🐴 Sam’s Truck Series, Pt. 3: Grooming & Pre-Ride Care

The Quiet Rituals That Matter

There’s the hustle of packing tack, loading the float, remembering entries… and then there’s the part we genuinely look forward to: grooming and spending quality time with the horses.

In Part 3 of Sam’s Truck Series, we’re talking about the quieter side of ride prep—the brushes, sprays, plaiting tools, and little rituals that help our horses feel good, look sharp, and stay comfortable. Whether we’re trail-bound or ringside, these are the go-tos we throw in Sam’s truck every time.

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✨ Grooming & Plaiting Gear We Don’t Leave Without

We like to keep our grooming kit simple but solid—just the best bits that actually work, hold up under pressure, and make the pre-ride routine easier (and more enjoyable).

🧴 Pepi Coat Conditioner Spray

Our not-so-secret weapon for last-minute shine. A light spritz brings coats to life and smells like bubblegum—always a crowd favourite ringside. And make the tails stunningly shiny!

🧴 World’s Best Hoof Oil Conditioner

Lives up to its name. This hoof oil adds serious shine while nourishing the hoof naturally—ideal before comps or just when your horse deserves to look their best.

🐎 Zilco Hoof Pick with Brush

A non-negotiable in every tack box and truck kit. The built-in brush makes quick work of grit and mud before you tack up.

🧽 Horze Premium Grooming Brushes

We’re a little obsessed. These brushes feel good in the hand, glide through coats with ease, and are gentle enough for faces and sensitive spots. A bit of a luxury… that you’ll never want to go without.

✂️ Plaiting Tools That Make Life Easier

When time is tight and the light’s going, these are the plaiting lifesavers we keep on hand:

💧 NRG Plaiting Spray

This holds braids beautifully without making the mane sticky. It keeps flyaways in check and helps you get neat, pro-level results without the frustration.

🖤 Gymkhana Plaiting Bands

Strong, stretchy, and don’t snap in your fingers. We keep extras in every pocket. (And the truck. And the grooming tote...) Also great for last minute hair tie breakages or styling my daughters ahir!

🫧 Bath Time Must-Have

For pre-show baths or a good deep clean after a long ride, this is the shampoo we trust:

🧴 Equinade Shampoo Range

We love Equinade because it gets coats truly clean without stripping natural oils. Available in a variety of formulas—including Show Silk, Citronella, and stain-removing options—so there’s something for every coat and every need.

🧰 Pre-Ride Gear Check – Still Essential

Before we tack up, we do a quick 3-minute check:

• Hooves cleaned and checked

• Stitching & buckles secure

• Bit & bridle clean and fitting comfortably

• Stirrup leathers checked for wear

• Back check for any signs of soreness

Bonus from the truck:

🛠️ Fiebing’s Aussie Leather Conditioner – 400g
Perfect for a quick post-ride clean or reviving tired leather before the show.

💡 Why These Little Things Matter

You can feel the difference in your ride when your horse is clean, comfortable, and calm. Taking a few extra minutes to brush, shine, and check gear isn't just about appearance—it's care. It’s confidence. It’s partnership.

“These pre-ride habits help us start every ride right. It’s the quiet time that really sets the tone.”

🛍️ Pack Sam’s Truck: Grooming Edition

Everything we’ve shared here is available at Dutaillis Saddlery, online and in-store:

• ✅ Pepi Spray

• ✅ World’s Best Hoof Oil Conditioner

• ✅ Zilco Hoof Pick with Brush

• ✅ Horze Premium Brushes

• ✅ NRG Plaiting Spray

• ✅ Gymkhana Bands

• ✅ Equinade Shampoo

• ✅ Fiebing’s Leather Conditioner

👉 Browse our full grooming & plaiting collection

🐴 What’s Next in the Truck?

Coming soon:
Pt. 4 – 🥪 Snacks & Sanity Savers
Because let’s be honest—between the early starts, long hours, and last-minute scrambles, we need fueling just as much as our horses do.

We’ll be sharing the snacks we swear by, the little comforts we stash in the glove box, and the sanity-saving extras we never regret packing (yes, that includes Panadol, V energy drinks, and emergency chocolate 🍫).

Until then, show us what’s in your grooming bag or plaiting kit by tagging @dutaillissaddlery and using #SamsTruckSeries — we love seeing your setups on the road.