Expert Tips on Shampooing Your Horse

Shampooing a horse is a little like taking a car to the carwash. Some people like to do it regularly and others, rarely. Some say that a horse should be shampooed a couple of times a month, while others think that a few times a year is sufficient. So how often should you wash your horse?

In large part, it depends on whether or not you show your horse, and on how often your horse becomes uncomfortably dirty. Your horse’s coat actually benefits from a combination of regular grooming and natural oils, and shampooing removes some of those natural oils. However, horses that are very active may have an itchy build-up of salt in their coats, left behind by evaporating sweat, and a good shampoo will clear that away.

Most people will give their horses a shampoo before a show or event, but how often they shampoo outside of that is a matter of judgement. When it’s time for a bath, here are a few tips to make it smooth, successful and reasonably enjoyable for both you and your horse.

1. Choose an area where the ground will stay clean

Don’t make the mistake of shampooing your horse on ground that could become muddy. If you don't already have access to a dedicated area for bathing animals, then choose a spot with well established grass, tarmac or a floor covering. Before you start, some thought to how the water will drain away underfoot.

2. A good shampoo in the spring is always a good idea

During the winter, horses thicken their coats and they may spend most of their time under a pile of rugs, too. In the spring, they’ll be happy to clear away loose, unruly hairs and freshen up. Even if you don’t regularly shampoo your horse, you should, at minimum, do it every spring.

3. Be careful around the sensitive parts of your horse's face

Nobody likes to get soap in their eyes, and your horse is no exception. Don’t use a strong shampoo mixture around the horse’s eyes, nose, ears and mouth. Use plain water or highly diluted shampoo.

4. Pay attention to the temperature of the water

Most horses are a little suspicious of being wetted down. Make sure that the water is a comfortable temperature, and begin by gently sponging it onto the horse by hand. Don’t surprise the horse with high water pressure or extreme temperatures.

5. Use a conditioner for tails and manes

Tails and manes can become especially tangled and matted, and they’re difficult to clean. To help sort them out, try one of our conditioners. A conditioner will make the hair easier to comb through and keep it shiny and smooth once your horse is clean and dry.

For effective, high quality horse shampoos, explore the Caribu range of shampoos.