Showing a Hunter Horse: Do you use hoof polish?

[beau159]

I did a search on the forum and didn’t quite find the answer I was looking for.

Next year, I might show in Hunter under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, and Hunter Hack. This would be the first time I have shown in English events. It would be at local shows (not breed and not rated).

I’ve never paid attention before: Is it customary to use hoof polish on your horse for these events?

Clear or black?

Thanks!

[Kat]

I use dressing not polish, as do most people I think.
fiebings hoof dressing is pretty standard

[HRF_Second_Chance]

For breed shows yes you use hoof polish, typically the color of their feet. So if black hooves, black polish, if white clear.

[Appsolute]

For Hunter Jumper (not breed shows) hoof OIL is customary (or dressing, same thing).

A groom with a can ring side is a common sight

Wipe off feet after warm up - give a quick swipe with fresh oil - and off to the ring!

[Gorgonzola]

I wouldn’t worry about this at local shows however…

Yes, it adds to the presentation, but if you’re not braiding/not in a coat it’s not necessary.

[gottagrey]

Some people do for a class no matter what. Clear dressing/polish/oil for hunter shows.

[BITSA]

Clear (oil) and yes.

[Calvincrowe]

Oil, no polish for Hunter-- non breed/open shows!

[beau159]

Thank you for the comments!

[MHM]

If you don’t have somebody to paint the feet right before you go in the ring, you can do it before you get on to warm up. It won’t look quite as fresh, but the horse’s feet should still be fairly dark by the time you show.

[RugBug]

[QUOTE=Gorgonzola;7799413]
I wouldn’t worry about this at local shows however…

Yes, it adds to the presentation, but if you’re not braiding/not in a coat it’s not necessary.[/QUOTE]

It’s never a bad idea to be properly presented…even at a local show. I want to see hooves oiled even at wee schooling shows.

@MHM;7799631

If you don’t have somebody to paint the feet right before you go in the ring, you can do it before you get on to warm up. It won’t look quite as fresh, but the horse’s feet should still be fairly dark by the time you show.

If I don’t have someone that can or is willing to help with oil right before a class, I will put it on as soon as I unload from the trailer (one day shows, mind you.). The hoof oil will dry as the horse is standing munching on hay and then by the time we ride, it’s dry, but has darkened the hooves. Not my favorite way to do it, but sometimes it’s all the makes sense.

[JenEM]

[QUOTE=RugBug;7799643]

If I don’t have someone that can or is willing to help with oil right before a class, I will put it on as soon as I unload from the trailer (one day shows, mind you.). The hoof oil will dry as the horse is standing munching on hay and then by the time we ride, it’s dry, but has darkened the hooves. [/QUOTE]

This is more or less what I do as well. I’ll put it on after I’ve groomed but before I start tacking up, so before we head off to warmup, it’s dry-ish.

And I use it for everything. Local shows, dressage shows, events. Yes, I reapply between the dressage and SJ phases :winkgrin: It’s easy, it’s quick, and it looks nice. Hoof oil is one of those little turnout things that’s so inexpensive it’s practically free, so why not turn out as well as you can?

[riderank_makebank]

What brand of oil do you find works best?

[hunterrider23]

[QUOTE=riderank__makebank;7799788]
What brand of oil do you find works best?[/QUOTE]

I personally take the fiebings dressing and use that early, then buff it a bit so that it’s not wet anymore but retains that color that fiebings gives. Then I use the E3 oil (it’s basically just a clear oil, I have used just mineral oil or corn oil/vegetable oil before) right before I head out and polish again before I go in. I like the clear for the shine, and the fiebings for a little color and something that will stay visible.