The benefits of getting your show horse used to the water

It's a good idea to get show horses used to water in the summer rainfall areas. Dr Mac explains why you should do this, and how.

- Dr Mac

It's raining hard, the grass is long and green, and the horses are chewing lazily on teff nets in the stables. They are all shiny, fat and very unfit. The lunging ring is 30cm deep in water - although it's designed to drain as it's made of sand. There is a huge debate on whether to lunge the horses on the slippery grass, or get them splashing knee-deep in the ring.

THE BEST OPTION

The ring is the best option. It's a good idea to get show horses used to water in the summer rainfall areas, especially as the main show is Horse of the Year, and although the date is shifting away from January towards March, it's going to be muddy.

Many top riders show at this event every year, and they are very snooty if your horse is scared of water. After all, they ride internationally in Britain, Europe and even Canada, and only show in South Africa because they like to visit their relatives here.