A dose of “good horse sense” by participants at summertime equine shows can help both animal and owner to excel while showing.

Dave Freeman, PhD, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension equine specialist, said special attention to a horse’s management and health program is a necessity during the show season.

“Horse shows break up an animal’s normal daily routine,” Freeman said. “The ability to manage these disruptions and their effect on an animal often will be the difference whether or not a horse is able to operate at peak performance during a show.”

First, it is advisable to keep the horse on its routine diet during shows. This will not only help to maintain the animal’s nutritional status while away from home, it can also help the horse to remain healthy