Over the years, trainers and exhibitors have experimented with several grooming and “Go-To” products, and they have come up with their favorite must-have items.
There are some products that we have never heard of or even tried ourselves, while others are classic, old-school supplies that have been in everyone’s groom box for years.
Read on and you may find a product you have never tried that may be a lifesaver or turn into one of your most loved items at horse shows.
Do you have a favorite product? Let us know.
Tom and Mary Robertson – There are several products that we couldn’t live without. World Champion Pepi is our go-to product for laying down manes, and the top of the tail and that final shine just before entering the ring. The other is Infusium – it’s a human product that we buy in bulk! We use it to keep tails tangle free, and we use it on the entire body daily, as well as before entering the ring. It is an oil-free product, which makes it great for using this time of year when we show in the outdoor sun. ShowSheen is also a standard with our horses everyday, as well as just before entering the ring. It allows the dust to wipe off quickly.
Blake Carney – I think our favorite product is called “My Pet Sunblock,” and we use it for leg and face whitening rather than baby powder or corn starch. It seems to stick a little easier and goes a very long way for a small amount…who knew?
Don and Joetta Bell – Wipe N Spray fly spray. It makes them shine. I also love my tiny Wahl clippers. They’re small enough to get in the horse’s ears and are battery operated so they’re a super fast and easy clip. Both of these items are always in my groom bag.
Vanessa Froman – We always keep a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol in our “crash cart.” If the horses get a small stain on their white, we can spritz it with the rubbing alcohol and rub it clean with a towel. It’s the best emergency spot remover when we don’t have time to wash and dry before show time. Kenny Crull taught me that trick. Since having children, I’ve learned how versatile baby wipes are. Now, I always have a package in my groom bag. In fact, they are on my Costco shopping list right now to restock them.
Larry Spratto – ShowSheen, Pepi, Healthy Hair.
Carey Nowacek – I think Pepi. We use it for everything.
Meghan Tierney – I like to spray hair mousse in my horse’s mane and tail braids to help hold them and avoid fly-aways. Just be sure to wash the hair after you take them out.
Farley McLendon – My list is fundamental, Shapley’s black spray paint, Silverado face glo, ShowSheen and quick braid. Those are my must-haves.
Melissa Maxwell – Miracle groom. We were test dummies during product development in the 90’s. Twenty years later, it is still the most versatile thing in my groom bag.
Sarah Elder Chabot – I love Healthy Hair Care Coat conditioner. I spray it all over and in the tail. Put a sheet on, and the next day they look shiny and beautiful.
Alyse Roberts – Baby Wipes. You can never have enough of them around. They’re good for polishing dirt off boots, dirty noses, sweat…most anything.
Lynne Puthoff – I love Healthy Hair Care moisturizer at home; we use it daily. Then, at the shows, we use Silverado Coat Gloss. I love the ingredients in both.
Caitlin Schneider – ShowSheen, green spot remover, baby oil gel and Pepi. They’re all products that make everything come together just before the horse hits the show pen.
Heather Young – Grooming: Laser sheen, and B-Free of Flies Fly Spray. For pain relief – Draw It Out.
Torey Roderick – Cowboy Magic Super Body Shine. Lots of fly spray and electrical tape.
Erin Bradshaw – Go-to for me, and all my painted Indians, is Cowboy Magic Purple Shampoo.
Do you have a favorite Go-To product? Let us know.
