Competition Grooming: Top Tips from Horse Grooms to Get Your Horse Show-Ready

Getting competition-ready isn’t just about riding, it’s about prepping your horse to look and feel its best. Our expert grooms share essential tips in three key areas to elevate your horse’s performance and presence.

1. Tack Cleaning: Make Every Piece Shine

A gleaming bridle and saddle give a polished, professional impression at any show. Here’s how grooms get it done right:

Top Tips from Pro Grooms:

Pro Bit Cleaning Tips:

“Take bits and stirrup irons home and pop them in the dishwasher to make them extra shiny” — Liz Daniels – Geoff Billington’s ex-groom and now British Grooms Association magazine editor
“Use a metal polish, such as Brasso, to polish any buckles and rings. This adds a little extra sparkle to your tack, which is particularly important when you’re going to a show.” Lucy Turner – Pippa Funnell’s ex-groom and H&R’s Horse Health Ed

Pro Saddlery Cleaning Tip: Use separate cloths for rinsing, soaping, and polishing — Darren Pote - Groom to Olympic Show Jumper.
Pro Leather Cleaning Tip: Use Saddle Oils only the Off Season and Black Glycerine Soap in the Season for cleaning - Marcello - professional polo groom

Favorite Tack Cleaning Products Recommended by the Professionals:

Brasso Stainless Steel Polish
Barkeepers Friend - Clean Stainless Steel
Black Glycerine Soap - Deep clean
Velvet Slick Groomer - Gentle Scrub with soap
Cleaning Rags to remove the dirt
Homemade Glycerine Soap with this recipe here

Step-by-Step:

Remove bits and irons; soak and polish.
Disassemble tack; clean leather with damp cloth and saddle soap.
Let leather dry before conditioning.
Polish metal with Brasso or boot polish.
Reassemble and use a soft cloth to buff.

Caring for your tack maintains longevity and ensures it looks top-tier under the lights.

2. Saddle Pad Cleaning: Care for Style & Function

A clean, well-maintained saddle pad means a happier, more comfortable horse.

Why It Matters:
Saddle pads trap sweat and dust, which can cause irritation. Regular cleaning keeps your pads fresh and helps preserve their shape.

Pro Tips:

Shake or beat pads after each ride to remove loose hair and dirt.
Use a mild soap and cold water; avoid fabric softeners.
Air-dry flat; heat damages the padding and shape.

Essential Tool: Our Velvet Slick Groomer is perfect for lifting embedded hairs and keeping fiber pads looking new. After washing and drying, brush pad with the groomer to revive its velvet finish—ready for your next ride.

3. Coat, Hooves & Eyes: The Grooming Three-Step Rule

Flawless turnout goes beyond tack: it’s coat, hooves, and eyes too.

Coat & Shine Tips:

Start with a curry comb or rubber mitt to lift dirt; then flick brush to shine, this stimulates oils and gives a show-ready gloss
Use a wool mitt or baby wipe for a final shine, especially on muzzle, eyes, and legs.
Opt for mild shampoo and sparing washing. Over-bathing strips natural oils. Try scrubbing that soap in with the Velvet Slick Groomer.
Finish your grooming session with the Velvet Slick Groomer to remove the last dust that your brushes bring up from under the coat.

Hoof Care:

Pick out hooves daily; clean feet are essential for soundness and show ring presentation.

Eye Look:

Wipe eyes with a damp gauze or cotton pad daily; this improves comfort and visual appearance leading into competition.

Final Note: Grooming is Bonding

These grooming routines don’t just prepare for the ring; they strengthen your bond with your horse. Thoughtful care reflects dedication and sets the tone for your entire partnership.

Must-Have: Velvet Slick Groomer

Remove dust and lift fibers from your saddle pads after cleaning. A quick brush brings back that polished, executive-level appearance, making your pads pop under the show lights.

Ready to look and ride your best?

Explore more competition-ready tools and gear in our B&W Lux Collection featuring saddle pads, browbands, boots, and more.