones. Baileys No 4 is high on my recommendation list!
Baileys No 9 Competition Mix works really well to give my horses that little extra sparkle and a little more presence that they need when we are away jumping. Especially as the days are a little longer.
Finally, the TopSpec Joint Balancer is another brilliant feed to promote Topline and condition as well as maintaining and supporting healthy joints; which for me is a must for my horses with how much we train and compete.
As well as feed for the horses... I think its only fair that I do a little food shopping for myself for the trip! (I won't list this shopping list though!)
Finally I bath all the horses; two products that I am using that are always on hand are NAF Show Off Shampoo and Kevin Bacon Hoof Oil - The NAF shampoo really does make both horses really shine so I definitely recommend this one! Then I bandage them up, check the load for everything we need and then we hit the road!"
All the products Elle has mentioned are all available in store at Griggs. Use code EM10 for any equestrian items instore or online for 10% off.
Please note - this offer code does exclude feed.