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Diane Edmonds
Member
Username: Scooter
Post Number: 563
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Friday, Dec 22, 2006 - 8:04 pm: |   |
Hi, how do you get a horse clean that has 4in long hair that is thicker than a yaks? Winter has left us for awhile and we had 2ins. of rain. Sam found a mud hole and rolled for an hour. It is 35 degrees out and there is no way to bathe him. It is ground in so deep I can feel it on his skin, a good currying will get rid of the top stuff. Should the ground in dirt not worry me? Anyone have any tricks for this? Thanks
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Ann
Member
Username: Dres
Post Number: 1070
Registered: 10-2000
| | Posted on Friday, Dec 22, 2006 - 8:50 pm: | |
hehehehe.. Oh I have seen much better at getting dirty.. !
in a word... VACUUM..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots.. |
Diane Edmonds
Member
Username: Scooter
Post Number: 564
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Friday, Dec 22, 2006 - 10:58 pm: | |
OH believe me the pic doesn't do him justice. A vacuum is a good idea. I wonder if a goofy arab would hold still for a dustbuster. I don't have a horse vac, and he'd probably plug up my house vac. Might give it a try Thanks. |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 2002
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 12:01 am: | |
Now we're showing dirty pictures?! Ha, I'll bet money on my little "Miss Piggy" as to getting the dirtiest! And, she's white, too.
The dust buster probably isn't strong enough. I use a shop vac on my horses! If they aren't used to the vac, start with it not turned on, then turn the vac on, but don't connect the hose and let then get used to the noise. Then use the hose while the vac is on. For some reason it never seemed to really bother my guys...and they are all Arabs.
Because most of my Arabs are gray, if I want them clean, I curry, vac, and then use dry shampoo and brush and rub with a towel. It takes a LONG time and lots of work. Some people use the blow setting on the vac instead of the vac setting, but I'm allergic to dust, so I only use the vac setting. Good luck!! |
Martha Calkins
Member
Username: Tipper
Post Number: 29
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 10:18 am: | |
I use a shedding blade/ring when ours get armor plated with mud. We don't get much rain here in Tucson but when we do our guys love to wallow. |
Fran C
Member
Username: Canter
Post Number: 791
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 10:35 am: | |
I bet Sam is VERY pleased with himself! If he doesn't like the vac, let the mud dry and then curry, curry, curry...and count your blessings he's not a white horse! |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 2004
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 10:55 am: | |
I've read that horses are related to Tapirs (sp?) Are the also related to pigs? |
Diane Edmonds
Member
Username: Scooter
Post Number: 565
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 11:35 am: | |
lol I curry til my arms go numb. Then the pig just goes back and does it again. He doesn't have a normal coat, I believe he is early cushings, it is so long and thick and I have to clip him in the spring. The other 2 are easy to get clean.
I had them locked in the paddock for the freezing rain and he had the nerve to lay down and roll in the limestone, right in front of me! So he also has ground in limestone in that mess.
Yes he is very pleased with himself. He looks like a cement truck backed up to him and covered him. sigh... |
Alden Chamberlain
Member
Username: Alden
Post Number: 376
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 11:40 am: | |
Diane,
If you not going to a big show soon just leave them muddy and happy. As they roll over the next few weeks it will rub it all off anyhow 
Good day,
Alden |
Diane Edmonds
Member
Username: Scooter
Post Number: 567
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 11:54 am: | |
Oh Alden don't think I haven't tried leave it be, we don't show. This particular horse packs mud on mud and never comes clean, the other 2 do because their coats are normal. I worry about skin disease with this one. Otherwise I would ignore it, or try anyway, because he loves his mud. |
Susan M. Herrick
Member
Username: Quatro
Post Number: 460
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 3:05 pm: | |
OH MY! I can certainly relate! I was in the barn for hours last night, brushing, scraping, etc etc.
Levi must have been running, and did a "slippy-slide" ride by the way he looked. It was caked on, dripping mud. Happy Horse though. Not as long on the hair, so much easier to brush out, but I sure was eating dust!
