| Its show time!! Well, it will be after I get my horse | | | | too heavily or avoid leaving the conditioner on for |
| washed and cleaned up. Why is it, that the harder | | | | long. |
| you try to keep them clean (and grays are the | | | | 10. For a tangle free tail, leave the conditioner in |
| worst), the dirtier they become?? | | | | for a minute (if you can) and comb the tail, with |
| Wel, I can't answer that. But I can give you a | | | | the conditioner still in it. Then rinse well. |
| few hints on better washing technique, and how | | | | 11. Here's where the vinegar comes in. Mix a |
| to avoid some of those show day mishaps (or at | | | | solution of 1 part vinegar (white) to 5 parts warm |
| least how to cope with them). | | | | water. Use this as a final conditioner and then |
| Here is some equipment I like to have handy on | | | | rinse out. It works really well and removes any |
| washing day: - hose with adjustable jet, bucket, | | | | left over residue. |
| sponge, dandy brush, comb, body scraper, | | | | 12. You can now use any colour high lighting |
| scissors, gum boots, hair bands (or horse bands), | | | | treatment (available at good saddlery shops) at |
| clean dry rugs, skinny hood (if required), vinegar (I | | | | this point. I find that the chestnut ones work quite |
| will explain) and of course suitable shampoos, | | | | well, especially if the horse has been recently |
| conditioners and highlighters. | | | | clipped (please note this is not a dye and |
| Here is the procedure I have used for the 'day | | | | therefore not illegal to use). |
| before' show washing of many State and National | | | | 13. Do a final rinse and scrape any access water |
| champions: | | | | off. |
| | | | 14. Towel dry as best as you can, remember the |
| 1. Brush or remove and obvious dirt, grass or | | | | legs! |
| twigs from your horse. This includes the tail. | | | | 15. Depending on the weather and horse, you |
| 2. Make sure your horse is securely tied in a | | | | maybe able to leave your horse out in the sun |
| suitable area (cement based washing bays, are | | | | for a while. |
| great). | | | | 16. Apply a clean dry rug and the skinny hood |
| 3. Hose your horse down (use warm water if | | | | (make sure the mane and fore lock is lying flat) |
| available), starting with the front legs (giving the | | | | followed by some warm woolen stable rugs. This |
| horse time to acclimatize to the water) and | | | | will help to dry your horse and keep them warm. |
| moving up the shoulder, neck, back legs rump and | | | | 17. I have been known to pre warm the under |
| then barrel and back. Last wash the face, but do | | | | rug in a dryer. |
| so carefully and gently. | | | | 18. Plait the tail if require or use a tail bag to help |
| 4. Wash first with shampoo, using the dandy | | | | keep it clean (I have had a few too many |
| brush in a circular motion. Start with the shoulder; | | | | disasters with tail bags and tend not to use them. |
| neck and then move down the body and legs | | | | But they can work well with some horses). |
| (don't forget the other side!). Also do the tail and | | | | 19. Using float boots, bandages or specially made |
| mane, which may need to be done twice. | | | | boots, wrap each leg (this is very handy with the |
| 5. Scrape off as much shampoo as possible; this | | | | horses that have white markings). Don't put them |
| will give you a better rinse result. And rinse | | | | on too tight. You will be amazed at how clean you |
| thoroughly. | | | | can keep your horse by this simple step (although |
| 6. Re shampoo if necessary. | | | | some horses love to pull their boots off during |
| 7. If using a white highlighting shampoo (the purple | | | | the night). |
| blue stuff for the white/ gray markings) it is best | | | | 20. Finally, once your horse is very dry, put it |
| applied at this point. It is fine to use all over the | | | | away in a clean stable or yard. Remember the |
| body but make sure you pay close attention to | | | | rugs will need changing depending on the weather. |
| the white areas. You will need to work quickly as | | | | Hopefully you will now have a lovely clean horse |
| it can stain, don't use too much and rinse of | | | | to take to the show! But remember that horses |
| thoroughly. | | | | will be horses and things don't always go according |
| 8. I normally find that conditioning the body is a | | | | to plan. |
| waste of time and makes the coat a bit fluffy, | | | | So take a few wash things with you to the show |
| but if you feel the need, do it now. | | | | just in case. Good luck. |
| 9. Next its time to condition the mane and tail. If | | | | Happy Washing |
| you are plaiting/braiding your horse for | | | | Tina Williamson B App Sci (Equine) |
| competition you may want to avoid conditioning | | | | Editor of Horse Lover Gifts. |