| Feeding the morning should be done at least 4 | | | | horses pulse, temperature and respiration is |
| hours before the start of the competition. Small | | | | determined as well as soundness. Once this has |
| concentration feed the morning of the event is | | | | been done the groom(s) can get to work |
| important to remember as it will help keep the | | | | preparing him for phase D. He will need washing |
| digestive juices of the horse going and prevent | | | | down, particularly on his head, neck and legs (be |
| colic from occurring. Feeding hay before | | | | sure to use suitable water temperature and |
| competing is not recommended as blood is better | | | | amounts depending on the environmental |
| used to take oxygen to the muscles rather than | | | | conditions), clean around his mouth, dry off as |
| being used to assist digestion. | | | | best as possible, cover with a rug to prevent |
| It is wise to have assistance in preparing for in | | | | from getting a chill then he should be lead around. |
| between phase B and C. During this break and | | | | a few minutes before he is to begin phase D his |
| preferably whilst the horse is still walking, the | | | | rug should come off, tack secured correctly again, |
| horse can be washed down to reduce sweat if it | | | | legs should get greased and final tack check done |
| is particularly hot, have its soundness checked, | | | | once rider has mounted. |
| shoes checked and tack checked. | | | | After the competition all tack should be removed, |
| At the end of phase C during the compulsory 10 | | | | a sweat rug should be put on and additional rugs if |
| minute break before phase D the horse can be | | | | its cold. The horse should be offered a small drink |
| attended to. The groom should have equipment | | | | of water (not too cold so as to shock his warm |
| ready prior to the horse finishing phase C. A | | | | system); electrolytes can be added to the water |
| suggested list of suitable equipment may include; | | | | if it has been a particularly hot / humid day, all |
| Hot and cold water, sponges, sweat scraper, | | | | boots and bandages are to be taken off the |
| towels, Sweat rug, a spare set of shoes with | | | | horse and he should be taken to the horsebox / |
| studs already in place, spare tack, spare boots, | | | | stable. Once there his studs can them be |
| grease, jacket, gloves and drink for the rider and | | | | removed, he can be washed down and rugs |
| hoof pick. During this time the horse undergoes a | | | | applied again. |
| vet check of varying degrees and where the | | | | |