If you want to keep your horse healthy and looking pretty, you need to get in the habit of doing regular grooming. This crucial part of care will keep their coat shiny and healthy. While doing so, you can also inspect for any cuts, bruises, or notice if your horse is showing any signs of discomfort. Plus, did you know that grooming also helps you and your horse bond? It helps them build trust in the relationship with their owners as they start to associate them with comfort and safety.
With that said, you need the right grooming products. Start with the basics – find suitable horse shampoos, grab a few brushes, combs and a spray to protect them against insect bites, and most importantly make sure to take care of their hooves to keep them strong and healthy.
What are the Reasons for Grooming a Horse?
If you give your horse vitamins and minerals, provide them with a nutritious food and pair that with regular grooming, you’ll have a healthy and happy horse. As much as grooming your horse is about making them look good, it’s just as important for keeping them healthy. Plus, grooming also means bonding time. Horses, just like any other pets, love attention. It helps them build trust with their caregivers and makes them feel safe and loved. Also, when you shampoo or brush them, it’s like giving them a mini massage, which helps with improving their blood circulation. It overall gives them the care they need to stay healthy and happy.
4 Grooming Essentials Every Horse Owner Should Have
A Horse Shampoo: The Foundation of Grooming
Just like you wash your hair and body, your horse needs the same care too. You’ve probably already tried giving a bath to your horse at least once. But do you grab just any shampoo or use a special one? One common question that horse owners have is: “Can human shampoo be used on horses?”. While technically yes, it’s still not the best idea.
Just like you pick shampoos to suit your scalp and hair type, horses need the right kind too. Some have super sensitive skin and using just any kind of shampoo can actually cause more harm than good. This is why it’s essential to choose horse shampoos as they’re specifically made for their skin and coat. You don’t want to use anything that could irritate their delicate skin.
For instance, if your horse has really sensitive skin, there is a specially developed formula that has been based on NASA research to help astronauts remove contaminants safely without damaging their skin barrier. This same formula has been used to develop shampoos for horses.
They are super gentle to their skin, while still keeping the skin barrier as healthy as possible. These shampoos are really an effective way to clean your horse’s coat from bacteria and dirt and protect their sensitive skin. If your horse’s coat needs a bit of extra moisturising, you can choose aloe vera and lanolin based shampoos for some extra hydration of the coat. There are even shampoos specifically made for light-coloured horses to remove stains.
They are gentle and safe and do not contain bleaching agents. But with so many options available, it’s natural to wonder: “What is the best shampoo for horses?”. It all depends on your horse’s needs. NASA-based shampoo formulas are great for super sensitive skin prone to irritations. For extra moisture, go for aloe vera and lanolin shampoos and grab a whitening shampoo if your horse is light coloured.
Brushes and Combs
Brushes and combs are also a must, especially if your horse is a long haired breed. It’s best to have a few different brushes and combs like a stiff brush or curry comb for loosening mud and dirt, a soft brush for polished look, and of course, a mane and tail comb. You have to keep their hair tangle-free. Do you see how the right tools can make a difference? Plus, brushing your horse is the perfect time to check them for bumps, scratches and cuts and see if any of those need attention.
Horse Hoof Picks, Trimming Tools and Conditioner
Do you have the habit of checking your horse’s hooves frequently? If not, you should. Hoof care is a must! By regularly cleaning them of dirt and stones after riding with the help of a hoof pick, you can prevent infections and keep their hooves strong. Also, make sure to trim them regularly. And to keep them from cracking, especially when the weather is dry, you can use a hoof conditioner which also helps protect the hoof against infections.
Fly and Insect Protection: Essential During Warmer Months
Flies in the summer? They are the worst. They keep bothering horses and make them restless and itchy. The same goes for mosquitoes. To protect your horse against these pesky insects, use a fly and insect spray. If you don’t want to use spray, you can also use fly sheets to keep the flies and mosquitoes away from your horse. Flies particularly love to bug horses around their heads. If you notice your horse keeps shaking their head like crazy, you can even use a fly mask to protect their face. A little effort goes a long way.
