Use the navigation bar above to access articles and more discussions on this topic.
| Author |
Message |
    
Aileen
Member
Username: Sunny66
Post Number: 1142
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jun 14, 2006 - 4:41 pm: |   |
Yes I know, first the curry then the brush...but does anyone have any techniques that I should know about?
Another thread got me thinking... I must say that there are times when my horse decides he doesn't want me to groom him...always when I get to a specific spot by his flank. I've tried to do it really soft, harder, etc., nothing seems to work, so I just say "stand". Please tell me what I can do to groom my horse better 
Seriously! Let's do this! |
Aileen
Member
Username: Sunny66
Post Number: 1143
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jun 14, 2006 - 4:44 pm: | |
I'll start off with what I do:
1. Pick the feet
2. curry body with harder curry (but it's still a soft curry)
3. curry legs and face with really soft curry.
4. curry ears with curry to get the noseeums out.
5. Brush with harder bristles to get the dirt out.
6. Brush with soft bristles to dust off and shine the coat.
I do the curry with a circular motion.
I brush with the hair, never against... |
Shirley A. Johnson
Member
Username: Shirl
Post Number: 361
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jun 14, 2006 - 4:56 pm: | |
Aileen,
If he's sensitive, try a soft/medium brush. Some horses have very sensitive skin. Or just try grooming with your hands in a glove to get him used to the feel, then proceed. He may never be able to tolerate a hard bristle brush.
Good Luck,
Shirl |
Aileen
Member
Username: Sunny66
Post Number: 1147
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jun 14, 2006 - 5:09 pm: | |
Thanks Shirl, I never use a hard bristle on him, never more than a medium bristle.
I'm wondering if there is a certain technique that I am not aware of... or, he's still hurting somewhere? |
Shirley A. Johnson
Member
Username: Shirl
Post Number: 363
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jun 14, 2006 - 5:23 pm: | |
Aileen,
If he is sensitive only in a certain area, he may be hurting from "something". What is the big question. Any signs of swelling, having been kicked? Muscle strain? They can certainly keep us guessing. If it's confined to a small area, try very, very gently massaging it.
Best of luck,
Shirl |
joj
Member
Username: Jojo15
Post Number: 738
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jun 14, 2006 - 11:34 pm: | |
I have 7 different brushes. one for the face. one for nasty caked on dirt. one for heavy duty winter brushing... and so on. down to some really soft haired brushes.
My girl HATES anything more than the soft hair bristles. I only use a curry comb in the winter/spring to shed her. otherwise, i usually just hose her down (no soap) once a month in winter, weekly in summer. and i soap up only on the occasion i need to. While still wet, i spray with bug spray mixed with show sheen. ALOT. And then air dry her in a clean place where she CAN'T roll. This keeps her hair clean for at least a week. or more. The show sheen just seems to work out the nasty stuff, if i need to take a brush to her. and all i need is the softer bristle brushes. I find the less i do the better she looks. The natural oils in her body will help repel any of the nasty stuff. The more you shampoo the more you lose all that.
The only problem areas are her lower legs. she has a tendency to get muck down there. Otherwise, my bran shines all the time. Even in nasty weather, or no grooming times.
Since i have a palo, i use the blue shampoos to make her mane and tail whiter. This i do soap up more. Just like our hair it can get nasty. and do this weekly if needed, especially in the summer. Also, add the show sheen to the conditioner. And leave the conditioner in the hair. but wipe off excess. I really havent' had a problem in years. With any issues regarding care. she hates being groomed. So this way we do it less, but get the same effects.
The only way i got her to accept the brushes was to use the softer bristled ones. and its hard to order these online. You have to go and feel them to buy them.
I do believe the fly spray/showsheen combo help when i spray her daily. This way it softens the hair, and the dirt repels from the showsheen. Literally all this keeps her clean and i only groom when i saddle. |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 1414
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jun 14, 2006 - 11:50 pm: | |
I love those real soft little curries that are flexable like the Jelly Scrubbers. Most of my horses are pretty sensitive, especially in the summer when their coats are short. I, too, never use a real stiff brush. I have a red rubber soft curry that is shaped like a brush (made by Grooma, I think) that is very good at getting through long hair and removing mud.
