Washing Fussy Horses

Bucker · 10-14-07, 06:09 PM

Do you have any tips for washing a fussy horse? I heard about going over her with a damp cloth, but it takes much longer. Anything else one could do?

tikitowel · 10-16-07, 09:36 PM

The best way to get an animal to deal with something they don't like is to condition them. Start with something thats not scary ad work your way up to the actual thing. Start with a wet rag or sponge and a bucket and wash your horse like you would a car. Then get her used to the hose. Rub it on her legs, back and around her face (assuming she's not head shy as well). Then turn it on just enough to trickle water and repeat. Then turn it on a little more, then completely like you would when bathing her (I'd suggest not 100% on). If she freaks out, go back to the last step she was comfortable with and stop for the time being. Always end on a positive note and don't try to get through too many steps at one shot.

Mustang · 10-18-07, 03:34 AM

I read an article about bathing a horse and the advice of tikitowel is exactly what was said. Its like training your baby how to poo properly. It takes time and you don't get to totally bathe your horse on the first day. Know the comfortable points where your horse allows you to wash him and get him/her acquainted with bathing. Then move from that part slowly to other parts of the body, if it jerks, you should try it in another session.

alexis · 10-18-07, 01:31 PM

I think conditioning is a good answer to start with. I can only vouch for using Chamomile in my children's bath (it calms/sooths) them with the fragrance. Not sure if there is anything on the market for horses, but if I find anything I will let you know.

Remark · 11-16-07, 12:06 PM

I always started training my foals on a very hot summer day. Starting with a light flow of water just on the legs. Before spaying them I would introduce the hose as a source of water by filling their water buckets as they were drinking, then taking the hose out and letting it splash on the ground near them. Most horses don't like their heads sprayed with water but on a hot summer day they might just stick their head in front of the water to cool off.

10-14-07, 06:09 PM	Washing Fussy Horses Post #1 (permalink)
Bucker Member Join Date: 10-01-07 Posts: 13	Washing Fussy Horses Do you have any tips for washing a fussy horse? I heard about going over her with a damp cloth, but it takes much longer. Anything else one could do?

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10-16-07, 09:36 PM	Washing Fussy Horses Post #2 (permalink)
tikitowel Member Join Date: 10-15-07 Posts: 42 Images: 1	The best way to get an animal to deal with something they don't like is to condition them. Start with something thats not scary ad work your way up to the actual thing. Start with a wet rag or sponge and a bucket and wash your horse like you would a car. Then get her used to the hose. Rub it on her legs, back and around her face (assuming she's not head shy as well). Then turn it on just enough to trickle water and repeat. Then turn it on a little more, then completely like you would when bathing her (I'd suggest not 100% on). If she freaks out, go back to the last step she was comfortable with and stop for the time being. Always end on a positive note and don't try to get through too many steps at one shot.

10-18-07, 03:34 AM	Washing Fussy Horses Post #3 (permalink)
Mustang Member Join Date: 10-14-07 Posts: 25	I read an article about bathing a horse and the advice of tikitowel is exactly what was said. Its like training your baby how to poo properly. It takes time and you don't get to totally bathe your horse on the first day. Know the comfortable points where your horse allows you to wash him and get him/her acquainted with bathing. Then move from that part slowly to other parts of the body, if it jerks, you should try it in another session.

10-18-07, 01:31 PM	Washing Fussy Horses Post #4 (permalink)
alexis Member Join Date: 08-10-07 Posts: 329 Images: 2	I think conditioning is a good answer to start with. I can only vouch for using Chamomile in my children's bath (it calms/sooths) them with the fragrance. Not sure if there is anything on the market for horses, but if I find anything I will let you know.

11-16-07, 12:06 PM	Washing Fussy Horses Post #5 (permalink)
Remark Member Join Date: 11-01-07 Location: Alabama Posts: 25	I always started training my foals on a very hot summer day. Starting with a light flow of water just on the legs. Before spaying them I would introduce the hose as a source of water by filling their water buckets as they were drinking, then taking the hose out and letting it splash on the ground near them. Most horses don't like their heads sprayed with water but on a hot summer day they might just stick their head in front of the water to cool off.

Washing Fussy Horses

Advice on grooming and general health care for horses

Washing Fussy Horses