Tips to be Show Ready

Do you think your animals are show ready? Our experts have compiled a list of tips to help you prepare for the big event.

1. Pay Close Attention to Diet

Monitoring what your animal eats will help you ensure it's on the right growth track for its class. Pay attention to it's eating habits and make sure your animal is getting the proper nutrients. It's important to stock up on supplements that will support the animal's appetite. Products like Sullivan's Supply Sunglo 2 The Fullest helps enhance feed efficiency while increasing their fiber digestion and water consumption. For horses we recommend a high-fat energy supplement like Kentucky Performance EndurExtra that will support a hearty appetite, maintain a desirable body weight, boost immune system and promotes healthy muscle function.

• Sullivan's Supply 2 The Fullest : This product should be fed at the rate of about 0.5% of body weight - along with ration that the animal has been typically consuming. Feeding Instructions - Show Cattle need 5 - 10lbs per day or to desired fill. Sheep and Goats 0.25 - 1.5lbs per day or to desired fill.

• Kentucky Performance EndurExtra High-Fat Energy :  EndurExtra provides 50% fat in a blend including Equi-Jewel rice bran, soybean oil, and flax. Feeding Instructions - Feed 4oz of EndurExtra twice daily. *As with any change in your horse’s diet, we recommend introducing EndurExtra in small amounts and slowly increasing to the full serving (4 oz twice daily) over a period of a week to 10 days.

Shop all livestock supplements here

Keep in mind, many animals get nervous in new environments like stock shows, jackpots and many more events. If anxiety starts to kick in, we recommend using calming supplements like Focus, Show Calf 2, Composed or Equi+Calm to help it relax and fight off any discomfort.

• Sullivan Supply FOCUS : You can keep you animal calm & focused without the risk of becoming groggy. Blended with natural ingredients, it's guaranteed that Focus is completely safe for all animals. Administration Instructions - Focus is a liquid can be given by mouth or mixed into their feed one to two hours before showing. Re-administer as needed. For cattle provide 15 - 30ml, 10 - 15ml for swine, and 5 - 10ml for sheep and goats.

• Show Calf 2 : Both Sullivan Supply and Oralx Corp make a Show Calf 2 oral calming supplement! The Oralx Corp Show Calf 2 has two full doses of L-Tryptophan, Magnesium, and Vitamin B-6 and is designed to fit the guidelines of various associations, herbs such as valerian root have been left out. Administration Instructions - 32ml tube works on cattle up to a 1000lbs, give paste 2 - 3 hours before showing. 

• OE Composed : Made in both a paste form and granules and can be used together! The Composed granules are to be used as a daily supplement, but the paste is more for a quick fix all while allowing the horse to still work at a highly effective level. OE Composed is a test free formula with no added sugars! Administration Instructions - The 3lb granule bucket is designed to be fed up to a 48 day supply while the oral calming paste provides 4 doses per tube! 

• Equi+Calm : English Riding Supply's Equi+Calm paste and pellets were developed by some of the best vets in the industry! Designed to achieve and maintain a calm, confident and comfortable horse during times of stress or anxiety and reduces adrenaline while increasing endorphins.'Equi+Calm is the solution for nervous horses who tend to spook, lose focus, become easily distracted or harbor tension' (ERS) Administration Instructions - For the paste you'll want to administer one tube the night before and one tube the morning of performance. 

See other calming supplements from NRS.

2. Remember the Importance of Grooming and Coat Care.

When it comes to shows, never underestimate the condition of your animal's coat and skin. While cleanliness is important, numerous washing and drying can create dryness and dandruff. The right care will give your animal's coat and skin the strength and beauty it needs for show day. For shiny, healthy, beautiful coats, try products like Knotty Horse Apricot Oil and Weaver Show Shine. Made to freshen up your animal's hair and keep it looking healthy, both of these products have a pleasant scent and are easy to spray right before entering the show ring. Best of all, it requires no wash out!

See other grooming and show products from NRS.

3. Organize Your Showbox

Let's be honest— failing to organize your showbox or trailer and stocking it with the right materials can potentially hurt your chances of winning. The last thing you want on the day of the show is to grab for something you need and not find it. Before the big day, make a checklist of all the items you want to have on hand. This will help you to not only be prepared but you'll be setting yourself up for success. You'll want to have important items ready like paper towels, grooming supplies, show halters, medical supplies and more. We also recommend using a travel-friendly showbox to avoid additional travel hassles like the Weaver Leather Galvanized Showbox.

• Wheeled frame provides added support under door to take stress of hinges
• Rounded corners and rolled edges help reduce cuts or scrapes
• Door includes three hooks and shelves for halters, liquids and aerosols, and more
• Shelves and drawer hold grooming equipment, tools and show day products
• Large bottom shelf can fit a blower, gallon products, clipper boxes and other larger items
• Size: 24" W x 46-1/2" H x 24" D
• Weight: 125 lbs.
• 69-5012

Check out our other galvanized showboxes here

4. Don't Forget the Everyday Essentials.

The items you use on a regular basis are just as important for show day. We recommend that you remember items for tidying up like shovels and rakes along with other essentials like hay* and shavings. While items like these may seem logical, they're commonly forgotten. Make sure you stock up and prepare so your animal is show ready.

5. Dress for the Occasion

With all of your gear packed and the training complete, you're finally show ready! Remember, both you and your animal’s presence and attitude are taken into account by the judges. Along with being polite and respectful in and out of the ring, wearing the proper attire will help you portray professionalism. The right hats, footwear, men's clothing and women's clothing are a crucial part of making a good impression, so make sure you dress for the occasion. After you've suited up, take a deep breath, relax, and have fun!

6. Make Note of Important Information.

Do your research and know your schedule, class, and check-in procedures. It’s important to stay on task and on time. Review the show's premium list (or show rule book) to find important information such as who your judge will be and more. You can also find more information via the county extension office.

Get Ready for the Fort Worth Stock Show with NRS

At NRS, we're here to help you get stock show ready and for your next horse show. You've put in all the hard work and training — let us take care of the rest. Shop our show accessories and show equipment for the perfect items to help you win big. We look forward to providing you with top-quality products and unparalleled service!