I usually use Healthy Hair conditioner all over their bodies as I think this helps make the dirt easier to remove, and keeps their coats soft. I also vacuum the horses in the winter. Those nylon scrubbies used for dishes are really good a removing mud, too.
After manes are dry, instead of braids, I make lots of little "pony tails" with rubber bands about 4 inches apart all the way down to the ends. These don't pull like braids sometimes do, but keep their manes from getting tangled.
I like the idea of the fly spray mixed with conditioner or show sheen. I'm going to give it a try. |
Shirley A. Johnson
Member
Username: Shirl
Post Number: 364
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 1:29 am: | |
HI Gals,
What ratio of Show Sheen/Fly Spray do you use? Sounds like a fabulous idea, especially in dusty areas.
Thanks,
Shirl |
Fran C
Member
Username: Canter
Post Number: 512
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 7:57 am: | |
Aileen,
My mare isn't too sensitive, so I use standard equipment. However, in the winter, I ride with the knit gloves that have the little rubber nubbies on them. I've noticed that she LOVES having me rub her face when I'm wearing the gloves and I have used the gloves to scrub off sweat spots at the girth/lower legs in the winter when I can't hose her down. She seems to enjoy the feel of my hand, even in the glove, vs a brush or curry. The brushes or curry she tolerates, the gloved hand she leans into and enjoys. |
Terri
Member
Username: Terrilyn
Post Number: 375
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 8:36 am: | |
Joj--
Regarding your comment about your horse's lower legs, I just saw an ad for a type of leg wraps to keep that area protected/clean and fly-free. I was flipping through the products section in May's (I think...not sure) issue of Equus and saw them...they look like they are made from the same material as fly masks, a mesh material, and fasten with velcro. Maybe these will help. If you're interested, let me know and I'll get details on who makes them when I get home from work. |
Aileen
Member
Username: Sunny66
Post Number: 1149
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 10:05 am: | |
Thanks all...
I too would like to know the ration for fly/show sheen spray...
I have the softest curries and brushes for my guy...the grooma's face and soft body ones...sometimes I end up using the face curry for his body.
What about manes and tails? I see joj washes her tail ... I am forever fighting dry skin on the tail bone... bum itches, I can tell because when I get home his tail is mussed.
I use the rehydrater by equus and it does seem to help, but is there something else or another way to do it? It seems that if I soap up the mane and tail, he gets itchy by the next day. I rinse it out as long as he can take it, go hair by hair, doesn't matter, unless I'm able to rinse him again the next day... I rarely use soap, I was told it dries the skin out?
I think his allergies are kicking in...  Can't give him oil because he'll get fatter, even a little bit...flax...same thing...any suggestions for this?
Someone suggested listerine and baby oil mixture...I have a problem putting listerine on my horse! Anyone use it successfully without repercussions? |
Mariss
Member
Username: Mariss
Post Number: 18
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 10:05 am: | |
The face, let's talk about the face. When you have several horses to take care of, time is of the essence. Most of them hate the face done and doing it becomes a terrible experience. Washing the face is the same problem. I could use help with tips for this part, both washing and currying and brushing. |
Aileen
Member
Username: Sunny66
Post Number: 1150
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 10:09 am: | |
Can't help you there Mariss, my horses love having their faces done...except washing.
I spray above their heads because inevitably their heads are raised to the heavens. They get a nice shower
Then I get a small damp towel, and rub For the forelock I reach behind the ears and clean it that way. If you use soap, I'm wondering if the baby soap safe for eyes would be a good idea? Not sure of that...
Hope it helps! |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 1416
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 10:50 am: | |
I use a small sponge to do their faces. If they are really dirty and are showing, I use no tear baby shampoo, otherwise, just plain water. I wring out the sponge and scrub around their eyes; the rest of the face I wring out the sponge so water runs down their face from it to rinse.
They love having their faces scrubbed with those rubber gloves with the pimples on them, or with a very soft curry. For ears I just use a damp rag. |
joj
Member
Username: Jojo15
Post Number: 740
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 11:50 am: | |
Baby wipes for the face. it has lanolin in it. smells good too. horse likes it. i use about 3 of them to get her eye and face areas clean. ears i don't trim anymore. and sometimes need to pull out any wax that might get in there. the baby wipes are good for that too. I don't think i have ever used shampoo on the face. That is all i need is her to have it go in the eyes and never let me do it again.
