Questionable Old-School Horse Grooming Techniques
Every now and again, I come across some “old school” ways of doing things that are part head-scratcher, and part there’s now an easier way. Some of my favorites:
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- Smear mustard on the outside of your horse’s throat if he has a sore throat. Nope! While mustard has many antidotal sore throat applications (mostly human, and by rinsing or gargling with it), the horse world can do without mustard now. One, it contains potential irritants, which is why some questionable horse trainers use it to sore legs. Two, if you think your horse has a sore throat, call your Veterinarian. This may very well be choke, a serious emergency that needs a Vet’s attention pronto. And also the stain it would make!
Mustard is for picnics.
- Used motor oil is a fine hoof dressing. Oh heck no! Motor oil is toxic. Not many horses lick their own hooves, but they can still manage to get it on their lips and noses. I also notice a lot of horses stepping in their hay as they eat…. Motor oil is also highly regulated as to how you can dispose of it – think of the environmental impact! If you really need a way to seal in the moisture of your horse’s hooves, there are gazillions of products on the market already. And, a quick conversation with your Farrier or Vet for their suggestions may be good too – remember that hoof health comes from genetics and diet, among other things!
- Flannel bandages and safety pins are the way to go for standing wraps. Meh – certainly there are easier ways! Flannel bandages are not very forgiving and stretchy, and safety pins are a definite invitation for a puncture, most likely on you! Modern-day inventions like velcro alleviate the need for safety pins.
- Kerosene and diesel fuel make fine washes for your clipper blades. YIKES. So you not only have the toxic stuff going on here, but you also have a problem with modern-day clipper blades. Today’s clipper blade is not made from steel, and most clipper blades are easily and quickly corroded and rusted with kerosene and diesel fuel. The best alternative is to use a toothbrush to remove hair and the lubricant that comes with your clippers.
Keep the motor oil and diesel fuel in your vehicle!
- If your horse is wet, you can stuff one of his sheets or blankets with hay or straw to help him dry. This is totally legit – if you have the time to do this and then watch your horse eat or shake out the contents of the blanket. Or, you can use a wool or fleece cooler.
What other “old school” tricks have you heard of?
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If hooves are your jam, this book is for you.
and adds a nice sheen!
A simple and trusted hoof supplement.
For added squish during laminitis or other painful hoof trauma.
The gold standard for stinging hooves and anytime you need to pack the hooves.
Hi-quality no-bows with Back On Track reputation (that's good!)
These boots are the gold standard for jumpers and horses that like to interfere.
Support and softness for laminitis and other painful hoof conditions.
Buy bulk and save! This is great for stubborn hoof infections like seedy toe and thrush.
These squishy quilts are the perfect mix of no-bows and thicker quilts.
Feed your horse's hoof health from the inside out.
This supplement helps high-laminitis risk horses and has calming ingredients like magnesium.
The gold standard for bell boots in a rainbow of colors.
Classic, clean, stylish boots for your horse. Great for jumping.
Be practical when wrapping your horse's legs with a traditional color, but toss in some spice with the understated pattern!
Protect your horse's legs and let them shine bright.
These boots are my favorite for wrapping hooves with poultice or clay and a diaper. No more duct tape boots! You can also use inserts with these for more squish.
This style is great to protect the hoof, but is not soft and squishy for laminitis cases.
Show off your horse's legs with these safe, reflective, and fashionable boots.
These boots are great for protecting barefoot horses.
These SilverSox are great for protecting the legs from rubs, help with scratches and mud fever, and provide some compression, too.
Simple! Easy!
Take the heat out, reduce inflammation, help prevent long-term damage, and dress your horse in cute colors after a ride.
These are amazing for riding. They take some wrestling to get on, but they will stay on.
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- Cordless 5-in-1 clipper for precise finishing work on horses
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- Ideal for bridle path, face, ears, muzzle, and fetlocks
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- 2-speed motor (6000 & 8000 RPMs)
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- LED screen with speed, battery, and maintenance info
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- Powerful motor glides through coats
- Textured grip for better control
- Up to 3 hours cordless + corded option
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- Travel lock for safe transport
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- Upgraded brushless motor (3,700 & 4,500 RPMs)
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- #10 Prime Series German high-carbon steel blade for durability
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- Powerful, quiet motor with 7,200 SPM and reduced heat
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- Ideal for fetlocks, bridle path, face, ears, and detailing
- Includes adjustable blade, blade oil, and cleaning brush
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- Includes #10 wide Prime blade
- LOCKGUARD technology for secure blade hold
- Two speeds (3,000 & 3,700 RPMs)
- Two lithium-ion batteries, up to 3 hours each
- Wide blade version of the KM Supera
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- Powers through all coat types with 3 high-speed settings
- #10 Prime Series German high-carbon steel blade for durability
- LOCKGUARD technology prevents hinge closure for easy blade changes
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- Powerful motor up to 6,000 SPM with cool, quiet performance
- Up to 2 hours cordless runtime with Lithium Ion battery
- Quick-adjust blade (#10, #15, #30) for flexible cutting lengths
- 15-minute quick charge gives ~10 minutes of extra use
- Ergonomic design for comfort and control during grooming
These wildly powerful shears are great for thick coats, and when I say thick, I mean it.
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- Keeps blades lubricated for cooler, smoother cutting
- Helps blades stay sharper for longer use
- Recommended after each use for best performance and longevity
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- 2-minute hospital-grade disinfectant for fast, effective cleaning
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Choose your favorite blade from a #7 to a #40 for body clippers like the Velocity, Supera, or KM Series.
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- Glide-through cutting for smooth, efficient clipping on all coat types
- Easy detachment and adjustment (#9, #10, #15, #30 & #43)
- Always cool-running blade set for consistent performance
- Ideal for bridle path, ears, muzzle, fetlocks, and finish work on horses
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A classic pattern in a modern colorway. And it's so thick!
Soak up all the sweat and water with this Irish Knit, best for warm weather use.
Irish knits are the best wicking coolers for warmer weather.
Square coolers are traditional and versatile, and wick more than a fleece cooler.
Help your horse cool out in hot and humid weather.
Keep your horse dry and visible with this reflective quarter sheet.
This heavyweight turnout blanket gets even warmer with the neck.
Sweet itch is best battled by not letting those annoying midges bite your horse.
For horses with sweet itch and other insect allergies, more coverage is better.
This turnout sheet doesn't have fill, and is great for windy and rainy days.
This affordable heavy blanket will keep your horse warm in the worst weather and cold snap.
Be seen from space with this hi-viz quarter sheet. Keep your horse's bum safe and dry.
Keep your horse dry and spiffy with this cooler combo. Love the neck for fast drying.
Keep your horse dry during bad weather, this rain sheet is also great for windy days.
These fly masks are fantastic for protecting ears and eyes, and do great under halters and grazing muzzles to stop rubs and hairless patches.
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These are like the popular Shoo Fly leggings.
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