This is a question that is asked frequently by horse owners, especially new ones, and the answer is rarely the same. It’s not really necessary for owners to bath their horses, because in most cases, a thorough rinsing with just water is more than enough to remove loose hair and sweat, while keeping the skin and coat healthy. If you still can’t decide when it is time for a bath, following are some scenarios that can help with the decision.
- The end of spring is usually a good time for a bath, as that is the time when the winter coat grows and the old one sheds off
- If the horse has mud all over it, which is too thick to get off by just water
- It’s a good idea to bathe your horse one day before a big event
- A bath after a strenuous workout removes grime and sweat effectively
Having the Right Tools for Any Job
This is important as you want to do the job in the right manner. The essential items that you will need when bathing your horse include;
- A rubber curry
- Sweat scraper
- Gentle horse shampoo
- Mane/tail de-tangler
- Towel and bucket (filled with clean water)
- Sponge
It’s very crucial that all the items as well as the shampoo that is being used on the horse are appropriate for the animal. Most products deplete essential natural oils i.e. dull the horse’s coat, which is why, using the right shampoo and conditioner is important.
Give Your Horse a Thorough Grooming Before the Bath
This should be done so that excess dirt and hair can be removed. Some owners also treat their horse’s hooves with a good conditioner before the bath as there’s a chance of the hooves’ cracking after being soaked in water and drying off.
Start the Bathing Process Slowly
There’s a chance that your horse loves to bath but some get nervous. Therefore, using a hose is a bad idea. Instead, use a bucket of clean water, washcloth and sponge. Never subject your horse to bathing on the coldest months of the year as that will only make matters worse in the long run. In most cases, a warm and damp towel will prove to be just as well, at least until the weather improves.
Treat Your Horse As You Would a Car, If the Animal Is Nervous
For most horses, the prospect of a bath is often met with a little trepidation. As such, it’s wise to start the process by rinsing the legs first and move up from there. You can even bathe your horse in sections, exactly as you would a car. Start from the neck, behind the ears. Switch sides when done with the back but leave the head and tail for last.
Give your horse one more rinse to make sure that no soap residue remains. Lastly, give your horse a pat on the back for being so patient during the long ordeal.
