How to Keep Your Horse Clean in the Summer
REGULAR GROOMING
Regular grooming is a crucial part of horse care, as it keeps their coat shiny and clean. Currying, for instance, not only loosens dirt but also warms up muscles and increases blood flow, promoting overall health. Hard and medium brushes are effective in removing dirt, while soft and finishing brushes are gentle enough for use on their heads, legs, and bodies, and also create a nice shine.
As you run your hands down their legs during grooming, you can spot any new lumps or bumps, which could be signs of injury or health issues. Regular grooming also allows you to monitor existing issues, such as skin conditions or hoof problems, and take appropriate action.
Some horses have more sensitive skin in the summer due to heat, bugs, and plants. It is helpful to keep their coats dry and free of excessive dirt to prevent skin issues.
GROOMING ESSENTIALS
Kentucky Horsewear Middle Brush Medium
This brush is made with soft polypropylene bristles, is a versatile tool that can be used on all parts of the horse. Its flexible bristles make it easy to sweep away dirt or debris, providing a convenient grooming experience for you and comfort for your horse.
Use/Benefits:
- Removes dust, debris, and sweat
- Easy to use on all parts of the horse
- Long and flexible bristles
- Anatomically shaped with extra grips
Kentucky Horsewear Middle Brush Long
The has very soft bristles, so it will be the last brush you reach for in your grooming routine. The long and flexible polypropylene bristles brush away the last bits of dirt on your horse, leaving them shiny and sparkling clean.Use/Benefits
- Use right before stepping into the competition ring or field
- Long and flexible bristles
- Banana shape for better grip
- It can be used to remove dirt from blankets and sheets
Use/Benefits
- Removes dust and creates a shiny coat
- Incredibly soft- can be used on their face and legs
- Washable
- Artificial sheepskin
- 100% animal friendly
The true superstar of your grooming kit! Effol SuperStar-Shine will give your horse or pony a more brilliant shine than ever before. It also provides the mane and tail with more body and bounce.
Use/Benefits
- Creates a brilliant shine
- Makes for easier grooming and combing
- Effects last for several days
- Remove tangles, shavings, hay, etc., from their forelock, mane, and tail with little to no effort
- Can use before clipping
Infused Equestrian Hoof Conditioner
This Infused Equestrian Hoof Conditioner is a confidence-boosting product. It contains essential oils, including balsam fir, juniper, carrot seed, and tea tree, which naturally nourish the hooves, ensuring your horse's feet are in top condition.
Use/Benefits:
- Helps prevent thrush and other bacteria from building up with carrot seed and tea tree oils
- Nourishes dry cracked hooves
- Allows the hoof to breathe
- Strengthens the hoof from the coronary band to the sole to the frog
- Aids in resolving sore feet and thrush
- Handmade in the U.S.A. from all-natural ingredients
BATHING
The Epona April Shower Sponge is a thirsty sponge on one side and a durable Tiger's Tongue scrubber on the other make this double-sided sponge indispensable for bathing. Use the Tiger's Tongue scrubber to remove stains and debris from their bodies, legs, and hooves.
This economical shampoo preserves the skin's natural protection layer. It's important to bathe only a few times a month, as you don't want to strip your horse's hair of its natural, protective oils.
Use/Benefits
- All-round care for the coat, mane, and tail
- Very economical option
- Cleans mildly and thoroughly
- It has a refreshing and vitalizing effect
- It does not have a degreasing effect
- Preserves the skin's natural protection layer
Keep your brushes and sheets clean
- Rub the brushes together or across another surface to remove excess dirt.
- Fill a bucket with warm water and gentle soap or brush cleaner.
- Dunk the brushes into the soapy water.
- Soak dirty brushes for a few minutes.
- Run your fingers or another brush through each brush to clean the bristles.
- Rinse the brushes well.
- Let the brushes air dry before adding them back to your grooming kit.
Remember to clean your hoof picks, curry combs, medium and hard brushes, soft brushes, grooming towels and mitts, and combs regularly.
At the end of every winter, send your blankets, sheets, and rugs for professional cleaning. Remember to have them waterproofed and checked for any needed repairs.
As discussed in the April blog, fly sheets help to protect your horse's clean coat during turnout, shipping, and stabling. The materials for fly sheets are lightweight and breathable, allowing air to flow through the mesh while preventing bugs from irritating your horse's skin. A fly sheet with UV protection can also keep your horse's pink skin from getting sunburned or a dark coat from bleaching out.
