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FPS/FHANA Inspection Check-List
The day of the keur can be somewhat overwhelming for those bringing their horses to be judged, especially for newcomers to the breed. To make sure things run smoothly, try making up a checklist to ensure you have everything you need for the big day. Below is an example checklist of tips, originally written up for the FHCNE, to help you ensure at least an organized, if not anxiety-free Inspection trip.
- Fill out and send in your Inspection Application and money to FHANA by the deadline. Sending in your applications late is a hassle for everyone, including you, as the FHANA late fees get very expensive very quickly. Check the FHANA website for judging and registration fees.
- Send in your site registration fee to the organization hosting your local Inspection. This fee is separate from those you send to FHANA, and go towards the possible costs of renting the grounds, making up keur programs, etc.
- Make sure all of your horses are up to date on vaccinations and Coggins.Follow the same guidelines as you would going to any horse show or event. Also check ahead of time to be sure that the farm or grounds where the Inspection is being held does not require any additional shots or paperwork.
- Bring all your ORIGINAL paperwork/registration information that you have for your horse. For foals, this is the Birth Acknowledgment (blue temporary paper), for 3 year olds, their Foal Book Registration Certificate, for older horses already in the Studbook, their Studbook Registration Certificate. Depending upon what rating your horse receives, the judges will take these back to the FPS, where the information will be processed before they issue you new papers with the appropriate changes.
- Make copies of all your paperwork to keep for yourself. This is an important precaution to take, just in case something happens to the paperwork or the mailing of it is delayed, and you need proof of your horse's registration. It is also nice to have for posterity, as you are issued new papers, and likely won't see the old ones again.
- Bring cash to pay the runners. Bring enough money in cash (they cannot accept checks) to pay the runners for running each of your horses. The runners work extraordinarily hard to show the horses to their best, so it is also polite to thank them and give them a tip if your horse ends up doing particularly well.
- Packing List
- Grooming supplies - hard and soft body brushes, hoofpick, hairbrushes, towels, detangler, show sheen, hoof black, baby oil, etc.
- Bathing supplies - if you will be arriving the day before and plan to clip & bathe on the grounds instead of at home.
- Necessities - hay, grain, feed & water buckets, a hose & nozzle, muck buckets & rakes, shavings.
- Tack - a bridle with jointed snaffle bit, and reins or a presentable chain lead if you are showing an adult horse (3 and older), a halter and soft lead if you are bringing a foal. Some basic leather cleaning supplies might come in handy too.
- First Aid - as always, have some basic first aid equipment on hand.
- Clothes. If you plan on presenting your own horse (which is not generally recommended, as the runners do such a good job) you will need proper attire. Generally a white shirt and/or white or khaki pants, with good running sneakers. Even if you don't plan to run your horse yourself, you will be asked to come in and walk your horse in a group at one point. In this case, you don't have to worry too much about your appearance, though good, comfortable shoes are always necessary as you may be walking for quite some time.
- Bring a camera! For obvious reasons. Most sites hire a photographer, but it never hurts to take some extra snapshots, or have someone video your horse's run.
- Be ready for all weather! The Inspection is almost never cancelled for weather reasons, so if the forecast looks ominous, be ready for you and your horse to stand in the cold and the pouring rain. Jackets, gloves, horse blankets/sheets, rain slickers, waterproof boots, towels, etc.
- Check in with the event coordinators on the day of the Inspection, to submit your horse's health paperwork and to get your horse's number. Don't forget to put the number on the halter or bridle when you go into the ring.
- Know where you are in the order of go. Check the program to see when your horse will be going. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare, and be on time. It is important to be ready at ringside when the horse before you leaves the arena, so that the process is not held up for everyone. The judges are on a schedule and may need to catch a plane the same day. Standing ringside is also a good time to give your horse a final primping and make sure that there are no stray pieces of hay or shavings in the tail and feathers.
- Do not leave the grounds after your horse has been judged!! Foals need to be DNA tested and micro-chipped, and adults entering the studbook need to be measured for height requirements. This is always done at the end of the day after the last horse has been inspected, and is required in order for your horse to be registered correctly.
- And of course, last but not least, don't forget your horse!
Did we miss something?
If you can think of something important to add to the list, let us know: friesiancrazy@gmail.com