Whether you’re stepping into the show ring or heading down the trail, a well-groomed horse always stands out. Good grooming isn’t just about appearances; it’s about keeping your horse comfortable and healthy.
Grooming
- Invest in quality horse grooming brushes and keep them clean. Keeping them clean will help them last longer.
- Assign each horse their own set of brushes to reduce the risk of fungus or skin issues.
- Curry daily to lift dirt, stimulate circulation, and bring natural oils to the coat’s surface.
- Choose the right curry for the season. Use shedding blades for an abundance of hair removal in the winter or spring, rubber curries for daily care, and softer brushes or curries for more sensitive areas.
- Brush with the direction of hair growth to keep grooming comfortable and effective.
- Pick out hooves daily to check the health of the hoof and for any debris lodged in.
- Treat your horse’s hooves to a lanolin-based hoof conditioner at least once a week to keep them conditioned.
- Be mindful of sensitive areas on their skin.
- Use pH balanced products. All of Cowboy Magic’s products are pH balanced with quality ingredients to avoid irritation of the skin.
- Use a grooming mitt to remove dust quickly and evenly apply fly spray.
- Brush the dock of the tail with a dandy brush to boost circulation and promote healthy growth.
- To untangle knots and preserve the hair use Cowboy Magic Detangler & Shine to soften the knot, then carefully detangle.
- Start detangling from the bottom of the mane or tail and work your way up to prevent breakage.
- Save combing for when it’s needed if you’re growing out a mane or tail. Hand-pick shavings and debris instead.
- Use Detangler & Shine as a conditioner to strengthen strands and reduce breakage while grooming.
- Finish with Cowboy Magic Super Bodyshine for a smooth, dust-repelling coat, mane and tail.
Bathing & Spot Cleaning
- Bathe with Cowboy Magic Rosewater Shampoo for a deep but gentle clean with pH balanced products.
- Restore softness with Cowboy Magic Rosewater Conditioner to remove mineral buildup from hard water and leave hair healthy and rejuvenated.
- Rinse thoroughly after shampooing and spray in the direction of the hair, away from the horse’s face.
- Clean under the tail and between hind legs to remove dried sweat.
- Sponge off sweaty areas with warm water and Cowboy Magic Greenspot Remover if it’s too cold for a full bath.
- Spray Greenspot Remover on manure or grass stains for a no-rinse clean.
- Brighten white markings with Cowboy Magic Shine In Yellowout Shampoo to restore natural luster.
- Use a soft sponge for bathing to hold water and feel gentle against skin.
- Cover your horse with a cooler after bathing to reduce the chill as they dry.
Clipping & Trimming
- Clipping a week before shows so coats regain their natural shine.
- Bathe before clipping to keep blades sharp and results smooth.
- Check clipper blades often and replace or sharpen them when needed.
- Monitor blade temperature as you clip and cool them down before they overheat.
- Condition the coat afterward by spraying a dilution of Rosewater Conditioner and warm water to replace natural oils.
- Wipe your horse with a warm, damp cloth after clipping to remove loose hair and dander.
- If you pull your horse’s mane, use a pulling comb to make the job easier. And do so after riding, as the pores will be open making the hair easier to remove.
- Replenish your hands by moisturizing with Cowgirl Magic’s lotion, formulated with Vitamin E to protect against environmental stressors.
Show-Day Shine
- Spray the coat with Cowboy Magic Super Bodyshine for a show-stopping finish that repels dust. Apply on a towel for final touchups.
- Brighten coat color with Shine In Yellowout during a pre-show bath to enhance your horse’s natural coat color.
- Reduce static by spraying Super Bodyshine onto your horse’s coat.
- Prevent blanket rubs by applying Super Bodyshine to shoulders before blanketing.
- Wipe ears gently with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.
- Keep Greenspot Remover handy for last-minute stain cleanups before heading into the arena.
- Smile and have fun!
