Deep cleansing: Currying not only removes dirt but also massages the skin and distributes natural oils. A currycomb with long “fingers” can penetrate a thick winter coat more effectively than a standard curry with oval rings of short teeth. A grooming vacuum can simply and swiftly remove dust and grime from a thick winter coat. Simply curry the dirt and vacuum it away. If you’ve never used a vacuum on your horse before, give him a few days to get acclimated to the look, sound, and sensation.
Mud busters: Use the toothed side of an open shedding blade to remove caked-on mud. However, limit yourself to his fleshiest parts and apply less pressure to his hips and withers. Try a firm, square Sarvis currycomb for smaller, more sensitive places.
Don’t freak out if you see a filthy horse 20 minutes before your scheduled ride. Instead, concentrate on the parts that require grooming for his comfort and safety, and do the rest when you have more time. The saddle, bridle, and girth areas, behind his pasterns and elbows, and under his chin are also must-groom places. Dirt and debris on these locations might cause abrasions or infection as the horse works.
Trimming the long hair on a horse’s pasterns not only makes him seem neater, but it also helps keep the region cleaner and drier, minimising the risk of scratching during damp winter weather.
A perfect solution: Green stains on a grey coat are unsightly. Spot-clean your horse with a commercial product, following the label’s recommendations, or scrub the area with a rag wet in rubbing alcohol. Dust the area with corn starch or baby powder, then brush away the excess for instant spot camouflage.
Dirt defence: Use a silicone-containing conditioner to keep white leg marks clean. After cleaning and drying the area, apply the silicone product. The spray coats the hair shafts, making them smooth and easy to clean.
Go Undercover: While blanketing your horse may reduce grooming time, it can also conceal weight loss, skin diseases, and even injuries. During the winter, remove your horse’s blanket for a quick inspection at least once a day.
Clipping options: While a full body clip makes winter grooming easier, it also adds the task of blanketing. A partial clip, such as a trace, is a good compromise since it removes hair only from regions of the horse that sweat while working but leaves the remainder for warmth.
