Showing off

A well groomed and gleaming coat can make all the difference in the show ring and indicates a happy and healthy horse. We look at how to get your horse’s coat clean and shiny in order to achieve that perfect finish.

 

Most horses will take any opportunity to get themselves dirty, and therefore require regular grooming, whether destined for the show ring or not. Not only will this remove any day-to-day dirt and improve circulation of the blood and lymph, but it also strengths the bond between horse and owner, as grooming is an important part of equine social activity.

 

Bathing the horse is usually done less often than general grooming but frequently enough so as to keep the coat in good condition. Most horses are given a thorough bath before a show, whilst it is also recommended before and after clipping, as this reduces wear and tear on blades and afterwards washes away any itchy loose hairs.

 

Although it may be tempting, it is best not to use human shampoos for bathing horses, as these are generally more harsh and more likely to strip away the natural oils in the animal’s coat (see below). Furthermore, the natural pH of your horse’s skin is higher than that of a human’s, and so human formulations are unlikely to be suitable. Instead, choose a specialist equine shampoo, which should be strong enough to lift out any mud or grime and cleanse the coat, whilst remaining gentle enough on your horse’s hair and skin so as not to strip away natural oils nor cause irritation.

 

Shampoo is a must-have item for any grooming kit. Common ingredients used within equine shampoo include surfactant such as sodium lauryl sulphate (synthetic) or cocamidopropyl betaine (natural) to loosen and dirt and oils, glyceride (derived from vegetable or animal fats) and sodium chloride (salt); the latter two react together emulsify dirt and oils and enable removal. Many shampoos also contain perfumes or essential oils to add aroma and/or additional properties such as soothing, cleansing or antiseptic actions. You can also buy special formulations for greys, and indeed other colours of horse, to bring out the natural colour of the coat to best effect.

 

Diethanolamide is also often included in shampoos, used as a foaming agent to lift dirt and grime from the hair. Remember though that the more lather, the harder it is to rinse the shampoo from the coat, which is vital so as not to irritate the skin. For horses suffering particular skin complaints, such as sweet itch or dry, flaky, itchy or sensitive skin, meanwhile a specially formulated or medicated shampoo may be able to help.

 

After shampooing, a conditioner should be applied to restore some of the natural coat oils that may have been lost, revitalise the coat, add shine and reduce static. To save time, or add extra shine before a show, a spray-on conditioner or conditioning wipes are also good to have to hand.

 

Natural oils

 

Each hair follicle has a sebaceous gland that produces oil known as sebum. These natural oils in the coat keep it in good condition, lubricate the skin and repel dirt. Not only do these oils gives shine to the horse’s coat, but when mixed with sweat this produces chemicals that kill off surface bacteria.

 

Sebum also has another important function – weatherproofing. The natural oils in the coat serve as a water repellent. The way in which the hair stands on the coat together with the way in which the circulation operates helps to keeping the horse both warm in colder temperatures and cool in the midday sun. The oils also give the lovely healthy natural shine to the horse’s coat. 

 

Stripping these oils out through the use of harsh shampoos or over grooming damages the water resistant properties, which may cause the horse to become wet and cold. This can also lead to skin dryness, irritation or dermatitis in some circumstances. Owners can ensure that they prevent this from happening by choosing a reputable shampoo that is designed for horses.

 

The more alkaline the shampoo, the more likely it is to strip away these essential oils. Many manufacturers therefore add ingredients such as citric or phosphoric acids to balance the pH and counteract this effect.

 

In order to make the most of the natural sheen produced by sebum, try bathing your horse one or two days before a show rather than on the day itself, to allow any oils lost to regenerate. Currying with a circular rubber comb also encourages sebum production as well as removing dead skin and dirt.

 

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) meanwhile is an omega-6 fatty acid, believed to help support the production of natural oils in the horse coat. GLA is thus is sometimes found in equine shampoos or dietary oils, often sourced from borage or evening primrose – two plants known to be high in this nutrient.

 

Polished finish

 

Your horse may have been bathed a day or two previously, but he will remain a magnet for dirt right until he enters the show ring! Ensure you are prepared for all eventualities and invest in a stain remover for last-minute touch-ups. A stain removing spray is quick and easy to apply, and is also invaluable for winter preparation when full bathing is not as easy.

Coat shiners, finishing mists or wipes meanwhile are perfect for creating an all-over glossy sheen to impress the judges, and certain products even contain glitter for those really wanting to add sparkle. The best products will leave a grease-free finish so as not to attract dust, and some add pro-vitamins (vitamin 3 is especially important for skin and coat health) and proteins to nourish and strengthen the coat.

 

A final spray with a good coat enhancer before entering the ring gives the ultimate gloss to a horse’s coat, highlights black points and some help to fix plaits and quarter marks too. To achieve a really professional finish, try a highlighter or ‘make-up’ to enhance and define the areas around the eyes, muzzle, ears, dock or legs. These products can also be useful for hiding any scars or blemishes.

 

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