Equestrian Care: Bathing a Horse - By: Tammy Patterson

As most horse owners will know, there are many ways to get and keep your horse cleen. Some of these methods will vary depending on your horses preference to them.

At this time of year many of us are wanting to prepare and get ready fo heading out to the first shows of the season. This will not only include a more tailored training routine but will alse require you and your horse to look as smart as you can. A common way of gettin your horse sparkling clean is to give them a bath.

Items you may want to get out and ready prior to starting may include
- Large sponge
- warm water
- scoop / large cup as a method of applying the warm water to your horse
- Horse shampoo (many varieties are available depending on whether you want to e.g. brighten up white socks, bring out the colour of your horses bay coat, and many others have different horse related smells)
- mane / tail comb
- water brush (for hooves)
- mane and tale leave in conditioner
- wicking rug
- Safety tie
- sweat scraper.

These and your own variety of bathing equipment should be ready prior to you getting your horse wet.

It is also worth mentioning that safety should always be at the fore front of your mind when thinking about bathing your horse. Remember to do this on firm, non slippy ground, if you need to tie your horse up make sure you use either a safety tie or string (rather than tieing directly to the ring), you are in an environment that will not add stress and worry to the situation and to be as quick and efficient as you can to ensure the horse does not become too cold when wet.

Once you are prepared, you can begin. If your horse is new to this, start gently by applying the warm water to your horse leegs, working upwards gradually as your horse becomes accustomed to it.

Remember to try not to splash your horse, this like other sudden movements could cause your horse to startle. Horses will not like water getting in their ears so take care when cleaning this area and their eyes, as you would with your own. Continue to bathe your horse all over, applying the shampoo cleaning and then thoroughly rinsing and removing all traces of bubbles and shampoo, (leaving any under the coat of the horse may cause irritation). Once your horse is clean and rinsed, remove as much excess water with the sweat scraper.

Now you can put on your wicking rug to prevent your horse from getting a chill and help draw any further oisture away fromt he horse into the rug. You can now spend time brushing through mane and tail with the conditioner, this will help leave your horse with more manageable hair for you to them style as you prefer.

About the Author

Tammy is a avid equine rider who trys to advertise the best ways to be looking after horses. Tammy works part time for a company who specialise in equestrian clothing as well as mark todd horse rugs & equestrian rugs in the UK. For more info, please visit the site for a range of turnout horse rugs and equestrian clearance products.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Tammy-Patterson/46182

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