Care For Your Horse’s Coat
Horses are animals that impress for their beauty and elegance. His majestic figure has seduced humans since ancient times. They are elegant animals, seductive for their beauty and size. In that sense, to keep them that way, you must know how to take care of your horse’s coat.
Much of the grace of these horses is in their coat. If your coat is shiny, it is synonymous with a healthy and happy horse. Below, we’ll look at some recommendations to keep them that way at all times.
The cleaning
The cleaning is essential to keeping the coat of your horse in perfect state, but it does not need to bathe frequently. On the contrary, it is recommended to reduce the number of baths to a minimum limit, as the use of soap or shampoo can dry out the coat. Three baths a year are enough, depending on the climate you are in.
The first thing to do is to remove all traces of mud and dust with a glove. Then, with the help of a hose, the animal will be wet, starting with the legs; the ideal is to use warm water.
A special shampoo for horses must be applied, with the help of a glove or by hand, and it is necessary to rub until foaming is obtained.
It is also necessary to carefully wash the entire body of the horse, including the tail and mane ; you have to rinse it several times to remove all traces of shampoo. Once the bath is finished, the animal should be dried with towels; finally, the animal must be covered with a sheet until dry.
Brushing
Your horse’s coat, including mane and tail, should be brushed daily if possible. This will eliminate dust and mud, as well as dead cells and parasites. So the skin can transpire properly and this will generate natural oils that will give it that characteristic glow.
Brushing the horse requires time and dedication, and it is also the opportunity to establish an emotional bond with the animal. A rubber squeegee or brush should be used and, in addition, circular movements should be made.
It is advisable to start with the neck and continue down the body, without forgetting the lower abdomen.
This operation must be performed after assembly or when the animal has finished its work. Your body will be hot with sweat and open pores, so it will be much easier to remove dirt.
When passing the brush, you have to watch the horse’s reaction to make sure you’re not pushing too hard. If he stays still, the pressure is good; otherwise, he will get nervous or kick.
food
Another important factor in keeping your horse’s coat healthy and shiny is diet. It must be balanced and the vitamins and minerals necessary for the correct growth of the coat must not be lacking.
Grass is ideal for feeding the horse. It is not only economical but also provides vitamins and minerals. The grass must be of good quality ; the consumption of abundant water is also essential.
The natural oils produced by the animal are responsible for the shine of your horse’s coat. These substances are found in micronutrients that are ingested through food. To achieve the desired glow, you can enrich your horse’s diet to contain more of these micronutrients.
Commercially available concentrates contain the fat and oil that the horse needs. To increase its effect, you can add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the feed or forage.
Homemade tricks to make your horse’s coat shine
There are many homemade preparations that are used to make the horse’s coat shinier. One of the best known is an oil complex that is placed in the mane: it contains olive oil, sulfur flower and cod liver oil.
Another popular remedy is apple cider vinegar. This should be mixed with water and sprayed onto the horse’s coat. The high acid content of apple cider vinegar makes its pH high and contrasts with the low pH of the oils. By distributing this homemade preparation over the coat, excess oil is removed and the coat is very shiny.
