Jessi's Q & A - Summer 2008
By Jessica Lohman
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Q: I would appreciate some direction as a show mom regarding breakfast before horse shows. We had our first regional show this last weekend, and I was concerned about the food available before the show. Since we get our kids to the barn early to prepare, there really wasn’t much time to get them fed. Any suggestions?
A: As someone who shows, I know that in a weird way, eating is often the last thing on your mind. However, no one can function well without a good breakfast. Peanut butter on toast is good - the peanut butter has energy and makes you feel “full.” When we go away for days at a time to shows, I pack boxes of pretzels and vanilla wafers…just light foods that are also reasonably healthy. I agree that the greasy food at horse shows is often very expensive and unappetizing. Good luck this show season!
Q: During hot show days, what are some good ways to keep our horses cool?
A: Showing in the summer is a lot of fun… but it can be hard on your horse. Here are some ideas if you are shipping in for the day to a show:
- Take a small generator to hook fans into. Place the fans at a safe distance from your horse as he stands on the trailer.
- Take water from home! Often times, horses won’t drink the “strange” water at the horse shows. Taking your water from home in large containers will encourage your horse to drink. Don’t forget to add some electrolytes into your water!
- This last point is very important. When your horse is hot and sweaty after a workout – Do not hose him off with ice cold water. That will cause his muscles to really tense up. Thoroughly sponge him off with room temperature/warm water. Adding Vetrolin® Linament to the water will soothe his muscles and make him feel more comfortable and relaxed (not to mention, it’s one of the best smelling products in the world!).
