[meljean]

I have worked with horses since Dinosaurs ruled the earth, and through the different breeds and types of activities followed have learned many different grooming tips, and seen some really bad ones.

Please pass along some of your special tips, including what type horses it worked on, for instance, Saddlebreds manes are very fine and silky, so not much water is put on them before a class to groom, while Morgans have beautiful full manes, and can be wetted more. So be specific in what breed.

What was the worst tip you ever say used. I would have to say the WD 40 tip, along with the Skin So Soft, both really mess things up.

Do you like natural tips, or spend money on fancy grooming items.

Have fun, and let's share the knowledge

[cassidy]

i dont like to spend loads of money on my grooming products or the horses

i find that the wonder stone is the best grooming tool ever an is great for every type of horse for every part of grooming getting dust out getting rid of those out growing coats an especially good at removeing mud

[Quick2Skip01]

WD 40 along with Skin so Soft?! Ive never heard of anything like that...

Ive heard for morgans, a secret to doing their hooves was taking black shoe polish, putting 2 coats of that on, and 1 coat of hoof black, and then for a clear coat, taking clear Krylon to keep em smooth and shiny. I was told it makes them easier to clean, and helps keep them black. I haven't tried it on my paint, but Ive thought about it.

Ive also heard that for any type of horse, use Pam to keep the hooves shiny regardless if you polished with black hoof polish, or anything else.

[Xiphias]

I am a show sheen freak, it works wonders on wooly coats , getting the dirt out in the winter time,after grooming real good, I spray one small section of the horse, and rub with a clean towel, till the whole horse had been done, their coats are left clean and shiney, and soft....almost better than a bath, and it helps to repel dirt....Cathy

[*Psylocke*]

lol Okay I feel like putting a few up so here goes (think Arabs...and this is pertaining to showing ):

• Remember the importance of sanding feet, the difference is incredible
• Even though their feet are sanded prior to a show, use steel wool to get the rest of the grime off, then neutral shoe polish (remember to buff it off!), then onto clear hoof polish.
• Healthy hair care....use it every time you groom! Works wonders helping a clipped coat regain condition. Groom often and well.
• A little bit of hair gel at the base can help keep the flyaways down in their mane.
• Clean around their eyes/muzzle with a rag before putting oil on
• Quik braid...enough said....lol
• Also with the quik braid, some hairspray overtop of braids helps to ensure they will stay in

Oh and at home, when putting a tail up, wash it well, condition it and hot oil!!!

Think thats kinda it...important stuff anyways...lol

Psy

[HeatherH]

At a horse show today talking tails and someone swore by Infusium (for people) leave in treatment for excellent tail & mane conditioning! I may have to try it when my cowboy magic detangler runs out!

[Hamilton]

Originally Posted by HeatherH

At a horse show today talking tails and someone swore by Infusium (for people) leave in treatment for excellent tail & mane conditioning! I may have to try it when my cowboy magic detangler runs out!

Just to let you know, a LOT of horses have allergies to Infusium. Something about it. I dunno what though. Test it first.

[nixalba]

My favourite grooming tool is a barbeque stone (there are some made specifically for horses, but are slightly higher in cost). It really gets out the dead hair and dried mud. It also removes botfly eggs. Best of all it leaves the horses coat sooo soft and shiny!

I've never used it, but I've seen the process and results of using bacon grease in the horse's tail to help grow a longer fuller tail.

[Abberlaze]

where did my post go????????????????
anyhow...i'll repost part of it....

I personally disagree with sanding feet. It is just so unhealthy for the horses and it takes a long time for the hoof to grow back a normal periople. I just don't think the benefits (looking really shiny) outweigh the risks (ruining the hoof health).

Listerine is an old pony club trick for getting rid of dandruff in the mane and tail.

always put clear hoof polish on appaloosas as their striped hooves are a breed characteristic.

if one foot is white and one is black, put black polish on both because otherwise the stride can appear uneven.

for the tail: either cut the tail no longer than the fetlocks or bag it because otherwise the horse is likely to step on it and rip some of it out. Especially backing up or playing in the field.

also, never let the tail get really knotted because otherwise if it catches on something then a whole chunk of tail will be torn out. (omg, lesson horse experience.... i felt SO badly....i was turning him around in the aisle and his tail caught on one of the bridle hooks and he paniced and a HUGE chunk ripped out...luckily not from the roots so there was no blood)

EDIT: oh and worst thing... show sheen only improves the look of the hair for a short time. it does nothing to enhance the quality of the coat. many inexperienced horse owners look at a show sheened horse and say 'omg it's so shiny and healthy' NOT TRUE. not insulting xiphias though...b/c it does help remove dirt as she said and makes them all shiny. Just don't be deceived.

[Abberlaze]

last tip....

spray just a little bit of baby oil on their hair every day. my friend does this as part of his ONE HOUR grooming regimine and his horse has absolutely the most gorgeous coat i've ever seen.