Horse Pre-Show Prep: The 48-Hour Plan
Arrive loose—not lethargic. This calm, sensation-free plan covers the final 48 hours: packing, mobility blocks, soft-tissue priming, travel, and a fast post-haul reset.
Speakable summary: Use this 48-hour plan to keep your horse show-ready: short mobility, sensation-free soft-tissue priming, and a quick post-haul reset. Stay calm and consistent—no heat, no sting, just smooth movement.
Why a 48-Hour Plan Works
Two days give you enough time to tune range of motion, confirm packing, and manage energy without changing training. The goal is poised—not peaked. Keep sessions short, focused, and familiar.
A light pre-ride pass of Draw It Out® 16oz Gel supports soft tissue without heat or sting, so horses stay settled and attentive.
The 48-Hour Timeline
T-48 to T-36 Hours: Confirm & Calm
- Mobility pass (10–12 min): walk-in, gentle figures, 2–3 raised walk poles.
- Soft-tissue prime: light pass of Draw It Out® Gel to forearms, gaskins, hamstrings, lumbar.
- Checklist: Coggins/health cert, entry confirmations, times, directions, stabling details.
T-24 Hours: Short & Familiar
- Ride: keep it smooth and routine; skip novel drills.
- Prime: sensation-free gel pre-ride; MasterMudd™ for any known hotspots.
- Pack: see the Barn-Ready list below; stage feed/water gear for haul.
T-12 Hours (Evening Before): Set the Table
- Light hand-walk: 6–8 minutes; confirm shoes/boots fit and clean.
- Coat & skin touch-ups: quick groom; keep products consistent.
- Load vehicle: tack, show pad, spares, documents, first-aid, cooling sheet.
T-4 Hours (Show Morning): Poised, Not Peaked
- Walk-in & ROM: large circles, straight lines, 1–2 pole passes.
- Soft-tissue prime: a quick pass of Draw It Out® Gel; roll tight spots with the Cryo Massage Ball.
- Warm-up: keep your normal sequence; short and confidence-building.
On the Grounds: Top-Offs Only
- Settle: brief walk-around to map the space.
- Micro-reset: 2 minutes of walk + figures; avoid over-schooling ringside.
- Timing: finish warm-up while horse still feels elastic and eager.
Packing & Paperwork Checklist
- Health papers (Coggins, health certificate), entries, stall info, directions.
- Tack, show pad, spare reins, hole punch, extra stirrup leather/keeper.
- Grooming kit, towels, rub rag; ringside kit stocked.
- Draw It Out® 16oz Gel, MasterMudd™ EquiBrace, Cryo Massage Ball.
- Travel first-aid, spare bell/brush boots, cooler/sheet.
Show-Morning Routine (15 Minutes)
- Walk & scan (3–4 min): smooth range, check demeanor, note anything “new.”
- Prime (2–3 min): light pass of Draw It Out® Gel to high-load areas.
- Neuromuscular wake-up (5–6 min): small figures, a few transitions, 1–2 ground pole passes.
- Mount & flow (3–4 min): stay inside your normal warm-up rhythm.
Post-Haul Reset (6–8 Minutes)
- Walk-out: big loops and straight lines to re-balance.
- Soft-tissue pass: quick Draw It Out® Gel application to forearms/gaskins/hamstrings/lumbar.
- Two micro-drills: tiny figure-eights or raised walk poles to restore rhythm.
If you see heat, swelling, marked asymmetry, or behavior change: pause and consult your veterinarian or qualified bodyworker.
Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel
Shop 16oz GelMasterMudd™ EquiBrace
Shop MasterMudd™Cryo Massage Ball
Shop Cryo Massage BallBuild Your Own Barn-Ready Bundle
Customize Your BundlePre-Show FAQs
How long should the last ride be before a show?
Short and familiar—enough to feel elastic and attentive. Skip heavy schooling and novelty.
Can I apply liniment before riding on show day?
Yes. Use a sensation-free option like Draw It Out® Gel so there’s no heat or sting—horses stay calm and focused.
What’s the fastest way to reset after hauling?
Walk 4–5 minutes, apply a light gel pass to high-load areas, then do two micro-drills (small figures or pole passes) to restore rhythm.
Should I change feed or routine during show week?
No. Keep nutrition and tack routine consistent; pre-show is about predictability, not experiments.
