Horse Grooming Tools and Supplies
a Road Traveled
Today I gave the horses their last extensive bath until next spring. From start to finish it takes about six hours, for both horses; pretty much an all day event. A dear friend, Cindy, came to the barn and was so thoughtful with helping through this task. It is hard to come across a true “green” horse-person who is willing to place principals before goals, but Cindy's empathy for horses is evident, and sharing this experience with her made for a gratifying day. Cindy and I hold this common thread for horses and from this interest, we are able to connect and grow a friendship.
Every true relationship sparks interest, and I know my horses interest me, but the question is, do I interest my horses? For a relationship to grow between two, interest must remain alive.
Keep your horse's interest by learning the “natural” behaviors of horses – the causes and origins – the etiology. Watch your horse in the field interacting with other horses, how does he react? Is he aggressive, docile, dominant, spooked, playful, etc. Watch what it takes to get his interest. Learn his interests and incorporate them into your relationship with him. Grow your knowledge on the basics of the natural horse and express to your horse what you learn - he will find this very interesting.
One philosophy using the very basics of the natural horse is Parelli. The knowledge and experience we have learned from these studies is invaluable. Parelli is a direction of progressive levels, enabling the formation of a solid relationship that develops into a partnership based on equal doses of love, language and leadership. From the ground to the saddle, these three expressions should be intertwined into every experience with your horse. They should permeate throughout the relationship, it will be interesting for both of you.
Trust and respect are vital to reach the leadership horses need. To gain their trust and respect, you must obtain an understanding of their language and communicate it with sincere devotion from your heart. Respect them for they are a living, breathing creature; therefore treat them with dignity. Trust them, giving support for their efforts, but be ready to correct if necessary; through altruistic means, in the language they understand. Keep thing interesting for your horse and show him that you care. This is the road we follow as we achieve a true relationship of mutual partnership.
Key:
Relate with your horse, for it is the root word of relationship – this is where you find the bridge that connects the two species!
Relate with your horse, for it is the root word of relationship – this is where you find the bridge that connects the two species!
Far too often, a horse to many is just to get on and ride, then put him back in the pasture and go. This act is one sided in which you only benefit – or do you really? For those, this may be acceptable, but our lives with the horses is way more than riding, way more than just us! We want to relate with our horses, we are working to achieve a oneness - unity. One must be a friend to have one. Our journey has begun and the road takes many turns, we share the experiences together with the horses, and we all continue to grow along the way.
The Road to Grooming and Bathing
Grooming and bathing the horses is an ongoing effort that continues to be a learning process for my horses and me. We have spent many hours teaching and learning each other during the times spent together and they have contributed greatly to the receptiveness of my presence when we are together. We continue to connect and grow together. Grooming and bathing are wonderful activities to spend time together and teach and learn each other.
Grooming is a daily practice and the routine seems to be done unconsciously now, but when given thought, it is a process of many, many steps. Also, bathing requires a tier of efforts and while both are fresh in my mind, I thought to take advantage and write about the layers that are necessary in accomplishing these care practices for the horse. Considering all the information that is relevant to the topics of grooming and bathing, combining them in one posting would be quite a lengthy read. For that reason, I will divide these subjects into three separate blogs: “tools/supplies, grooming and lastly, bathing”. This post will start with the basic tools/supplies one can consider for the grooming and bathing process. With this blog and along with the next two to post, they will carry you and your horse to the final beauty of your hard work – a well-groomed horse who is well-mannered during the process.
Completing the entire process of either a grooming or bathing series will be a time consuming and exhausting undertaking; but the many hours consumed in the combined effort are well worth the internal and external rewards. Regular grooming will maintain a physical benefit for your horse. It is the best opportunity to examine him closely enabling an early detection of any issues. Grooming provides your horse a clean coat and stimulates their skin and muscle tone – oh, it helps your muscle tone too. The brushing process promotes the natural oils to emerge and makes their coats shine.
