Smart Grooming with Francesca Cawley: Turnout Tips for Dressage💫

Written by Francesca Cawley

Discover top dressage turnout tips from international rider Francesca Cawley. Learn how to achieve a polished, professional look with Smart Grooming's must-have products, from plaiting to shine, hoof care, and rider turnout.

Hello, my name is Francesca Cawley and I’m a 19 year old international dressage rider for Great Britain and one of the new brand ambassadors for Smart Grooming. I have tried and tested so many products over the years and every time I’ve come back to Smart Grooming; whether that be for the perfect shine, polished plaits or general care.

I have always believed that impeccable turnout isn’t just about looking polished; it reflects the care, dedication, and respect we bring to the sport and to our horses. I would love to share a few of my favourite presentation tips that help make a winning impression when you ride down that first centre line.

SUPER SHINE SPRAY AND SUPER SHINE

One question I always get asked is: “How do you make Dolly so shiny?” I’ll let you all in on the secret... the Smart Grooming Super Shine Spray and the Super Shine Hot Wash (a.k.a magic in a bottle!). Both products are real game changers when it comes to creating that effortless, healthy glow.

A day before competition (or the morning of), I use Super Shine as a hot oil or wash to deep clean my mare’s coat without stripping it of its natural oils. Despite using it as a hot oil it is not oily at all, so it won’t leave an oily residue—just a radiant shine.

For the best results, I thoroughly brush her coat with the Smart Grooming Super Groomer to bring everything to the surface which I then brush off. I will then go in with Super Shine. I add a small amount of Super Shine into warm water, then submerge the Smart Grooming cloth, wring it out, and apply it to Dolly’s coat. For that extra shine, I like to apply Super Shine directly to Dolly’s coat. It brings up a beautiful, hydrated looking shine that enhances her natural coat colour. I follow up with the Super Shine Spray for that instant finish (I also love to use this daily) lightweight, non greasy, and with zero residue. It gives a polished, ring ready look in seconds, without going over the top; a firm favourite in my grooming bag.

TAME THE MANE

Another daily staple in my grooming kit is Tame the Mane—an essential, especially for Dolly’s tail, which has a knack for getting knotty overnight. It’s my favourite conditioning detangling spray (and trust me, I have tried every single one on the market...) that works absolute magic. Just a few light squirts and the brush glides through like butter. It softens the hair without making it greasy or heavy, so the mane and tail stay full, floaty, and tangle free.

Top Tips:

1. After washing your horse’s tail, spray Tame the Mane through the tail and plait it. When the tail has dried, unplait and it will give off the healthiest shine, feel glossy, and be full and floaty.

2. Apply Tame the Mane before plaiting for a competition; it makes the hair far more manageable and avoids tangles.

3. This product is also great for a last minute touch up; I use it on Dolly’s tail right before I go in for a test to enhance its shine.

4. One of my biggest tips for your horse’s dressage tails is to keep them long. It helps to enhance the overall picture.

5. Trim the top and sides of the tail to give a neater look. Trimming the top also helps the bottom look thicker. Trimming small amounts off the bottom can also encourage growth and keep it looking fresh.

PLAITING

The big Dutch dressage plaits are my go to for dressage. They can also help enhance the overall picture of your horse and can improve the look of their top line and neck position. If your horse’s mane is thicker, try to make the plaits slightly smaller to avoid golf ball plaits which often flop around. Conversely, with a thinner mane, aim for a wider, bigger plait.

Use a comb (I personally use the Smart Grooming Plaiting Comb to section your plaits so they are all equal in size.

My plaiting steps:

1. Apply a generous amount of the Smart Grooming Plaiting Mousse to the whole mane; this preps the mane and gives it a tacky feel, while controlling flyaways for a neater result.

2. Section the mane using the Smart Grooming Plaiting Comb to ensure equal sized plaits.

3. Take one section and apply Smart Grooming Plaiting Wax or Gel to both sides of the mane. Then plait, ensuring the outer pieces are slightly bigger than the middle for a fuller Dutch style plait. Secure the end with a band.

4. Sew in the plaits for the most secure and professional finish. Tightly roll the plait under and sew in place (you can find a tutorial on my Instagram @fcawleydressage).

5. Once finished, spray the plaits with Smart Grooming Perfect Plaits Spray for shine and hold.

HOOF SHINE

There’s something so satisfying about a set of glossy, well groomed hooves. For me, the Smart Grooming Hoof Shine is the final touch that pulls everything together or serves as an everyday care product. It’s quick, easy to apply, and gives a healthy shine without the mess of hoof oil—no greasy residue, no dripping, and no sticky build up.

Top Tips:

1. Brush off dirt or shavings first for smooth application.

2. Apply right before your test for a fresh shine and a neat, professional finish.

LIP AND BIT BALM

I love to use the Smart Grooming Lip and Bit Balm on the corners of my horse’s mouth to keep it moisturised and supple. I also use it on the bit to promote a more comfortable, relaxed contact. If your horse has drier skin, this product is great to prevent cracking.

DRESSAGE DON’TS

1. Do not trim your horse’s whiskers—this is not allowed.

2. If using quarter marks, ensure they’re even and straight; uneven ones make your horse appear unbalanced.

3. Choose a fly veil without a front logo—if it slips, it can give the illusion of head tilting.

4. Regularly check the rules. Double check tack and equipment before mounting.

5. Confirm the legality of all products—avoid banned substances. I trust Smart Grooming for this very reason.

6. For a slightly unstable lower leg, choose black stirrups over silver—they're less noticeable.

7. Don’t plait the tail for dressage competitions—leave it flowing to avoid a tense appearance.

8. Keep the bridle path tidy—don’t let it get overgrown.

RIDER TURNOUT

• A low bun with a subtle hairnet is the classic choice. Tuck all hair neatly for a professional look.

• Black and navy jackets are traditional, but feel free to choose colours that boost your confidence.

• Patent boots give a polished impression but be sure to care for them properly.

• White gloves are traditional and help assess hand positioning in videos. Navy or black can hide hand movement but may look less professional.

• While darker breeches are now allowed in British Dressage, white remains classic. Look for breeches that wash well—Equeene Equestrian’s Isla Performance Breeches and Be Equestrian’s Performance Breeches are great options. Price doesn’t always equal quality when it comes to washability.

FINAL TOP TIPS

• Invest in a good grooming bag, ideally with compartments to keep everything organised. I recommend the Smart Grooming Bag.

• If possible, keep two grooming bags: one for your lorry and one for the yard. This keeps you ready for any situation.

• A ringside bag is essential. I love the Smart Grooming Show Ring Basket: lightweight with a large capacity. Keep touch up products (Perfect Plaits, Hoof Shine, Tame the Mane), extra bands, water, a cloth (damp and dry), and of course, treats. It’s also a great place to store warmup boots before your test.

• Use the Smart Grooming Super Groomer daily on your horse’s coat. It removes residue and dirt, helping maintain a shiny, healthy coat.