Horse care at Black Friday

Liquid or solid shampoo: washing the coat without irritating the skin

A horse is rarely shampooed, but with the right product. The shampoo Animaderm with tea tree oil, a plant known for its cleansing properties, is suitable for skin prone to itching. The solid shampoo Grooming Deluxe with aloe vera, bottled-free, can be rubbed directly onto the wet coat and lasts a long time in the trunk. In both cases, wet the horse from the legs towards the body, avoid the head, and then rinse thoroughly: any soap residue can irritate the skin under the saddle. The coat care product Bense & Eicke Star, applied on a dry coat, maintains the hair between washes.

The other accessories

The horse accessories for Black Friday also come in various types:

• Horse blanket.
• Halters & Leads.
• Saddles & Equipment.
• Protective gear.
• Bits.

All accessories can be found on the horse accessories page.

Minor wounds, irritations, and sunburn: skin care

A fence scratch, a girth rub, or a crack at the pastern should be treated as soon as spotted during grooming. First, clean the area with clear water, then apply the lotion Animaderm Original on small irritations. The healing cream Animaderm Cutene takes over on a clean wound to assist in skin repair. In the field during summer, the sun cream Grooming Deluxe Sunblock protects the pink and depigmented areas, like the tip of the nose or a white blaze, which are sensitive to sunburn. A deep wound, that bleeds or swells, always requires a veterinarian's attention.

Tendons and limbs: preparing for exertion and caring for recovery

The tendons in the front legs bear most of the strain during jumping and galloping. The gel LPC Tendoni, designed for preparation and recovery, is massaged along the canon, in the direction of the hair, before work to warm up and after to soothe. The clay, long used as a poultice, is applied in a thick layer on the limbs after intense effort, then rinsed off the next day. The massage is as important as the product: it allows you to feel unusual heat or discomfort before it worsens.

Horn, sole and frog: hoof care

The hoof grows a few millimeters each month and reacts quickly to humidity or dryness of the ground. The hardener Keralit helps to strengthen crumbling horn, on both bare feet and shod feet. The Absorbine Magic Cushion, from the American brand founded in 1892, compresses into the sole to relieve heated feet after work on hard ground. The brush holder Premiere attaches to the pot for applying the care without spilling. Always pick the hooves before applying a product, cleaning out the gaps in the frog, where dirt retains moisture.

Frequently asked questions

In what order should I use brushes during grooming?

Start with the curry comb, in circular motions, to loosen the dirt, then use the stiff brush in the direction of the hair. The soft brush finishes the body and head, and the mane comb detangles the mane and tail.

How to detangle a mane without breaking the hairs?

Start at the tips with your fingers or a mane comb, then gradually work your way up to the roots. A detangler applied to dry hair helps ease the process and reduces breakage, especially on the tail.

Should I grease the hooves every day?

No, too much grease softens the horn. The frequency should be adjusted based on the condition of the hoof and the ground: more often in dry weather, sparingly when the horse is in a damp field.

How to store grooming products at the stable?

Keep them away from frost and sunlight, in tightly closed bottles, in a trunk or cupboard. Cold solidifies gels and creams, and heat can spoil them: note the opening date on opened pots.

What should I put in a first aid kit for a competition?

An antiseptic, a healing cream, some compresses, a bandage, a gel for the limbs, and a hoof pick. Add a sponge and clear water to freshen the horse between events.