Posted: 2nd April 2019 | Back to news feed
Top Tips for Bathing from Team Reynolds
Before bathing the horses, Simon and Natalie always makes sure the hooves are clean and free from mud.
Explains Simon: “Many people make the mistake of washing the legs and hooves and dragging the dirty sponge back across the horse’s coat.
“If your horse’s coat is particularly dull, have a look at what you are feeding him - a good diet normally enhances the bloom of the coat. Many show ring champions rely on a good feeding programme and also have a specific bathing routine and certain must-have products.
“Preparing for winter shows can be tough, make sure you have bathed your horse a couple of times so that all the dirt and grease is lifted to the top of the coat. Thorough brushing of the hair where the stains are before washing also helps to lift the dirt.
“Ensure your horse is thoroughly soaked before adding the shampoo and try using a water brush or slika, not just a sponge, to ensure you get to the roots of the coat hairs. This not only reaches deep down into the coat but also acts as a massage to your horse. When shampooing, lather up and use all over the coat, leaving the shampoo on the coat, where possible, for a couple of minutes to sink and start to work.
“The key to successful bathing is good and thorough rinsing, shampoo that has been left in the coat can dry white and ‘scurfy’.
“For grey horses and ponies Veredus Blue Snow Shampoo has been specially designed for lighter coats and is also great on stable stains.
“If the weather is particularly cold or overnight stains need removing urgently Veredus Easy White is a dry shampoo. It should be sprayed on to stubborn stains left for a minute to work and then be rubbed with a clean cloth.”
For a Brighter Shine
We all want our show horses and ponies to gleam with health with tangle free manes and tails that are easy to brush through.
Adds Natalie: “First start by making sure the mane and tail are kept knot free on a daily basis but a word of caution!
“Over brushing makes manes and tails thin and also when plaiting on a regular basis it is easy for hair to be lost. Weak manes and tails that lack lustre and are too fine will not show your horse or pony off to the desired effect in the ring.
“Veredus Shampoo Sheen provides a nourishing and silky tangle free finish and with its special ‘sheen effect’ formula this makes the coat and horsehair soft, bright and shiny.”
After Bathing
After bathing your horse remove all the excess water with a sweat scraper and spray all over the mane and tail with Veredus Biocare Super Shine, making the hair silky, shining and tangle free. Effective for 15 days, a protective film makes the surface of the hair waterproof and also repels dust and dirt.
Refining your horse - Trimming
One way to quickly improve and perfect the appearance of your horse or pony is to trim excess hair to create a more elegant appearance.
Explains Simon: “For hunters, riding horses, hacks, show hunter ponies and show ponies consider trimming out the ears, whiskers, jaws, bridle path and heels.
“Small silent clippers are perfect for working around the face, by removing excess hair you are defining the features, creating a more elegant and quality look.
“Also make sure that the legs look tidy using scissors and a comb, however not to the extent that the legs are exposed to the elements - to avoid problems such as cracked heels and mud fever.
“A scissor and comb neatly tidies up the leg whilst still leaving the hair long enough to cover any scars that may be there which would look undesirable to the judge.
“If you are intending to show your horse in cob classes you will need to hog the mane. For Mountain and Moorland ponies you should refer to the designated breed book before trimming your pony. Some breeds allow a certain amount of trimming but they should be shown in their natural state, so any improvements to your ponies appearance must be subtle.”
For further information contact Zebra Products on (01352) 763350 or visit www.zebraproducts.co.uk
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