Sep 23, 2016

Tips and Tricks of the Trade: Kathleen Murray's Secret Grooming Weapons

Copper Beach looking impeccably groomed at the Rolex Kentucky First Horse Inspection. USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo.

Tips and Tricks of the Trade is an article series that gives you the industry secrets from the best grooms in the country, and it is brought to you by Athletux.

At any show impeccable turnout is essential. From your tack to the braids to the sheen of your horse’s coat, how you present yourself and your horse makes a lasting impression. Want to up your game? Make a note of the three things world-class groom Kathleen Murray wouldn’t head to a show without:

Kathleen and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo via BDJ's Facebook Page.

My Quarter Mark Brush - A good quatermark finishes your look, and you want it to last. It all starts with your brush. You want a brush with very stiff, short bristles. My favorite is the Haas Kinderwurzel brush.

Witch Hazel – Traveling from show to show means new stalls, shavings and places to roll! This also means the word we all dread: hives. Worry not, witch hazel can save the day. I keep a spray bottle of witch hazel and mist it over the horses in their daily grooming to keep skin problems at bay.

Braiding Kit – Stand out braids start with the right tools. Compile a kit, and leave it in your trailer so you’re prepared at all times. Here’s what I always include:

  • Quickbraid, or hairspray if you get desperate!
  • A large, dull metal needle with a large eye for easy threading
  • Mane pulling comb to create perfectly even sections
  • Small scissors
  • A stool, to make your life easier!
  • Wax thread for perfect, tight braids that last all day

Whether you’re at a schooling show or riding down the centerline at Rolex, turnout is of the upmost importance, and the right tools make all the difference! Happy showing!

Sep 22, 2023 Young Event Horse

The Dutta Corporation Returns as Title Sponsor of the USEA Young Event Horse Championships

The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is humbled to announce the return of long-time partner The Dutta Corporation as the “Title Sponsor of the 2023 USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Championships,” which include the East Coast Championships at the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill in Elkton, Maryland, on Oct. 19-20 and the West Coast Championships at Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, California, on Oct. 27-28.

Sep 20, 2023 Sponsor

How a Helmet Saved Silva Martin

When Team SmartPak Rider Silva Martin saddles up, it’s always with a helmet. Silva’s riding career has taken her from Germany all across the world before she settled in the United States in 2007—well before helmets were popular in dressage. When the traditional top hat ruled the dressage ring, riders often schooled in baseball caps or nothing at all.

Sep 20, 2023 Area Championships

Meet the 11 New Champions from the Area VII Championships at Aspen Farms

Aspen Farms in Yelm, Washington, served as the beautiful backdrop for this year’s USEA Area VII Championships. In total, there were 11 championship divisions offered from the Beginner Novice level through Intermediate, in addition to the event’s regular horse trial divisions. USEA President Lou Leslie was onsite to lend a helping hand and help issue awards during the prize-giving ceremonies. Meet the 11 new USEA Area VII Champions below!

Sep 19, 2023 Eventing News

In Memoriam: Mr. Medicott

The USEA is sad to report that Mr. Medicott (Cruising x Slieveluachra) passed away on September 17 at Ms. Jacqueline Mars’ Stonehall Farm in Virginia where he has enjoyed his retirement since 2019. The Irish Sport Horse gelding made quite the mark on the sport of eventing in the U.S., completing more than 50 FEI events over the course of his career with five different riders and finishing in the top 10 at 30 of those competitions. Mr. Medicott attended two Olympic Games and one World Equestrian Games for two different countries over the course of his career. “Cave,” as he was known around the barn, was 24 years old at the time of his death.

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