While they are big and majestic, at the same time, horses are gentle and sensitive. They require regular grooming and bathing is a big part of it, especially during hot and humid summers.
Also, bathing your horse offers you an opportunity to develop a unique bond with your horse while making sure it remains healthy and looks its best! Scroll down to read all you need to know about bathing your horse.
All about Tools
The right tools can make bathing time a lot easier for both, you and your horse. Keep in mind that horses don’t bathe in the wild. However, your pet horse may enjoy it. The key is to make the experience as stress-free as possible. Start by choosing the right bathing accessories. Here’s a list of what you will require.
- Body brush
- Mane Comb
- Curry comb
- Sweat scrapper
- Towels
- Shampoo and conditioner specially designed for horse
Start with the Face
The fact is a sensitive part. Therefore, you should wash it first to cut the tension. Soak a sponge in warm water and gently scrub the face of your horse, trailing the hair. Also, be extra careful while cleaning around the eyes area. Getting water in the eyes can distress the horse and make them shy away from bathing in the future.
Make your Horse Comfortable
If you are bathing your horse for the first time, it is advisable to be careful while introducing water. Make sure that the water is neither too cold nor too hot. Even in hot weather, aim for lukewarm water. While washing the body, along with the sponge, you can also use a water hose. It is preferable to use a shower hose to avoid a ‘stabbing’ feel.
Soles and Heels
Soles and heels of the horse require extra attention. It is advisable to apply an ointment or petroleum jelly on the hooves in order to keep water from absorbing into them. This is important because when the water dries out, it can have a number of adverse effects, including excessively dry hooves that are more prone to injury.
Choosing a Shampoo
A number of products for bathing a horse are readily available in the market. One way to choose the right shampoo is to check the pH level. It is important because improperly balanced shampoo can harm your horse. It can cause skin irritation and other problems like dryness and dandruff. Keep in mind that the pH level of a healthy horse ranges from 7 to 7.4. So, choose a good quality shampoo that lies within or close to this range.
Rinsing
Rinsing the shampoo is perhaps the most important part of the bath. It is important to make sure that there is no leftover shampoo or soap residue before you dry the coat. Unrinsed shampoo can cause irritation, dryness, and even allergies. Therefore, it is advisable to use a shower head hose to rinse out all the soap.
Remember, when done right, giving your horse a bath can seem much more than a chore!