The horses natural oils are the best defense. That's why i rarely shampoo the horse, just the mane and tail. when i put conditioner in i leave it. and then flyspray lavishly that too.
the mix of showsheen and fly spray are equal parts. I buy concentrate on both, then add appropriate water. One thing that i find works great is after the hoseing still wet, spray it on lavishly. and then sqeegee only the belly and really wet areas. I will notice for days i don't have to fly spray them. But watch out show sheen makes the hair slick. saddle? slick? you get the picture..grin or don't ride bareback after it, too....grin.
Those legs fly masks sound like a cool idea. I do have such a terrible problem, and then fly's bite, blood drips, dries. and muck starts. so pass on any info, sounds awesome.
Oh for my fly mask, i always soak in water first. and then spray it with fly spray before putting on the horse. That helps loads. |
Shirley A. Johnson
Member
Username: Shirl
Post Number: 365
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 12:18 pm: | |
Aileen, I have used Listerine on Sierra's tail near the body - she was adorned with allergies. Doesn't do much, however; when it got bad, any areas she'd rubbed, I'd put Zinc Oxide cream on, kept the bugs away and seemed to relieve the itching. Same with belly. There are several anti-itch lotions and gels also, but I liked covering the areas with ZO.
And as for the leg wraps for fly protection - they worked great. In fact I have a pair I used on Sierra, that are like new. Medium size, blue. Can't recall the brand but I'm going to sell them as they are too large for Sedona and she isn't bothered much by flies. I believe I got mine from Valley Vet.
Shirl |
Christos Axis
Member
Username: Christos
Post Number: 991
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 2:20 pm: | |
The way I was taught it was just soft curry comb, then curry comb some more, then some more, and when the curry comb does not come dusty anymore, finish with a soft cotton cloth or your bare hand.
You are not supposed to rub or otherwise irritate bare skin, so you are not supposed to go through the protective layer of hair with a brush. Horses hate it, it may introduce skin diseases and you don't really need it. A soft curry comb and honest work is all that's needed for a superb job. No stranger ever believed that I don't use any sprays or oils to make the horse shine like this. Or any brushes.
I like the soft curry comb by Oster. Horses like it too. It removes dirt very efficiently and holds loosened hair, forming a funny pad. When its full, you just pry it out of the comb with the hoofpick. I like Oster's hoofpick too.
http://www.osterpro.com/productModels.asp?ProdCatID=6&BladeID=&prodpagecount=all
When you're done currying, a clean old cotton t-shirt gives a fine finish. If it is dampened in hot water, even better. But barely damp, you don't need to make the hair wet.
For the face, I only use the cloth, always damp. For the genitals, a wet sponge with a tiny bit of disinfectant in the bucket. Not so much for disinfecting, but to make insects less welcome.
The idea with grooming a horse is to rub him vigorously with soft tools, not to caress him with hard tools. Horses appreciate strong rubbing. Just watch how they rub themselves. They rub with all their strength on posts, walls and tree trunks. They don't rub gently on thick bushes or other things that'll go past their hair. They don't like that !
I have never met a horse that did not appreciate a good rub. I have met several, however, who would get irritated if you kept spinning around them tickling them here and there. Tickling is not friendly to a horse. When you touch him, touch him softly but solidly and with confident movements. Do not start stretching your arm, hold it in mid air, pull it back, reach again for a little touch etc. It makes the situation look iffy and the horse insecure and very irritated.
On the other hand, do not be rude either. Entering the stall and immediately grabbing the horse's leg is rude. Whatever you entered that stall for, say hello first. Let him smell you. Yes, he knows you already, and you were there one hour ago, so what? Let him take his sniff. Then put your hand on his face to tell him all is ok and scratch his withers gently. Then proceed with your task. You only need 10 seconds or so to be polite. On the other hand, beating around the bush is not being polite, it is being confusing. Get done with your task, do not stand there being silly for ages. |
Sharon
Member
Username: Shanson
Post Number: 30
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 2:29 pm: | |
Careful with the Show Sheen...it can make horse's hair so brittle that it breaks off. This happened with my mare and she lost a lot of her mane. I'm told that if you mix it with conditioner, it's not so bad, but I haven't tried it.
