When you brush your horse, do they not quite shine as much as you would like? Or perhaps you want to go that extra mile before you take your horse to a competition? If so, this is where a thorough bath might come in useful. In this blog, we outline 5 steps for successfully bathing your horse. 

Before you start, here is what you’ll need:  

• Sponges: A large one for the main body of the horse and smaller ones for your horse’s face. 
• Rubber Curry Comb or Scrubbing Mitt/Brush: Ideal for scrubbing the coat or particularly muddy or sweaty areas. The HySHINE Miracle Brush is a perfect option for this.
• Sweat Scraper: Essential for removing excess water from your horse’s coat and can help speed up the drying process. 
• Shampoo: With so many on the market, you first need to look at what criteria you have in mind - this could include the skin type of your horse and the finish you are aiming for. For example, you may want to use a shampoo containing only natural ingredients, a medicated shampoo for a specific condition or one that targets stains.  
• Mane and Tail Spray: To add the finishing touches.

Step One 

Location and preparation are everything. Find somewhere with a non-slip surface with access to ideally warm water. If it is a really hot day, you can bathe them in cold water, but your horse may not tolerate it. Depending on the nature of your horse, you may want to consider having someone present to hold them steady while you bathe if they are unlikely to stand quietly throughout the process. If you are using buckets, make sure they're full and ready to use. One of these should have the recommended dosage of shampoo mixed into it. If you are using a hose to rinse off your horse, have it ready to go on the shower setting. You may also want to oil your horse's hooves before bathing, as the water can dry them out.   

Step Two 

Thoroughly wet your horse. It is advised that you start with the front legs to get them accustomed to what’s going on. From here, work up and backwards, wetting the mane and tail as you go. Remember to include areas such as underneath the tail and the belly of your horse. 

Step Three 

Using a large body sponge, apply the shampoo/water mix to your horse’s body (again working from the front legs, up the shoulder and towards the back of your horse). Use your chosen brush to work in the shampoo and on particularly muddy or stained areas. With a small amount of shampoo in your hand, work it into the roots of your horse’s mane through to the tip. Use the same technique on the tail. Try to shampoo efficiently, as you don’t want the shampoo to start drying on your horse’s coat. Remember, too much shampoo can dry out the horse’s coat, leaving it dull and dry.

Step Four

Begin to rinse the shampoo from your horse, starting from the area you shampooed first, using clean, warm water from buckets or a hose. You may find it useful to use the sweat scraper as you go to help remove excess water. Use a small sponge to scrub and rinse the face of your horse. We don’t recommend using the hose for this area as it might frighten your horse. Try to avoid getting any water in their ears or eyes too. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear.  

Step Five 

Sweat scrape your horse thoroughly to remove as much water from their coat as possible. Use a towel to dry their legs, and if you would like to, add some mane and tail spray to their tail and brush through for a superior, tangle-free finish. If necessary, put a cooler or rug designed for post-bath use on your horse to help prevent them from getting a chill.  

All being well with these 5 steps to successfully bathe your horse, your efforts won’t be in vain. You can proudly stand back and marvel at your shiny, clean horse (until they inevitably decide to roll five minutes later!).  

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