how to wash a horse

So you have finally bought that horse, or are just about to pick one up. Congrats! Your horse will love it and you will be able to enjoy the ride together. But if you want your horse to remain in good condition, it needs to be washed thoroughly before and after every ride.

Washing your horse can be fun and rewarding, but it also requires a little bit of know-how. If you want to give your horse the best chance of survival in the long term, you need to look into adopting a good bathing solution. Luckily for you, we are here to help with three tips on how to take care of your best friend.

Get Everything You Need In Advance

When you get the new horse home, make sure you have everything before you start washing it. This means either picking up a kit that already has the essentials in it or going out and buying them yourself. It is a pain to run around looking for a hoof pick or grooming set that may be needed later on during the washing process. So do some research and know what you will need beforehand. Most importantly, make sure you have plenty of towels on hand. The horse will need to be cleaned thoroughly and can’t be left standing in one spot for too long.

Use The Right Equipment

Besides having everything before you start washing the horse, you also need to use the right equipment. For example, you should really only need a bucket, sponge, and water for this process. It is a pain to run around looking for a grooming needle or hoof pick that may be needed later on during the washing process. So do some research and know what you will need beforehand. Most importantly, make sure you have plenty of towels on hand. The horse will need to be cleaned thoroughly and can’t be left standing in one spot for too long.

Wash The Horse In Advance

Of course, you don’t want to start washing your horse while it’s still alive. This is especially important if you are using any type of soap. Soap causes the skin to deteriorate faster than normal, which can lead to problems later on when you try to remove it during the drying process. Ensure you wash your horse before you start trimming it, because once the hair starts falling out, you have to begin over again. Otherwise, it will just get in the way.

Once you have washed your horse and it has completely dried, it’s time to move on to the next step. If you are anything like us, you may start thinking about what type of feed your horse will need and if it will be better to go with a wet or dry food. You also need to decide if a muzzle is necessary and if so, what type. These are all important things to consider and require research. If you want to give your horse the best chance of surviving and being a good partner, it needs to be clean and healthy first.

Never Wash A Cooled Down Horse

When you get your horse home from the vet, it will be at a nice and safe temperature. It will not need to be cooled down, but it should be left there for at least an hour before you start messing around with it. Once it has completely cooled down, it’s time to move on to the next step. If you start washing it before it has completely cooled down, you might end up with some serious temperature problems. This is why we always recommend waiting at least an hour before starting to wash a horse that is still a little bit warm.

Try Your Best To Avoid Washing Hot Spots

When you are washing a horse, there are always going to be hot spots. This is especially troublesome if the hair around them is matted down. When you are trying to wash a hot spot, either take it off and let the horse rest or use a fan to blow on it until it’s cool. If the hair around the spot is matted down, try your best to avoid brushing or combing it until it has fully cooled down. This will make the process go more smoothly and ensure your horse stays clean and healthy.

Remember that your horse is a living being and just like you, it has feelings. When you are washing it, be careful not to hurt it or make it uncomfortable in any way. Just work at removing the dirt and grime while being mindful of where you are touching it. This will help ensure a long and happy partnership between you and your best friend. 

So, if you want a healthy and happy horse, be sure to take good care of it by washing it regularly and thoroughly. Also, make sure you are using the right equipment and have plenty of sponges on hand to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. With these tips from the pros, you are sure to enjoy your new best friend for years to come.