What are your best kept tips, tools, and tricks?

[Xanthoria]

Bummer! We have tons of Ryobi tools and they’ve been amazing!

[applelover]

That is cool! I would want to keep the water cold, but I might look into getting one of these for my (human) classroom.

[add_leg]

I’ll add: fire extinguisher IN truck as well. Have seen incidents where people didn’t have time to get to the trailer tack room. I keep one in each.

I have a set of Ryobi tools I keep in the trailer - impact wrench, tire inflator and bright floodlight. I have a full set at home of regular ones too, including a useful converter to USB/AC outlets I’ve taken to shows to charge things.

If you show off your trailer, fans installed that run off a solar powered battery. Wasn’t expensive to add and they’re fabulous.

Car scratch cream will take minor scratches out of most of the plastic shell helmets.

[CatchMeIfUCan]

@FrittSkritt

When getting ready for an event, I try to use the mindset of “If it can be done now, do it.” E.g., don’t leave everything until the night before. I pack my show bag (clothes), shine my boots, clean my show bridles, and put it in the truck a couple of days in advance, so it’s one less thing to think about the night before/morning of.

This before and at the event. This is the difference between a groom and top groom. My day is already set up at least the night before so all I have to do is focus on helping my horses be the best and getting the day of jobs done. Bridles are set, saddle pads have numbers, boots are ready, backpack is loaded, cooler has drinks, etc. I also muck continuously (even with 6 horses) all day long so the job never takes more than 5 minutes. Find a system that is the least amount of steps for you and stick to the process. I also prefer to have the least amount of “stuff” possible. Just makes it easier to find things and set up etc. I don’t use a ton of unnecessary creams, sprays, etc and have my extra spares and parts all meticulously organized.

My only two turn out products are Olive Oil Sheen spray and coconut body oil from Walmart and a good set of Haas brushes.

I keep all of my competition stuff in the trailer so all I have to pack is bits, grain, and hay. I also keep a small bin of back ups of my regularly used items like fly spray, shampoo, etc so that if I run out when I’m away, I just grab a new one. Probably not necessary if you don’t go away a lot but is super handy if you do.

Keep a laundry basket in the trailer to put your dirty stuff in so you can take it to the washer easily.

[TwiSedai]

@CatchMeIfUCan

My only two turn out products are Olive Oil Sheen spray and coconut body oil from Walmart and a good set of Haas brushes.

How do you use the coconut body oil? (World’s worst groom asking )

[CatchMeIfUCan]

I use it in place of baby oil so on the knees, hocks, muzzle, and eyes for dressage. I also use it for dry skin and on ankles to keep them soft. I use black make up from Smart Grooming for three days so use that for trot ups and dressage there (so I guess technically that’s three products for turn out ).

Smart Grooming also has the best quartermarking tools too in my opinion so if anyone wants to get into next level turnout and places an order, I recommend those too. PM me and I’m happy to show you how I use them.