MERRY CHRISTMAS - I am just happy he is with me to be a little mud bucket!
suz |
Linda Christian
Member
Username: Savage
Post Number: 137
Registered: 5-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 3:18 pm: | |
Boy I can also relate to the mud and dust. My leopard Appy would only lay down and roll to one side so when he got up he looked like an Oreo cookie! white filling on one side and the chocolate cookie on the other side. He looked like some ranch pony in Colorado in the winter time, the mud looked like huge brown drops hanging from his coat, but his face was clean! |
Diane Edmonds
Member
Username: Scooter
Post Number: 569
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 3:44 pm: | |
I started currying Sam and got one side of his neck done and he got mad cuz' it hurt. I am afraid it will take days to get that mess untangled. On the other hand the horse that is behind Sam in the pic is all shiny now and looks like summer. Sam is still all matted and, well quite frankly stinks. This is a pic of Hank after a LITTLE brushing. If only Sam was this easy, I really don't know what to do with him.
 |
Ann
Member
Username: Dres
Post Number: 1071
Registered: 10-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 4:22 pm: | |
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots. |
Shelley
Member
Username: Sswiley
Post Number: 333
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 4:25 pm: | |
I would just do your best and then put a light sheet or blanket on him. I know he does not need anything with all that hair. The only place they tend to get skin problems seems to be on their backs, and a sheet should take care of that. Then of course you could just run the sheet through the car wash . . . !
I call my gelding "shake-n-bake", he is an expert roller and very proud of his skills. He is one of those horses that has COMPLETE control over the rolling process. . . . both sides equally, then he does this funny thing with his head and just cakes his entire front of his face all the way between his ears. |
Sharon
Member
Username: Shanson
Post Number: 57
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 4:40 pm: | |
A metal curry comb like this is the ticket for dried, caked-on mud. It's a real life-saver!
 |
Diane Edmonds
Member
Username: Scooter
Post Number: 570
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 4:41 pm: | |
lol Ann, now add 4ins. of thick yak hair to that and you have Sam. At least their butts stay clean, they haven't figured a way to get them YET.
Shelley I have considered clipping and a blanket, but so much work and they are out 24/7. I KNOW Hank would rip that sissy blanket right off of him.
I'm not much of a clipper and have considered trying to get 2in. of his hair off and leave 2ins. Is that possible? I'm sure it is beyond my skills if it is, but I am willing to try anything. |
Diane Edmonds
Member
Username: Scooter
Post Number: 571
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 4:44 pm: | |
Sharon that is what I use and I know you won't believe this I already broke one on him. It helps, but it don't quite cut it. |
Carolyn A Burton
Member
Username: Mcbizz
Post Number: 41
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 5:08 pm: | |
Dianne, One way I've read about, but have never tried, is to literally soak the horse with baby oil and leave it on long enough to soften the caked mud. Then go after it. Doesn't wreck the hair either. I use Mane and Tail Detangler for the mane and tail and it works on very badly messed up ones. |
Liliana Velasco Ariza
Member
Username: Liliana
Post Number: 320
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 5:22 pm: | |
Diane,
Remember horses make their own coats out of mud when it is cold at night. Have you tried a New Zeland rug? I know they are not cheap but at least you can still ride if you want to, as there is only neck and legs to worry about! After all winters do come back.
I don't know if they have them in the USA but they were very common in the UK. This is a link that I have used in the past and they are very reliable!
http://www.rideaway.co.uk
A rug makes life so much easier!
Oh I don't need them now as I live in hell I mean the caribbean were it gets to 90ยช on a cool day! |
Diane Edmonds
Member
Username: Scooter
Post Number: 572
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 5:39 pm: | |
Baby oil to soften the mud! I'll try it. When I went out to feed once again I took the metal curry to him and it just won't come out. The baby oil, might just do it. I knew you HA members would have great ideas Thanks. |
Diane Edmonds
Member
Username: Scooter
Post Number: 573
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 5:47 pm: | |
Just an after thought, I wonder if I sprayed him with Pam no stick spray the mud would not cling so much. Hmmmm I can just picture my muddy and greasy horse. |
Lee
Member
Username: Paul303
Post Number: 819
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 8:48 pm: | |
You know what, Diane? The dog groomers should know how to clip 2 inches off a 4 inch coat. They do those fancy trims all the time. There has to be clipper attachments - they can't do it all by hand. |
Alden Chamberlain
Member
Username: Alden
Post Number: 378
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 10:50 pm: | |
Diane,
I have a couple who are serious about their mud, but they've never had skin problems. I'd be careful about applying anything that might reduce the insulating value of their coats, the cold weather isn't over yet .
As far as I can tell the mud doesn't affect the coat's insulation value, my piglets all seem very comfortable when it gets cold.
