Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event unofficially begins Wednesday with the first jog or horse inspection, scheduled at 3:00 p.m EST. At all Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) sanctioned events, the veterinary delegate and the ground jury evaluate each competing horse twice–once prior to the competition (Wednesday) and once prior to the show jumping phase (the third and final phase)–to ensure he is fit to compete (Sunday).
“During the (first veterinary) exam the horse is identified according to its passport, its vaccination status is verified, and it is established that the horse does not have apparent contagious or infectious disease,” explained Lisa Crump, DVM, associate veterinarian for the 2012 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, in TheHorse.com Article #29022. “The baseline health is evaluated by a physical examination, including listening to heart and lungs, palpating limbs to investigate abnormalities, and (making) general observations.”
In addition to the practical matters of fitness and soundness, and particularly when the public is admitted to the jog, horse appearance and “trot-up outfits” (the rider’s attire) are of importance. In the following excerpt from MODERN EVENTING WITH PHILLIP DUTTON, Phillip’s former “Head Girl” Emma Ford shares her secrets to a successful jog, and Phillip provides a rundown on basic attire Dos and Donts.
A limited number of copies of MODERN EVENTING WITH PHILLIP DUTTON will be available for purchase and signing at Rolex Kentucky. CLICK HERE to read more about the special events planned for the weekend, and be sure to stop by the Cosequin booth in the Sponsor Village to find out the exact times for book signings and your chance to win great prizes, including a Gift Bucket full of Cosequin products, plus a copy of MODERN EVENTING WITH PHILLIP DUTTON and a $50 gift certificate to spend on books and DVDs at the TSB online bookstore (www.HorseandRiderBooks.com).
PREP FOR THE JOG
from MODERN EVENTING WITH PHILLIP DUTTON by Phillip Dutton with Amber Heintzberger
Out of respect for the judges (and because sometimes they offer great prizes for the best turned-out horse and rider), both should be immaculately turned out for the presentation to the Ground Jury. Below is a step-by-step description of how Phillip Dutton’s former “Head Girl” Emma Ford prepares each horse for the jog:
For the Wednesday jog Phillip normally rides the horse in the morning and then jogs him by hand to make sure that he is sound.
- I give each horse a full bath including twice cleaning any white socks.
- After the bath I use Cowboy Magic Super Bodyshine™ (CHARMAR ®) and spray it all over the horse and rub it in with a towel. It doesn’t make the coat slippery.
- I put some detangler in the tail then put a tail wrap on while the tail is still wet; this remains on until just before Phillip jogs him out.
- I braid the horse, increasing the number of braids from the 12–15 that I normally put in for a Horse Trials competition to 14–18 in for the jog. This lengthens the appearance of the horse’s neck—for aesthetic purposes.
- Once the horse is ready I make sure the jog bridle is spotless and use metal polish to bring buckles to a shine.
- Phillip likes to have the horse walking about 20 to 30 minutes prior to his jog time, so 30 minutes before that I bring him out of his stall, brush him off, rub him over with a towel, put Afro-Sheen™ (Johnson Products) in the tail and make sure the tail wrap is still in place.
- I put baby oil on the skin around the eyes and muzzle.
- For chestnuts, bays and black horses, I rub baby oil into my hands and run it down the crest of their neck and their legs to pick up any dust that might have accumulated.
- I pick out the feet.
- I use hoof oil on the walls and soles.
- I add quarter markers to the hindquarters.
- I like to put boots on prior to the jog to prevent any silly accidents that might prevent the horse from jogging up sound.
- Then, I put the bridle on, and he’s ready for Phillip. (If you’re riding and by yourself, get the horse ready, then get dressed before you put the bridle on.)
- Be aware of the weather; when it’s on the cool side, ensure the horse is warm while you are waiting so his muscles don’t tighten up.
Fashion Dos and Don’ts from Phillip:
It is important to wear something comfortable enough to jog in, which will not distract you or the ground jury from the main focus: your horse. Men are safe wearing khaki pants and a sport coat, adding a touch of style with an accessory like a hat or cowboy boots. Women can be a little more daring with skirts or dresses and fancy shoes, but a flapping mini skirt or tottering heels is unprofessional and distracting. Keep your style classic and simple for the best results, especially when it comes to footwear. Unless you are really comfortable jogging along next to a thousand pounds of horseflesh while wearing 3-inch heels, opt for something a little more practical.
DO
- Wear pants that fit well. It may be worth hiring a tailor to get the right length and cut.
- Coordinate your outfit to complement your horse. This is your chance to highlight your assets—take advantage of the opportunity.
- Polish your shoes. You polish your riding boots, you polish your horse’s hooves, so take the time to polish your “jog” shoes, as well. Whether they are old paddock boots or Italian dress shoes, make sure they are clean and shiny.
- Wear something that you like that flatters your body type. Fashion trends come and go, but nothing compares to feeling your best in whatever clothes you wear. If you like to take fashion risks, feel free to express yourself within reason, but if your style is more conservative, that’s fine, too.
DON’T
- Wear clogs. Sprawling head over heels as you twist an ankle in these barn favorites will not earn favor with the ground jury.
- Wear a skirt shorter than knee length. It should be of a heavy enough fabric that it does not flap around.
- Wear a big floppy hat without securing it to your head.
- Dress as if you are going out clubbing or to a dance party.
- Wear anything with stains on it. Yes, it’s hard to stay clean when you are working with horses. Wear something over your nice clothes to keep them clean while you are getting ready, or have someone help you with your horse.
Read another FREE EXCERPT from MODERN EVENTING WITH PHILLIP DUTTON by CLICKING HERE.
Look for the Free Chapter Download link in red! And don’t forget to preorder your copy. Books ship at the end of May, 2013.