This same mare used to be protective of her flank when grooming or even if you just touched her there with your hand. In her case, she may have been a little ticklish, but really it was a training/respect issue. She would try to threaten me over it...ear pinning, thinking about kicking, and so forth. I learned to handle her appropriately and she quit doing it. I've heard that this is not unusual behavior with mares...don't know about geldings.
For their faces, I recently started using one of those kinda big synthetic sponges you can buy at tack stores. I rinse it with clean cool water and use it to clean their nostrils, muzzle, and around eyes and ears. They LOVE it because it cools them off and scratches their itchy spots. The synthetic material is stiff and rough enough to be a good scratcher without being too much. |
Shirley A. Johnson
Member
Username: Shirl
Post Number: 366
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 2:55 pm: | |
Christos,
I like your way of thinking, your style. Very good post.
Shirl |
Dede
Member
Username: Aewheele
Post Number: 57
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 3:19 pm: | |
Christos, what a great post! You've just changed my way of grooming forever. Thank you. |
Aileen
Member
Username: Sunny66
Post Number: 1152
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 3:32 pm: | |
Shirley, me too... as per usual ... Thanks Christos.
But it's the curry my horse doesn't like, in front of his flank...thinking that ulcer thing again... he's not mean about it, just walks as far as the cross ties will let him to make a statement. I say stand and he does... It could be a respect issue, we have a pretty good bond but we could always work at it
Sharon, I forgot that about the show sheen, thanks. What about Vetrolin? |
Christos Axis
Member
Username: Christos
Post Number: 992
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 3:56 pm: | |
Try a softer curry comb, Aileen. The ones that are made of sticky very soft material work very well.
Grooming a horse with just the currycomb requires a serious effort, do not hurry to like it or not before you have a go at it a few times. It is surely exercise, so don't kill yourself the first time. It becomes a lot easier as you get into shape. |
Aileen
Member
Username: Sunny66
Post Number: 1153
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 7:49 pm: | |
Did it He didn't budge...softer curry on his body with more concentration on the strokes...how did you know I was hurrying?
I used a sheepskin mitt after the curry.
Yes, it is a workout Thanks Christos. |
Christos Axis
Member
Username: Christos
Post Number: 993
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 4:55 am: | |
Everybody is in a hurry, Aileen, me too. |
Linda Sain
Member
Username: Banthony
Post Number: 39
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 10:42 am: | |
I have a great tip for tails (and long manes too). Get one of the products made for frizzy hair (similar to the John Frieda Anti Frizz-Ease Serum.) I get mine from Sally's Beauty Supply. There is a whole section of this kind of product. It is clear - get the cheapest and the thickest (the thin spray doesn't work very well.) All of them have some kind of a simethylcone in them.
Put a good sized blob in your hand. Rub it between both your hands and then work it through the tail -particularly in the middle - not just the outside. Then comb through. Any dirt on the tail comes off on your hand so this is a great way to comb out a tail in the winter when you can't bathe.
You won't believe how wonderfully silky the tail (mane) is. It stays for up to a week and really helps to prevent breakage. |
Alicia Kost
Member
Username: Aannk
Post Number: 621
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 12:17 pm: | |
OK I will go through my routine, hope it will help some folks, but the posts here are already very good.
I start with a plastic curry on the meaty parts of the horse, circular motion, and with the other hand use those soft rubber hand mitts on the whole body, the parts I just did and the parts I didn't. I make sure to get all over the face with the soft one, including under the crown piece on the halter and under the chin.
Next I use a medium hard plastic brush all over except the face - this brush is used mostly to get the dirt off, I concentrate on the lower legs with it. Next, wipe the face and under the tail with baby wipes, I usually use about three. I make sure I get in and out of the ears and my mare's "area". Next, I use a softer horse hair long brush all over. Next, I use a finishing brush on the large areas, not the bony areas. Then I take whatever the season dictates, fly spray in the summer, coat polish or conditioner in the winter, and spray it all over and use a terry cloth towel and rub with the hair and use this time to do a little massage and feel over the whole body for heat or inflammation. Next I brush the mane and forelock, pull a few hairs to maintain the length of the mane, and brush just the top of the tail, checking the dock for bugs and dry skin. If there is dry skin, I use MTG on the tail and rub it in.
By the way, if during my grooming, I find a cut, I apply antibiotic ointment to it before spraying, and avoid it when using the terry cloth. I also would have put chlorhexidine on my mare before the second brushing on her scratches. Last, I pick the feet, and put on a 1 part bleach 10 parts water solution on the soles and frogs.