Good day,
Alden |
Margy
Member
Username: Annaspop
Post Number: 16
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 11:04 pm: | |
I think this is what you are thinking of: http://www.carealotpets.com/item-detail/?ItemID=000000000002893
I haven't seen them for the large animal (body).
Margy |
Ann
Member
Username: Dres
Post Number: 1074
Registered: 10-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 11:16 pm: | |
How often do you ride in the wet/ winter / muddy months.. ?? What I have done with a few of my pasture mounts is just do a saddle groom.. So when I bring them in for a ride, I pick out the hoofs, and groom where the saddle will go and leave the rest along.. OK so the horse is not very pretty, but you can ride a dirty / muddy horse as well as a freshly groomed / clipped horse too..
That being said.. My horses that I try to ride daily, I do a trace clip, much easier to keep clean and of course they have to wear a blanket...ALL the horses get their yak hairs trimmed several times a winter.. around the jaw/ throat latch / fetlocks / behind the 'elbow' by the girth area.. oh and LONG ear hairs!!~ * No I never clip nose hairs.. hehehee..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots.. |
Diane Edmonds
Member
Username: Scooter
Post Number: 575
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 11:38 pm: | |
I don't ride much in the winter, especially Sam as he sweats too much with all that hair. Hank is my winter horse.
I really am not a grooming freak it's just Sam's coat is so thick and long that it curls. I presume he is early cushings as he don't shed out completely either. That is why I worry about skin disease with him. Otherwise he could stay muddy and stinky. His coat is literally like thick sheep hair. |
Lee
Member
Username: Paul303
Post Number: 820
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, Dec 24, 2006 - 11:21 pm: | |
Yes, Margy, so THAT'S the secret. Hey Diane, maybe you need a FLO-BEE ( as seen on TV )!!!! |
Diane Edmonds
Member
Username: Scooter
Post Number: 584
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Dec 26, 2006 - 11:12 am: | |
Well I didn't get the clippers or the horse vacuum on my Christmas list . Sam has been de-mudded to the best of my ability. He still has imbedded chunks that I will try to get with the baby oil. It is suppose to rain all next weekend again so I suppose I will go thru this again.
For you clipping gurus, Sam starts getting a very thick coat in Aug. if I clipped him then would he still grow a winter coat that would hopefully not be so thick? |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 2012
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Dec 26, 2006 - 11:56 am: | |
I think to prevent hair growth you have to blanket and keep him under lights about 16 hrs. per day. Light has to be strong enough to easily read by.
One of my older mares that I like to still ride I start blanketing as soon as the weather starts to cool and days get short. I don't keep her under lights as I want some hair. She still grows a pretty good coat, but nothing like she'd grow if I didn't blanket her. I usually clip her where she gets really sweaty and leave the rest. I bathe her and liberally spray her with Show Sheen (or similar product) every where except where the saddle goes. This make the dirt much easier to clean off.
The think with blankets is that you have to be consistant; it's a lot of work. Some days they need a light turn out, other days a heavy blanket. You can't skip a night because you're tired or going to be out of town.
On a Cushing horse you may still need to clip with blanketing, but the coat won't be quite as long and heavy and will be cleaner and easier to clip. |
Diane Edmonds
Member
Username: Scooter
Post Number: 585
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Dec 26, 2006 - 12:03 pm: | |
Thanks sara, I worked at a boarding barn full time for 10 yrs. I know about the switching blankets, for 30 horses. It use to drive me crazy.
I was hoping that maybe I could clip this boy around Sept. and he would still grow enough hair for the winter? I do want to avoid blanketing if possible. I am almost positive Hank would rip it off of him. The 2 boys play pretty hard. |
Margy
Member
Username: Annaspop
Post Number: 17
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, Dec 26, 2006 - 12:23 pm: | |
Yes, Lee that is one of the secrets. However It is the only one I know for clipping dog coats. When I do it never looks as good as the groomers' clips, but it is a whole lot cheaper. 
M |
diane sibley
Member
Username: Dsibley
Post Number: 74
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Dec 26, 2006 - 12:46 pm: | |
What about a good spray with Show Sheen once you get him clean? I remember an ill=fated bareback ride that I took once after I had bathed my mare and sprayed her down with the stuff. It's like Teflon...maybe would help the mud come off easier. It sure made my butt slide! |
Diane Edmonds
Member
Username: Scooter
Post Number: 586
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Dec 26, 2006 - 1:56 pm: | |
I wish I could get him clean! Here are pics of "clean Sam" after almost a week of currying. The dry mud on him is like cement and will not come off.
