Groom your horse regularly even if you’re not riding.
Winter is in full force in many parts! Some are experiencing snow and ice, while others
are sinking in rain and mud. You may not be riding as much as you do in the warmer
weather, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your grooming duties. Your horse
can really benefit from a good grooming session a few times a week. Not only will it
keep them clean and healthy, but it’s a great time to bond.
Your grooming routine may look slightly different in the winter than in spring or
summer. Unless you have a heated barn, baths won’t be done on the regular. You’ll
also be dealing with wooly coats and potentially snow-packed hooves. Hopefully, these
tips will make your grooming session go a bit smoother.
Tips for Grooming in the Winter
- Make sure you’re dressed appropriately. It can be helpful to wear layers! You might
start cold and numb, but after currying your horse for five minutes you’ll get
toasty. Vests are also handy, as they allow you to move your arms effortlessly while
keeping your chest warm. Insulated boots are a must in the winter. You should
invest in a good pair of warm, waterproof gloves, as well. - Close up the barn doors or hide away in a stall when grooming your horse. This will
keep the chilly wind off of you. - Check your horse over daily for lumps, bumps, and anything unusual. Those living in
wet, muddy conditions will be susceptible to scratches. Make sure to feel their
fetlock and pastern areas for scabs. Rain rot along their back, haunches, and legs is
another problematic skin condition to be aware of. You’ll need to feel around
as their fluffy hair can hide stuff. - Keep clipping to a minimum, unless necessary for riding and/or showing.
Your horse needs the hair in their ears and legs for warmth. A bridle path can be
trimmed up for your horse’s comfort though. - Those with shoes should have snow pads added. While they reduce the risk of snow
packing in their hooves, you should still check them daily. My barefoot horses still
get snowballs! Have a hoof pick ready to clean them out. A claw hammer can help
gently remove ice from their feet. - Some like to put Vaseline on their horse’s fetlock hair to prevent snow from
collecting in that area. - Did you know that you can use snow to clean your horse’s tail? That’s a simple and
easy hack! - There are products like no-rinse shampoo and stain removers that can be used on
extra dirty areas or spots. - For a shiny look, try misting a silicone spray over the horse’s body.
- Baby wipes can be extra handy for around the eyes, in the ears, and muzzle areas.
- A rag and warm bucket of water can be used to wipe away dust and dirt without
getting your horse too wet. - Keep your horse’s tail bagged up and mane braided to avoid getting them dirty and
tangled. - A rubber curry comb and some elbow grease can make any horse look good. I like
to use a round metal curry for caked-on mud. There are brushes with long rubber
bristles that are great for the horse’s legs and face. - If you have access to a horse vacuum, then definitely get your horse used to it this
winter. Most have two features, a blowing and sucking option. You can blow dirt and
dust off of your horse’s coat. The sucking feature is nice for getting a deep clean, as
well.
Winter will be over before you know it, but in the meantime, keep your horse looking
their best!
