CHF Aggie and Josie at the Oklahoma State Fair Gypsy Show

After a show, it is time for reflection and assessment!  There is always room for improvement and when you are trainer and breeder but not a professional show trainer, it is a growth process.  Entering into the limelight is not easy and requires attention to detail.  So to begin, a general check list is in order.  Over time, this list will grow as you become more savvy with your wants and needs.

In the meantime, start now getting everything together…in buckets, covered bins, roll about trunks…whatever you can afford.  Prior to leaving, start checking your list ( we will offer a detailed list later….this is just to get you thinking about organization!)

You will want to leave home with a Clean Horse, Clean Tack, Organized supplies (brushes, conditioners, clippers, washing needs as in a hose), Medical Kit ( your vet can help you put one together), Clean Show Clothes plus extra, just in case!… with clean place to hang and store till needed, and all essential paper work required for travel and show. When you get to the show grounds, it will be a bit hectic, but stay calm and organized.
Allow time for settling in and daily exercise on the show grounds. Day one will be spent setting up your area, checking against your list ( thank goodness, Walmart is usually close by)  It is helpful to have a stall for cleaning and touch ups for the horse as well as one for the human contingent!  For privacy, stall drapes will provide a place to quickly change an outfit or just sit and chill for a moment.  A lunge line is useful as well as wraps to keep all that Gypsy hair cleaner.  Speaking of which, having tried many things to brighten the whites, marking chaulk is brilliant.  A hair dryer can be a handy item, but the chaulk will assist in the drying.  This should be attended to on day one.  One note here:  Most horses travel without any problem.  But, it is always advisable to administer a probiotic the day before you leave and for a day or two after arrival.  It helps their system settle and the green soup is usually minimized.
More to follow…………………..