In the winter, I will rub a fabric softener sheet on the horse as I go to help static discharge.
After I ride, I will hose with plain water if it is hot, or use liniment if they worked hard.
If I had to wet them, I will squeegie, but not brush them. I will re-apply the cut medicine and put cream and diaper ointment on the scratches. I will then spray with fly spray again.
In the winter, I brush with the medium brush again and re-apply the ointments and meds.
Yes, it DOES take a long time, but I get satisfaction from a clean well groomed horse, and all my horses have enjoyed this, up till my newest, but he is in training and is getting used to human handling.
Alicia |
Christos Axis
Member
Username: Christos
Post Number: 998
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 1:33 pm: | |
I avoid silicone products for manes and tails when I can because they make them look heavy for my taste and the shine is very artificial.
The traditional method is to use your hand to rub/dust the horse after you're done with the curry comb. This will leave a fine mess of a white gunk on your hands. You rub this stuff on the mane and tail, untangling and combing with your fingers. Rub your hands first to warm them so this grease transfers better to the tail and mane.
The mess on your hands will be unbelievable, this grease sticks really well. To wash my hands afterwards I use this special soap, what they use in car repair shops to clean their hands from grease after work. I do not suggest the procedure to anyone who does not have this soap to wash afterwards (try removing it with water only or a common soap, you will understand why horses are waterproof in rain).
This is quite a task, mind you, and tough on your skin because manes and tails are tough hair.
If the mane and tail are badly tangled, I'll use some silicone product to make my life easier, but at least a week or so before a show so the heaviness and artificial shine will have time to go away. |
Sharon
Member
Username: Shanson
Post Number: 31
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 2:18 pm: | |
Christos, this labor-intensive process you describe sounds very interesting. I've never heard it, but am interested in trying it. I curry more than the average person, but not as much as you describe. How long do you curry on average if you're riding/grooming a horse regularly? I have smallish horses...one's a 14.2 mustang & the other a 15-hand quarterhorse.
Aileen, you're right, that doesn't sound like a respect issue. I never curry hard in that sensitive spot. I mainly use those soft black rubber curry brushes, which they tolerate well.
I don't know how Vetrolin linament would work as a Show Sheen replacement. I don't use it regularly enough to have experience. Really, all my horses manes look great with very simple, but frequent, grooming regimen. Done frequently, mine never develop tangles. So all they need is a simple brush-out...I'm bad and use stiff brushes...they lose a little hair, but with care it's not enough to be a problem for me. After riding, I rinse them off with a hose and that's it.
Now, this weekend I've volunteered to help a friend detangle his horse's tail. He hasn't groomed this horse in months and its tail is a rastafarian mess! That will be painstaking detangling by hand...I hope it works! |
Linda Sain
Member
Username: Banthony
Post Number: 40
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 2:20 pm: | |
Maybe you are using too much? I only use the size of a quarter for the whole tail. No heaviness and not much shine, but wonderfully soft. Doesn't even feel like horse hair. |
Sue G
Member
Username: Warwick
Post Number: 369
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 2:59 pm: | |
I read an interesting manuscript written in 1782 outlining the standing orders for grooming the horses of the British Dragoons. It detailed their grooming routine as follows:
1. Curry the entire horse.
2. Wisp the horse using a straw wisp (as a kid in England, we used empty feed sacks instead).
3. Brush the horse first against the grain of the hair and then with the grain, starting at the hindquarters and working forwards to the neck (I thought this was rather interesting).
4. Brush out the mane and tail but first dip the tail in water.
5. Go over entire horse with a "horse cloth" with the grain of the hair.
6. Brush the mane and tail again using a wet water brush.
7. Rub the legs for 8 to 10 minutes.
Each groom was assigned four horses and this routine was followed prior to and after all riding.