I can knock this kind of mud off of the other 2 with no problem. With this "cushings" coat it is all tangled and matted to the 4in. root.
I have used the metal curry and a undercoat comb, I think prevention may have to be key here, cuz' this isn't coming out!
 |
Ann
Member
Username: Dres
Post Number: 1075
Registered: 10-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Dec 26, 2006 - 3:38 pm: | |
YIKES.. !!!!!!
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots.. |
Aileen
Member
Username: Sunny66
Post Number: 1556
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, Dec 26, 2006 - 5:09 pm: | |
I only have one option for you... pray for rain then get out there in your rain slicker with a hair brush and a LOT of leave-in detangler/conditioner and brush his hair |
Diane Edmonds
Member
Username: Scooter
Post Number: 587
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Dec 26, 2006 - 5:46 pm: | |
Aileen funny you should mention that! I just got back from buying some infussium leave in hair conditioner and a spray bottle. I am going to mix warm water and the conditioner together and spray his matted hair. Then put a cooler on him and hope that hair dries before nightfall. I think if I just get the top layer wet we should be ok.
He gets better conditioner than me sigh..... |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 2013
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Dec 26, 2006 - 6:47 pm: | |
Good luck, Diane! If your plan works, I'm going to suggest it to the owner of the 28 yr. old retired endurance horse I board. When I went out to clean stalls today Bimbo looked just like your Sam...except he's white! Hehehe...he doesn't belong to me..he's owner gets to clean him up! I'm so glad I left my old girl's blanket on today! Gosh, isn't winter fun?
About the clipping in early fall...I'm not sure, but d think he's still grow a really heavy coat. It's amazing how fast a horse can grow that long heavy hair. |
Aileen
Member
Username: Sunny66
Post Number: 1557
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, Dec 26, 2006 - 8:20 pm: | |
LOL, Diane... make sure it's a stiff hairbrush good luck! |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 677
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, Dec 27, 2006 - 9:16 am: | |
I don't think you have to mix the infussium leave in with water....we all use it at the barn regular strength on our guys and don't dilute it and it does not irritate the skin.
And if you had to dilute it I'd have no hair by now! LOL I think the hardest part once he is wet and clean is going to be the drying....I have and old hair dryer at the barn to speed things up but it does take a while. Good luck. |
Dawn Winans
Member
Username: Dwinans
Post Number: 77
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, Dec 27, 2006 - 11:16 am: | |
I body-clip professionally and I believe that if you clip him early in the season he will grow enough fur to go through the winter without blanketing.
My vote is definitely for the clipping - much less work than scrubbing for weeks on end! I would even prefer to clip off the muddy hair rather than scrubbing! I know that blanketing is a pain but it is sooo nice to do a quick rub rather than scrub after riding.
Good luck! |
Diane Edmonds
Member
Username: Scooter
Post Number: 592
Registered: 9-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, Dec 27, 2006 - 3:39 pm: | |
It WORKED! The infussium and the undercoat brush did it, and he smells good. He's drying now and hopefully don't roll, I didn't put on a cooler, as I think the sunshine will dry him faster. If he is dry when I feed I will get an after pic.
Warning do not use baby oil! I put a couple drops on one chunk that would not let go and that spot turned into an oily muddy mess, that won't come clean.
Sam has been growing this coat for a few years and I have not had problem, it is this crazy weather. The ground should be froze and it should snow instead of rain! They are predicting 2 in. of rain again this weekend so I am glad I found something to clean him. Personally I'll take the rain any day over a foot of snow, but it is hard on all the animals. THANKS EVERYONE |
Erika L
Member
Username: Erika
Post Number: 623
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, Dec 27, 2006 - 3:59 pm: | |
Hi Diane, just read this post after not being on for several days. I always clip my hairiest mare in September. By January she has plenty of hair to go without a blanket. Lots easier than trying to keep the angora clean.
Also the Show Sheen/ Laser Sheen works great, too. But you have to apply it every couple of weeks to be effective.
If it is warm enough to rain--you can go ahead and bathe him--as long as YOU can take it! Just use the silicone treatment and put a wool blanket on him, and tie him in his stall until dry.
Shop vac's great too. They get used to it in no time!
In other words, all the suggestions you've already heard are great. Now explain to me why I wrote this long post?!
But does anyone know where to buy a curry attachment for a shop vac? I've only seen them for the the horse-made vacs, and their prices are ridiculous! |
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