When the process is handled correctly, it should induce the gentle side of your horse's behavior and you may gain by having your stress alleviated as well. I actually enjoy this experience. It is a great place to relax and find solace. Take your time, slow things down and you can really learn your horse and build an emotional bond with him. Learn to learn. Learn your horse’s thresholds and know yours. When you introduce new procedures for your horse, do not force them, but instead remember to keep your methods slow, take small steps, approach and retreat as you draw near. You will both build abilities to adjust as you lead him outside his comfort zone as well as when you move outside yours. Learn how to make your ideas his ideas. Show compassion and love, and through all these avenues, you will reach your goals without sacrificing your principals. Learn to communicate their language, it teaches them understanding and there you will build the road to trust and respect.
With the right attitude, knowledge, tools, techniques, time and imagination you will conquer success
Following is a listing of tools/supplies and with the next two blogs, a complete routine for bathing and grooming. These are fundamental tasks that should be performed regularly, especially thee grooming practice. With experience, you will develop a style all your own to make the situation more pleasing and the practice most successful. Of course, there will be times when the complete process may not be possible, but a shortened version covering some basics should be performed. You need to understand that horses are high maintenance before you tackle ownership. Be responsible, they rely on us. They give us so much and this is one way we can give back.
“Horses do not care how much we know until we show them how much we care”
Pat Parelli
Pat Parelli
BASIC GROOMING TOOLS:
- Currycomb – some recommend rubber because the metal types will pull and break the hair, but I prefer the old metal spring type. I never use hard, heavy strokes on my horses and find they enjoy the “scratchy” feel it gives them.
- Medium- bristle Brush (one for their face and another for their body)
- Soft - bristle Finishing Brush (one for their face and another for their body)
- Mane and Tail Brush – my guys even enjoy this on their bodies – again, no hard, heavy strokes – put compassion into your touch!
- Shedding Blade – great for spring when they are shedding their winter coats and in the summer, it can be turned over and used as a sweat scrapper or a water scrapper after baths
- Hoof Pick
- Clippers - do not buy animal clippers; buy the cheaper human ones from bargain stores. If they only last two or three years before tossing, you are still ahead! I prefer the battery operated ones (easier to use and no electrical cords to contend with). Of course, depending on the extent of clipping, these may not be feasible. A note of thought, many people will clip their horse’s whiskers, but I do not. Their muzzle is a “blind spot” area and they need their whiskers to feel. I usually use clippers for the hairs under their jaws, around the ears and sometimes around the hoofs (coronet and pastern areas).
- Scissors
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES in SUITCASE:
- Iodine – in a small spray bottle – disinfectant to kill bacteria – caution here, “apply iodine to wound only once or healing may be impeded if the disinfectant kills healthy cells along with the bacteria
- Olive oil – in a spray bottle – spray on a clean rag to clean their muzzle and nose – I also will spray it onto another clean rag and apply it to their manes and tails occasionally for a good treatment -helps to stop tangles. The oil will also make the hairs less brittle. If your horse has a white tail and mane see "baby oil" below. In addition, after each use, I disinfect my metal hoof pick with alcohol and wipe it with olive oil, to keep down the rust
- Alcohol – in a medium spray bottle - sterilizer – great to spray on tools, etc and just wipe off
- Witch Hazel – in a medium spray bottle – a natural astringent known for shrinking skin pores. Applied externally, it soothes inflammation, burns, infections; insect bites (helps alleviate itching)
- Copper Sulfate Wash – in a small squirt bottle – great for applying to fungal areas
- Various syringes without needles – applies disinfectants or any liquids to affected body areas - (3 ml - 6 ml)
- Desitin – (zinc oxide) is used to treat minor skin irritations, cuts, burns, scrapes, poison ivy, etc. It works by providing a skin barrier to prevent and help heal skin irritation. It is a drying agent (moisture barrier) and will not treat a bacterial or fungal infection. I buy the generic brand of Desitin. Bordeaux’s Butt Paste is an excellent alternative to Desitin.
