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Phil
Bowen (founder) ALVA INTERNATIONAL Ltd.
Preparing
his many times, Supreme Champion 15h.h Welsh Cob Stallion
Rhystyd Dazzler for his show. |
The
day before the show
First step is to lead him into a clean bed-free stable. With luke
warm water I start on his hoofs scrubbing with a stiff brush and
scraping off all the mess, working my way up his legs.
Next wet his tail and remove all loose dirt, then his mane and
forelock, lastly his back.
When the entire loose dirt has been removed, I then repeat the
process with a good quality shampoo (I use Head and Shoulders,
it is good and works out to be very economical.)
I always try to avoid shampoo around the eyes nostrils and inside
his ears, as the mucous membranes can get sore. I do have a little
trick for not letting the soapsuds into the nostrils and above
all the eyes; this is to smear ALVASHADOW around the eyes and
nostrils before using the shampoo. This I find helps to stop the
shampoo from entering these areas and also has a calming effect
on the nervous or worried Horse. Leave on for a great shine.
I have found it better to pour the shampoo along the brush when
in the upside down position (the brush, not me) and then scrub
the horse slowly to start, giving him time to realize it is nice
to be massaged. When I have scrubbed him all over I rinse off
all the shampoo and repeat the process again until the rinsing
water dripping from under his belly is clear.
I then give him his final wash with ALVATEATREE MEDICATED SHAMPOO.
Next job, using a rubber scraper, removes excess water. Pour approximately
250ml (One Quarter of a Litre Bottle) of ALVASPARKLE into a clean,
dry bucket. Put a clean, dry sponge into the bucket, let it absorb
the ALVASPARKLE and gently squeeze until it stops dripping. Start
on the left side of the horse's neck, pressing sponge and move
down towards his withers and along his back (Caution: when applied
to ridden horses, avoid saddle area as ALVASPARKLE provides a
high gloss finish and the saddle may slip as a result), covering
him all over with ALVASPARKLE. This will seal his coat and reduce
stable staining. Repeat process on the right side until horse
is covered.
Spray ALVADAZZLE on mane and tail, combing after applying. Comb
small areas at a time, being careful not to break or damage healthy
hair.
He's looking good! Now back into his stable on a fresh bed of
straw.
Show Day
My nerves are now bubbling but I never show the horse how I'm
feeling. Load him; check my list to make sure I've got everything.
On arrival, check horse and offer him water, collect my number
and then back to the lorry to lightly brush the horse. This I
find relaxes him and gives him time to unwind after the journey.
One hour before his class, I remove his hay net and reach for
the ALVAGLEAM. Shake the bottle well and pour one quarter of the
bottle into a clean dry bucket. Using a clean, dry sponge I repeat
the procedure the same way as I applied ALVASPARKLE the day before.
On completion, using a clean dry velvet cloth, I polish him. The
harder I polish, the better the gleam. ALVADAZZLE his mane and
tail again and comb through.
Put the bridle on, then using cotton pads I apply ALVASHADOW around
his eyes and muzzle.
Lower the ramp, stand back and admire this work of art and then
it's off to do the business.
Most
people compete for pleasure, I compete to win and with the help
of the products I have formulated, I believe I am giving my horse
HIS BEST possible chance.
www.alva-inter.com
Email: phil@alva-inter.com
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