Why and how to clean a horse

Horses do not at all strive to look like an illustration in a glossy magazine. Of course, it is more convenient for the owner that the horse is always clean, but the problem is that animals do not share such beliefs. Therefore, horses have to be cleaned regularly. How to brush a horse and why do it?

In the photo: a man cleans a horse. Photo: pixabay.com

Horses love to wallow in mud, dust, and many in puddles. In nature, a horse wallows in the dust to get rid of insects, as well as faded hair, and in a puddle to freshen up. Those horses that live in the stable also willingly roll around.

If your horse is lying, rejoice! The felting of a horse (if, of course, it is healthy) indicates that it feels comfortable and enjoys life. For owners who intend to ride, this fun is rarely happy, as it portends a lot of work to clean the horse. But the time you spend grooming your horse can be put to good use.

Should a horse be groomed? Cleaning a horse is helpful.

Grooming promotes a good relationship with the horse, and sometimes the horse will try to return the favor by scratching you.
Brushing stimulates circulation and can even have a calming effect on the horse.
During the cleaning, you have the opportunity to carefully examine the horse and notice in time for abrasions, scratches or swelling that would otherwise go unnoticed.
And if the horse is deprived of contacts with fellow tribesmen and cannot carry out mutual grooming with another horse (although this, of course, is not the most successful option for keeping these animals), cleaning will be even more pleasant for her.

How to clean a horse? There are several recommendations that you should follow.

Even if you don’t ride, try to give your horse a thorough clean at least once a week.
If possible, clean the horse outside the stable so that hair and dust do not pollute the water and air.
If you have little time, and the horse must be saddled, but at the same time it is dirty or wet, be sure to dry and clean at least those parts of the animal’s body that are in contact with the ammunition. Otherwise, scuffs on the horse’s skin cannot be avoided.
Do not worry if the horse walks dirty. It doesn’t stop her from feeling comfortable.
Do not be discouraged if, after a thorough cleaning, the horse immediately finds the dirtiest part of the pasture or paddock to wallow there. This is completely normal!