Grooming your horse is important: however, grooming your horse properly is even more pertinent. There are many horse owners who do not groom their horses the right way.
In most cases, the lack of proper information fuels bad practices. Common mistakes made when grooming a horse can prove costly in the long term.
As a horse owner or groomer, you have to keep learning about the best practices to keep your horse clean, healthy and happy. In many instances, you may think you’re doing your horse a favor while in actual fact you may be hurting your stallion with poor grooming habits. Knowing the things to avoid will therefore help you groom your horse properly. This article explores the top 5 things to avoid when caring for your horse. Before getting to the meat, let us first look at the quick benefits of grooming your horse.
Importance and benefits of horse grooming
1. To boost physical and emotional wellness for the horse
Grooming enhances circulation of blood through the body. To this end, your horse will feel better both physically and emotionally. The skin and coat will as a result radiate when your horse is well-groomed healthy.
2. To remove debris and elements that can compromise health.
Dirt and filth are trapped every single day in the coat and hair of your horse. Removing this dirt will help prevent skin conditions caused by pathogens. To this end, grooming is a preventive measure to remove harmful elements from the body of your horse. Dangers like bacteria, fungi and viruses affect horses that are not cleaned properly and as needed.
3. Grooming allows the groomer to check the horse regularly.
Things like swelling and cuts can really bring your horse down. Therefore, you are able to provide the necessary help to avoid full blown problems with your horse. Also, catching ailments early provides a better prognosis and is cheaper to contain.
4. Horse grooming is a great way to bond with your beloved horse.
Personal touch and attention are important to form a strong bond with the animal. As a result, the bond will enhance training and make the relationship much better. It is a great way to master the temperament of your horse as well. Problems like equine depression and anxiety can be treated through this personal care for the creation of trust.
If you are grooming your horse the wrong way, you might not achieve all the above benefits. Below is a list of things not to do while grooming your horse.
Top horse grooming mistakes to avoid
1. Avoid washing your horse too often
Horses that are light colored will benefit more from regularly washing than dark colored horses. Overall, your horse must retain its natural oils to keep it radiant. Washing often will strip natural oils which is detrimental to the coat’s vibrancy. So, how often should you wash your horse? There is no single answer to this question. Some horse owners are strong believers in never washing a horse while others will do it weekly and others monthly. There are many aspects that come into play like the weather, health conditions, activity level and so on. In this respect, a horse that needs regular washing will meet a certain threshold. A muddy filthy horse for example should certainly be washed and depending on the individual circumstances, every horse owner should create a routine that works for them. Regular brushing is more effective than regular washing to keep the coat in top shape.
2. Avoid using cold water on your horse
Cold water on your horse is certainly a mistake that should be avoided. You want to use lukewarm water for several good reasons. First, the lathering of products like shampoo will be enhanced. Then, warmer water feels better on the skin and fur of your horse. Also, there are relaxation benefits as well for the horse. Therefore, always consider the temperature of your water when washing. Hot water is detrimental and can potentially burn your horse. Being extra keen on this is advised to enjoy best results.
3. Avoid using the wrong grooming tools
There are numerous tools used for equine grooming. From curry combs to body brushes and hoof picks; the list goes on and on. It is important to buy tools that are suited to your horse. Also, use the tools properly to ensure that your horse is comfortable all the time. After every grooming episode, make sure that these tools are clean. Using dirty tools is counterproductive. Allocate different sponges to be used on the eyes, nose, lips and so on. Large sponges can be used for larger parts of the body. Using wrong tools on your horse is hazardous; and if you are not sure which tools to use, get expert help and look at relevant guides on this.
4. Avoid using harsh conditioners
Conditioners are great because they provide the right protection for your horse’s skin while leaving the coat radiant and attractive. However, the products you use matter greatly. Some harsh products will do more harm than good. When looking for a conditioner, go for a silicone-free option. Natural alternatives that are free from toxins are best for your horse. A product that does not clog pores is also recommended. If you have no idea where to source high quality natural horse care products, check out Equi-Spa.
5. Avoid brushing wet mud on your horse
The best way to clean mud on your horse’s coat is when it is dry. This will make your work much easier. It will also prevent the spread of filth in a bigger area of your horse. Also, always clean the face of your horse after exercise or activity using a clean sponge. This is the sure way to keep fungal hair loss at bay. When brushing or cleaning your horse, always be gentle. Animals can read your body language and they do not respond well to aggression. With the tips above, you should avoid common mistakes and groom your dear horse the right way every single time.
It’s great to know that you should obviously wash a muddy horse, but you should wash your horses too much. We are thinking about getting a horse this year because we have some land to use. We need to learn how to properly care for the horse so that it has a happy life with us.
This is great info for beginners people should learn all they can before purchasing and type of animal. This helps ensure you know what you are getting into and what to expect. Helps not only you but your animal as well.
*Side note: Horse shampoo & conditioner has amazing results for humans too!
It’s great to know that you should you need to use cold for clean your horses I always that that it could be warm water
thanks for the info
This is really good advice for taking care of your horse(s).
Good practices
I don’t have a horse but this post has helped me to understand a lot thanks
That was great advice. I always found it to be a wonderful bonding experience with me and my horses. 🙂
Always good to know. Take good care of the horse, and of course yourself.
Great info for all those horse owners. Thank you for sharing.
Great to know all the proper things to do and not do when grooming!
Excellent advice!
I love this. I used to help my dad groom and take care of his horse Bahia
Great info thanks I haye shampoo that just dries out a horse’s skin
Great information, we had a checklist we had to use if took one of the horses out when we came back and put in the barn or stall he had to be to grandpa’s standards or you didn’t get to take one out next time around
nice tips, thank you
Yes I’ve heard a lot about bonding with your horse so they get to know you and they loved to be brushed. I don’t really know much about horses but my cousin used to have a horse and I would watch her when we went over.
Thanks!
My kids would love giving a horse a bath. That sounds like such a fun experience. These are great tips tip keep in mind!
I wish someone had shared this with me a long time ago – long before I had to learn some of these lessons the hard way.
very helpful information
do light colored horses benefit more from washing just because dirt is more easily seen?
Great post. Thank you!
It’s great information to know that you should you need to use cold water to clean your horses.
This is good information!
Never knew you could groom to often
Oh, I’m a beginner, thanks for the information!
Definitely great advice!
Good info that’s helpful.
Important information, thanks
Nice tips
love the info
nice
Great tips !
I never considered these things!
Grooming is important but don’t overdo it.
Love the advice. Some things I never knew!
Great to know! I only volunteer at my local stable so I didn’t know all of this! Being able to overdo cleaning is something I never knew!
I totally agree with grooming being important to build the bond between horse and owner! It’s such special time spent together honouring them. Pampering for horses!
Great article, great post, thanks.
Good to know what NOT to do.
I’ve had a shampoo that dries out a horse’s skin.
Great advice! Thank you!
Great article its important to educate yourself before buying a horse
very interesting
Very helpful information!
Thanks for the great tips and information on horse care.
I just wanted to let you know that you over-grooming your horse can be done if bathing too often and cause dermatology problems.
i agree Felicia!