Bathing A Horse: How To Do It Right!

Are you bathing a horse? Equestrian bathing is one of many things your horse should be desensitized to. This will ensure that your horse is prepared to be washed and bathed… and stay happy about it!

Bathing your horse is actually fun and pleasurable for this wonderful animal especially after a workout or a training session. A bath and shampoo is just what the horse wants however the activity can be time-consuming and involves a lot of effort on your part.

Have you ever bathed a horse? If not, it can be a bit overwhelming. Then again, don’t worry because you can learn and start to love it as you go along. Bathing a horse is not only for the sake of bathing but a bonding moment as well. The more time you spend with your horse, especially with something that gives genuine pleasure to him creates a more intimate bond between the two of you. Basically, the activity does not only clean and promote good hygiene, it is also an intimate experience.

For beginners, bathing a horse is a bit difficult. You may need to employ grooming tactics. Remember, even though bathing is naturally enjoyable for your horse it doesn’t mean that he will always be cooperative. Gentleness is always the key principle when treating horses. Always reinforce positively. Every activity you do with your horse must always have a payoff for your animal since they frighten easily and are sensitive creatures.

Some horses are just weird; they may allow you to do silly stuff to them but sometimes, won’t allow you to bathe them. Normally, a horse will let you bathe him without trouble otherwise he may have bad experiences from the past associated with bathing. In that case, you may have to start all over again and rebuild that trust and feeling of security.

Whether you’re new to the activity, the horse is not yet used to you, or just too sensitive, here are some useful tips when bathing your horse:

1. Before anything else, make your horse comfortable and always warm him up for the activity that lies ahead.

2. Check your tools. Are they conveniently placed and accessible? Make sure you have your grooming tools ready and make sure the hose can reach every part of the horse.

3. Tie your horse in secure warm place. If the weather is cold, make sure you have warm water to bathe the animal with.

4. The most important things (e.g. an optional sponge, sweat scraper, and shampoo) must be within reach.

5. Be wary of the hose’s water pressure. Avoid frightening the horse with a sudden blast of water hitting his body. It is best to turn it low at first. Just increase the pressure gradually. Make the horse comfortable and secure by showing the hose so he will know what is making him wet. The next time he sees the hose, the horse will know what to expect.

6. Gently trickle water down the horse’s sides, neck, and legs. Wash the horse’s anus. Lift the tail and just get it over with. Mind the splashback!

7. Shampoo your horse. It doesn’t have to be a special horse shampoo. Rub the shampoo on the neck and each side of the horse’s body.

8. Rinse the horse well. Make sure that there are no soap suds when you use the sweat scraper.

9. Now, do the legs just like you did with the neck and body.

10. Let the horse dry by leading him for a few minutes.

Using these techniques, you’ll be a hero at bathing a horse!