- Terramycin – for those minor cuts and scrapes around the eyes
- Sterile Saline Solution – cleanser
- Medicated foot powder – used for minor cuts and scrapes when they need to remain dry
- Petroleum Jelly – apply to chestnuts, ergots and to insert rectal thermometers
- Aloe Vera Gel – cools and moisturizers - apply externally to promote healing; especially effective for pressure ulcers
- Vitamin E Oil – in a small squirt bottle –
- promotes hair growth after wound heals
- Tongue Depressors or Popsicle Sticks – great for mixing and applying
- Rags, rags and more rags
- Writing Marker
- Small flashlight
- Measuring Tapes and Weight Formula / Pocket Calculator
- Human Back Scratcher – my guys just love to be scratched and this little handy dandy tool does a great job
- Wet Wipes
- Cotton Squares
- Paper Towel Roll
- Pocketknife
- Latex Gloves
- Small Plastic Pencil Box – filled with Medical Supplies we use (bandages, cotton squares, tape and antibacterial ointment)
SUPPLIES in an ADDITIONAL CARRY CONTAINER:
- Homemade Fly Spray – recipes in “Pest Control” blog
- Apple Cider Vinegar – in a spray bottle - great for wiping out lick and feed bins and to spray on urine spots in stalls, wipes out the ammonia smell . Also, great to use on wasp stings and can be used as a mild disinfectant for minor cuts - careful, it stings. ACV is great as a fly spray when only a gentler one is needed, such as when stalled. It helps their coat too.
- Baking Soda – in a covered plastic container with holes in the lid (a reused Parmesan Cheese container works great) - natural neutralizer, spread on urine spots in stalls and use for bee stings...See "Pest Control - Part B"
- 10% bleach and water solution – in a spray bottle - for a quick disinfectant to spray on tools, buckets, in stalls , or when and where necessary
- Comet or Baking Soda – use to clean out buckets, bins, etc – easy to rinse out, no bubbles
- Green Scour Pad – the best scrubbers for water buckets, food buckets, etc
SUPPLIES in a WASH BIN:
- Sponge – I rarely use this; really do not know why I have it in there. I prefer my hands and fingers. Think of washing your own hair, it feels great to scratch and rub with your fingers.
- Shampoo – recipe follows
- Conditioner – recipe follows
- Excalibur sheath cleaner
- Baby Oil / Olive Oil - for cleaning sensitive body parts i.e. muzzle, nose, rectal area, udders on mares, and sheaths on geldings. Wipe after applying with a dry clean rag. Use baby oil on white tails and manes instead of olive oil. Baby oil preforms just as the olive oil, but it will not discolor white hairs
- Plastic Scraper – for water removal
- Iodine based Shampoo
- Latex Gloves
- Spray Nozzle
RECIPES for SHAMPOOS and CONDITIONERS:
I try to reuse as much as I can and being a big fan of cranberry juice, the large 128 oz empty bottles for juice are ideal for mixing and storing shampoos, conditioners and other liquids and creams.
Shampoo:
#1)
3 cups (24oz) shampoo – White Rain works great1 ½ cups (12oz) apple cider vinegar*
1 ½ cups (12oz) water
Mix ingredients well
* A note on apple cider vinegar, I use so much of this for the horses internally and externally that I buy generic for the outside applications whether on or around the horse and only organic (Bragg brand) for those consumable internal applications. The apple cider vinegar, when consumed by the horses should be organic, with the mother, raw and unfiltered. When emptied, the plastic gallon vinegar containers are reused for storing various fly spray recipes.
#2)
1 cup distilled or spring water1 cup liquid castile soap
1 cup aloe vera gel
4 teaspoons glycerin
1 teaspoon avocado or rice bran oil
Mix all ingredients well in a 26oz bottle. Cover tightly and store in a cool dark place - like the refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator 1 to 2 hours before using, this allows warm up. Shake well.
Adding a few drops of essential oils from the list below is optional but a nice variation. Choose one that directly relates to your horse’s situation.
#3)
10 chamomile tea bags1 cup liquid castile soap
1/2 tablespoon glycerin
Boil water and turn off heat. Add the chamomile tea bags and steep covered for about an hour. Remove tea bags, add castile soap and glycerin, stir well. If using an essential oil, add to the cooled tea mixture, then stir. Pour into a 26oz bottle, cover tightly and place it in a dark, cool place like the refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator 1 to 2 hours before using, this allows warm up. Shake well.
Adding a few drops of essential oils from the list below is optional but a nice variation. Choose one that directly relates to your horse’s situation.