As for me, I prefer a good vacuum cleaner and a healthy supply of Cowboy Magic! (Haven't met a horse yet that once used to the noise of the vacuum fails to fall in love with the massaging action.) |
Ann
Member
Username: Dres
Post Number: 824
Registered: 10-2000
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 4:12 pm: | |
YIKES If i groomed all my riding horses like that i would never be able to ride.. .. i do a quick strong brush over all the body, checking for lumps and bumps as i go.. afterward i usually hose off or sponge off.. I never brush Tail or Mane.. if there is something in it will pull it out by fingers.. When i wash the tail, i leave in the conditioner.. that works well and is cheaper.. ! ALL my horses have strong / shining/ healthy coats... I do add oil to their diet as well..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots.. |
Fran C
Member
Username: Canter
Post Number: 513
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 4:21 pm: | |
At one time, someone told me that to get the best shine on a horse, after a good grooming, rub the horse down with Irish linen. Months later, I happened to mention this to my Mom and wouldn't you know it, she happened to have some on hand. She sacrificed the skirt she was going to make with it and I tried it. At the time, my horse was a very coppery colored chestnut TB. The linen made him look like a newly minted penny. You could practically see your reflection in his coat and I won some best turnout awards when showing. Now, however, I have a gray horse and it's all I can do to keep her looking white, and grays just don't have the shine that chestnuts or bays have.
I like the Vetrolin spray. I only use it on mane & tail. My mare has a thick mane but skimpy tail so I brush it only about once every 2 weeks, carefully pulling out twigs in between. The Vetrolin reduces brushing damage and on her at least, does not make the hair go flat or heavy |
Christos Axis
Member
Username: Christos
Post Number: 999
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 4:27 pm: | |
Sharon, it takes me some 15-20 minutes curry combing and dusting every day before riding. That's on 18.2 hh, a big surface to clean! Mane and tail I only shake and dust a bit if they're not badly tangled. Add 5 minutes for cleaning face and genitals and 5 minutes to check lower legs, hooves and shoes.
When I'm in a hurry or lazy I'll just do the saddle and girth area and check the legs.
Once a week it is curry combing to perfect cleanness, usually 20-30 min and another 15 min to treat mane and tail.
Linda, I do not know, I use barely enough to be of some help in untangling and it still makes it look heavy. A friend suggested to use very little and let it soak in for an hour or so before grooming, I haven't tried this yet.
Sue, I believe a damp hay wisp gives the best shine you can get. Some say it is because of natural oils in the hay, I do not know. To be honest, I am not really sure it makes such a difference, it can very well be that I just like using the silly thing.
Wisp banging is useful to desensitise the horse and build trust, but it does not build muscle, as you may hear. Actually it just relaxes the big muscles and they hang looser, the horse looking very muscular as he walks away with all that meat flopping around. But it takes a little trot only or the horse being startled for the effect to disappear. |
Sue G
Member
Username: Warwick
Post Number: 370
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 4:29 pm: | |
I know what you mean, Ann. With a full-time job an hour drive away from home, a barn and property to look after, boarders to cater to, three horses to ride, and a husband needing some attention, time is of the essence in my life.
The vacuum is nice and easy but if I don't have time to drag it out, a quick brushing with one of those soft, long-bristled, flicky type brushes does the trick along with a few dabs of Cowboy Magic. And gotta love the warmer seasons when a few minutes under the hose rinses off the sweaty bits and cools them down.
Then on to the next one! |
Sue G
Member
Username: Warwick
Post Number: 371
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 4:36 pm: | |
Hi Christos
I've never heard that wisping (or strapping as we used to call it when I was younger) builds muscle because obviously that is impossible. We did it to add shine and to encourage good circulation just as a good massage does. |
Christos Axis
Member
Username: Christos
Post Number: 1000
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 4:46 pm: | |
It is an old theory that hard wisping, banging the big muscles rhythmically with the wisp, builds muscle as the horse learns to contract and relax these muscles with the rhythm.
The equivalent of some modern TV commercials, I suppose. How old (and how wrong) some "modern" ideas are... |
Sue G
Member
Username: Warwick
Post Number: 372
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 4:49 pm: | |
Fran, I guess the feed sacks I used as a kid were kind of the "poor man's" version of Irish linen since they had a similar bumpy surface to the cloth. Sure did make the coats shiny.
However I believe that what you put inside the horse is more important than what you do to the outside to end up with a healthy, shiny coat. That and lots of exercise. |
Sue G
Member
Username: Warwick
Post Number: 373
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 4:52 pm: | |
Yup, Christos, just like those weight-loss machines where all you have to do is lie on a table while the machine does the exercise for you! There really is a sucker born every minute! |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 1418
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 8:36 pm: | |
|
