Preparing the many times Supreme Champion 15h.h Welsh Cob Stallion Rhystyd Dazzler 3820 (Rusty) for his show.

As seen on the ALVAHORSE Show Preparation DVD

 

 

 

 

The day before the show

 

 

 

Wash with water only.

First step is to lead Rusty to his wash area. With luke-warm water I start on his hoofs scrubbing with a stiff brush and scraping off all the mess, working my way up his legs. Next wet his tail and remove all the loose dirt, then his mane and forelock, lastly his back.

 

Step 1. AlvaTeaTree Medicated Shampoo

When the entire loose dirt has been removed, I then repeat the process with AlvaTeaTree Medicated Shampoo.
It’s the first step to a healthy, lustrous coat. This effective all over body shampoo for horses is very strong for those stubborn stable stains yet mild on their skin and is very economical.

 

I always try to avoid shampoo around the eyes, nostrils and inside his ears, as the mucous membranes can get sore. I do have a little trick for not letting the soap suds into the nostrils and above all, the eyes. This is to smear AlvaShadow around the eyes and nostrils before using the shampoo. This I find helps to stop the shampoo from entering these areas and also has a calming effect on the nervous or worried horse. Leave on for a great shine.

I have found it better to pour the shampoo along the brush when in the upside down position (the brush, not me) and then scrub the horse slowly to start, giving him time to realize it is nice to be massaged. When I have scrubbed him all over I rinse off the shampoo.

I repeat the process again if the rinsing water dripping from under his belly is not clear.

 

Step 2. AlvaTeaTree Medicated Shampoo for his final wash. (excellent to use on horses with a Sweet Itch problem)

Remove water.

Next job, using a rubber scraper, I remove the excess water.

 

Step 3. AlvaSparkle - Conditioner & Coat Gloss

 

Pour approximately 250ml (One Quarter of a Litre Bottle) of AlvaSparkle into a clean, dry bucket. Put a clean, dry sponge into the bucket. Let it absorb the AlvaSparkle and gently squeeze until it stops dripping. Starting at the top of his neck (side with out his mane showing), I saturate his coat with AlvaSparkle using the sponge and move down towards his withers and along his back squeezing sponge as I wipe, covering him all over with AlvaSparkle. This will seal his coat and reduce stable staining. 

 

(Caution:- when applied to ridden horses, avoid saddle area as AlvaSparkle provides a high gloss finish and the saddle may slip as a result)

 

Step 4. AlvaDazzle - Mane, Tail & Feather Conditioner

I then saturate his mane with AlvaDazzle combing small areas at a time, being careful not to break or damage healthy hair. When I spray his tail I put it in a clean bucket and the excess AlvaDazzle I pour into a spare bottle. I use that again as part of my grooming kit. He’s looking good! Now back into his stable on a fresh bed of straw.

 

Show Day

 

My nerves are now bubbling but I try my best not to show my horse how I’m feeling.

 

Wipe over.
Give Rusty a quick wipe over and then load him onto the lorry. Check my list to make sure I’ve got everything.

Arrive at Show.
On arrival, check Rusty and offer him water, collect my number and then back to the lorry to lightly brush him. This I find relaxes him and gives him time to unwind after the journey.

 

Step 5. AlvaGleam - The Ultimate Coat Finish

One hour before his class, I remove his hay net and reach for the AlvaGleam. Shake the bottle well and pour one quarter of the bottle into a clean dry bucket. Using a clean, dry sponge I repeat the same procedure as I applied AlvaSparkle the day before. On completion, using a clean dry velvet cloth, I polish him. The harder I polish, the better the gleam. AlvaDazzle his mane and tail again and comb through.

 

Step 6. AlvaShadow - Eye & Muzzle Highlighter

Put the bridle on, then using cotton pads, I apply AlvaShadow around his eyes and muzzle.

 

Breathe-in.

 

Lower the ramp, stand back and admire this "Work of Art" and then it’s off to do the business.

 

“Most people compete for pleasure, I compete to win and with the help of the products I have formulated, I believe I am giving my horse HIS BEST possible chance.”

 

My warmest regards,

Phil Bowen

AlvaHorse (Founder)