Title: Time to get clean - Great Horse Washing Advice

Author: Tina Williamson

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Article:
Its show time!! Well, it will be after I get my horse washed and
cleaned up. Why is it, that the harder you try to keep them
clean (and grays are the worst), the dirtier they become??

Well, I can't answer that. But I can give you a few hints on
better washing technique, and how to avoid some of those show
day mishaps (or at least how to cope with them).

Here is some equipment I like to have handy on washing day: -
hose with adjustable jet, bucket, sponge, dandy brush, comb,
body scraper, scissors, gum boots, hair bands (or horse bands),
clean dry rugs, skinny hood (if required), vinegar (I will
explain) and of course suitable shampoos, conditioners and
highlighters.

Here is the procedure I have used for the 'day before' show
washing of many State and National champions:

 1. Brush or remove and obvious dirt, grass or twigs from
your horse. This includes the tail.

 2. Make sure your horse is securely tied in a suitable
area (cement based washing bays, are great).

 3. Hose your horse down (use warm water if available),
starting with the front legs (giving the horse time to
acclimatize to the water) and moving up the shoulder, neck, back
legs rump and then barrel and back. Last wash the face, but do
so carefully and gently.

 4. Wash first with shampoo, using the dandy brush in a
circular motion. Start with the shoulder; neck and then move
down the body and legs (don't forget the other side!). Also do
the tail and mane, which may need to be done twice.

 5. Scrape off as much shampoo as possible; this will
give you a better rinse result. And rinse thoroughly.

 6. Re shampoo if necessary.

 7. If using a white highlighting shampoo (the
purple/blue stuff for the white/ gray markings) it is best
applied at this point. It is fine to use all over the body but
make sure you pay close attention to the white areas. You will
need to work quickly as it can stain, don't use too much and
rinse of thoroughly.

 8. I normally find that conditioning the body is a waste
of time and makes the coat a bit fluffy, but if you feel the
need, do it now.

 9. Next its time to condition the mane and tail. If you
are plaiting/braiding your horse for competition you may want to
avoid conditioning too heavily or avoid leaving the conditioner
on for long.

 10. For a tangle free tail, leave the conditioner in for
a minute (if you can) and comb the tail, with the conditioner
still in it. Then rinse well.

 11. Here's where the vinegar comes in. Mix a solution of
1 part vinegar (white) to 5 parts warm water. Use this as a
final conditioner and then rinse out. It works really well and
removes any left over residue.

 12. You can now use any colour high lighting treatment
(available at good saddlery shops) at this point. I find that
the chestnut ones work quite well, especially if the horse has
been recently clipped (please note this is not a dye and
therefore not illegal to use).

 13. Do a final rinse and scrape any access water off.

 14. Towel dry as best as you can, remember the legs!

 15. Depending on the weather and horse, you maybe able
to leave your horse out in the sun for a while.

 16. Apply a clean dry rug and the skinny hood (make sure
the mane and fore lock is lying flat) followed by some warm
woolen stable rugs. This will help to dry your horse and keep
them warm.

 17. I have been known to pre warm the under rug in a
dryer.

 18. Plait the tail if require or use a tail bag to help
keep it clean (I have had a few too many disasters with tail
bags and tend not to use them. But they can work well with some
horses).

 19. Using float boots, bandages or specially made boots,
wrap each leg (this is very handy with the horses that have
white markings). Don't put them on too tight. You will be amazed
at how clean you can keep your horse by this simple step
(although some horses love to pull their boots off during the
night).

 20. Finally, once your horse is very dry, put it away in
a clean stable or yard. Remember the rugs will need changing
depending on the weather.


Hopefully you will now have a lovely clean horse to take to the
show! But remember that horses will be horses and things don't
always go according to plan.

So take a few wash things with you to the show just in case.
Good luck.

Happy Washing

Tina Williamson B App Sci (Equine)

Editor of Horse Lover Gifts.

About the author:
Tina is a professional horse trainer and horse lover. She has a
degree in Equine Science and is absolutely passionate about
everything Horse.
 

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Opinions expressed in articles on this website are those of the author(s) of each story or article and not necessarily those of  Shadow Ridge.  Shadow Ridge does not necessarily agree with, support, or endorse any definitions, treatments, opinions or statistics stated by these authors. They are entirely responsible for the content of their respective story(s) or article(s).

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