Conditioner:
#1)
3 cups (24oz) conditioner – White Rain1 ½ cups (12oz) witch hazel
1 ½ cups (12oz) water
Mix ingredients well
#2)
Apple Cider Softness Hair Rinse1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
12 cups distilled water
Mix together in a gallon jug. Transfer some into a large squirt bottle and pour over your horse's hair as the final rinse - do not rinse out. It will leave their hair feeling soft. Good for all hair types.
#3)
A Purifying Rinse (removes product build up)16 cups cool water
4 cups cider vinegar
12 tablespoons baking soda
bucket
large plastic cup
In bucket add water and the cider vinegar, mix well. Add the baking soda to the mixture and stir lightly. Scoop mixture into plastic cup and pour over horse’s coat, then over mane and tail. Let sit for 15 minutes and rinse, this is optional. Follow with conditioner or shampoo, if desired.
You may need to make more if you are applying rinse over the entire horse.
#4)
Mane and Tail Conditioner4 tablespoons clear or natural henna - optional
6 to 8 beaten eggs
7 tablespoons of one of the following:
avocado, hemp, rice bran or flax oil
A few drops of your favorite essential oils
Bowl for mixing
Beat the eggs in bowl, add henna and oil; beat until well mixed. Massage the mixture into your horses’ mane and tail and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Follow with a cleaning rinse or shampoo and condition, as usual.
#5)
Detangleravocado oil
rice bran oil
a few drops of an essential oil from list below
bottle with sprayer
Mix equal parts of avocado and rice bran oil in sprayer bottle, add a few drops of essential oil and shake well. Turn nozzle to a fine mist. Apply to mane and tail, let sit for a few minute. Comb as usual, without the tangles. The avocado and rice bran are light oils that will penetrate the shaft without leaving the hair too sticky or oily. Together these oils leave a nice shine. Great to use on long haired dogs.
#6)
Detangler and Leave in Mane / Tail Conditioner40oz carrot cream
36oz water
12oz olive oil
24oz store bought detangler
In a bowl, mix all ingredients together well. Pour into a 128oz container, seal with a pump. When needed, pump into a spray bottle and spray onto mane and tail.
carrot cream can be found in the African-American hair section at Wal-mart
#7)
Detangler and Conditioner for Mane / Tail can be left in after application
36oz sore bought mild hair conditioner
36oz water
12oz olive oil
24oz store bought detangler
In a bowl, mix all ingredients together well. Pour into a 128oz container, seal with a pump. When needed, pump into a spray bottle and spray onto mane and tail.
More recipes See...Horse Grooming, Behaviors
Herbs / Essential oils and Their Properties
Use in Shampoos and Conditioners
Choose one or two of the following and add to your homemade shampoos and conditioners. Use 10 drops for one oil and 5 drops each, if using two.
Bergamot* - is an anti-inflammatory herb and will blend well with other oils. (use 4-5 drops)
Chamomile - is an anti-inflammatory herb that strengthens skin, scalp and tissue. Chamomile will enhance the highlights of hair.
Eucalyptus - is a strong antibacterial, anti fungal and anti-inflammatory herb and is commonly used for fungal conditions, dandruff and in fly sprays. (strong scent, use 5 drops)
Patchouli - is an anti-inflammatory, anti fungal, anti-allergic, and anti-parasitic herb. It is a great insect repellent.
Rosemary - is an herb that will stimulate circulation promoting healthy hair growth. It will also strengthen the hair roots and help in preventing damage.
Tea tree – is an anti fungal, antiseptic and anti-allergenic herb. (strong scent, use 5 drops)
Ylang Ylang – is a great herb to use for dry, dull hair, split ends and controlling dandruff. It will strengthen the hair and prevents loss.
*Citrus oils can cause photo sensitivity in some light-colored horses.
Always consult a professional before applying products in or on your horse.
Okay, so here is the first of the three blogs that will run consecutively on grooming and bathing. By lightly exposing some personal experiences with the horses throughout this series. I hope to express the importance of using the opportunity either to teach to or learn from your horse every time you are with them.
Remember - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
Go Green Tips:
- A home-made bottle of shampoo or detangler makes a thoughtful gift.
- Install a safe clean water filter on drinking faucets. This will eliminate a lot of plastic bottle throw-aways and will save you money.
Any Go Green Ideas?
Horses Lend Us the Wings We Lack
Author Unknown
