It’s mid February and I don’t know about you but I’m getting spring fever.
Our winter is far from over but the days are getting longer which has me dreaming of warmer temperatures and morning rides out on the trail. Longer days also mean my horses are starting to shed. I don’t clip my horses simply because, in a harsh climate like ours, I believe their natural coat is best at keeping them warm. It’s a long shedding season but I’m so excited that it’s finally here!
I’ve tried my share of deShedding tools over the years but I’m always looking for the new, magic tool that will make grooming quick and easy!
My deShedding tools have evolved over the years. When I was a kid we used the metal shedder blade horse scraper with the handle that you could open and hold one with each hand and glide it over the horse. From what I remember that tool worked well.
Today I use the Epona rubber curry but in combo with the SleekEZ.
Years ago I originally bought the SleekEZ for my dog but somehow it migrated out to the barn where is has stayed. I find this type of deShedding blade works really well for horses. I have a thin-skinned, more sensitive horse and he is perfectly happy when I use this tool. So currently I’m using the Epona rubber curry and my SleekEZ.
I recently did a poll on instagram. So many people are using so many different tools!
A large majority of horse owners are using the SleekEZ.
The second most popular deShedding tool was a curry…Rubber and Flower being the most popular while some horse owners us the old-school metal curry.
A few horse owners swore by the Shedding Block / Bot Block. I have not used this block for deShedding but I have used it for removing bot eggs. I’ll have to give it a go this shedding season.
HandsOn Gloves were another popular tool. I’ve used these gloves for bath time and scrubbing dirty legs. I’ll have to try them for deShedding.
There was one vote for Strip Hair. This product was new to me but the reviews were great. I just ordered one for myself and it will be arriving this week. Excited to give it a try!
Tell us below in the comments…what is your favorite horse deShedding tool?
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Erin Gouveia of Silver Oaks Farm is an accomplished equestrian, award winning photographer, and an artist. She was born and raised in San Diego, California, graduated from Colorado State University, and now resides in Park City, Utah on a small ranch with her husband. She has had careers in Medical Research, Zookeeping, and most currently Photographer at Erin Kate Photography.
Follow Erin on Instagram at @silveroaksfarm and find her equestrian inspired fine art photographs and handmade goods in her Etsy shop SilverOaksFarm.
