Keep your horse clean before a horse show!

 

This is always a tricky thing to pull off! You want your horse to be super spiffy for the show, but you know he wants to use some poop as a pillow. Makes perfect sense. Most of us like to do a deep cleaning shampoo and conditioner before we take off and wow the judges – so how do we manage the night before?

 

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horse-tail-wash

Start clean, and then work to stay clean.

 

I’ve got some tricks for you to keep your horse clean before a show. First, during the bath itself.

 

  • Use a curry comb and horse vacuum (if you have one) to get out as much dirt as possible before you shampoo.

 

  • Use a mild shampoo designed for horses. This will allow you to get super clean, but won’t strip the skin and hair totally of those essential oils that create that “bloom” and shine. Less is more.

 

  • If you choose to condition your whole horse, his mane, and/or his tail, be sure to rinse every last drop out.

 

 

  • You may choose to protect his hooves from all that water by using a hoof oil before you bathe, I like the pasty kind of hoof oil.

 

  • Once you are rinsed, you should probably rinse again. If you see bubbles during the sweat scraping process, go back and rinse more.

 

  • You can also rinse your entire horse with some white vinegar to remove every last drop of shampoo and add a bit of shine.

 

  • Be warned that many products for detangling can attract and glue dirt on the mane and tail, so think about your horse’s living situation before you use one after a bath. Your option would be to use one as you are already at the showgrounds, getting ready for your class.

 

I like to do a towel dry/buff/massage after the sweat scraper, followed by a spritz of shine creating spray.

 

  • This starts the oils coming back, and sort of creates a shiny shield that can help repel stains. Great for chrome legs!

 

  • I also like to dry him totally before I let him loose to roll, and since I know he’s going to roll, I let him do so in a super clean stall and then back to his normal routine.

 

  • If it’s not super warm, you can let him roll with a super light sheet on, and then take it off.

 

magic-sheen-horse

Post-bath spritzing with Magic Sheen to create a barrier against stains

 

 

For the evening, when you can’t be there to monitor his attraction to dirt, you can help yourself out a bit.

 

  • Do thorough grooming with a curry comb to get more of his stain repelling oils coming back before you tuck him in.

 

zeolite-horse-health

Thoroughly clean the stall, add some freshener, then top with clean shavings to help keep your horse spiffy before a show.

 

  • Now is the time to clean his stall again, paying special attention to urine patches and manure piles. See if you can add some more fresh shavings.

 

  • Using a stall freshener and ammonia eliminator with zeolites also absorbs tons of urine! If you can, come back at night check time to pick his stall again.

 

  • If the weather allows, use a fly sheet or cotton sheet to keep him clean. Many newer sheet styles have belly panels also, just in case your guy likes to get his belly all dirty.

 

horse-slinky-hood

“Captain Blueberry” and his hoodie – most excellent for jokes and keeping him clean before a big event.

 

 

Some folks may want to wrap their legs overnight, and to this, I say “only if that’s part of his normal routine”. As we all know – horses like routine and the time to try new things (like wrapping) is NOT the night before a show.

 

  • In the morning, start with a deep curry and vacuum session. Any unfortunate stains should slide right off if you curry and wipe with warm water.

 

  • You can use a spot treatment if needed, but if you are grooming your horse from the inside out with a well-balanced diet, a damp washrag should do it.

 

  • If your horse has clipped legs, as many show horses do, this will make things even easier. I suggest clipping legs at least a week before a show so that the color change has some time to grow out.

 

What are your tips for keeping your horse clean before a show?

 

 

go-shopping

 

Stock up here for your horse supplies! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but it’s ZERO extra cents to you.  You can also visit my Amazon storefront here:  PEG storefront.

HandsOn Finishing Gloves - Double Sided
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The jute side buffs to add shine, the other side is fuzzy for lifting dust and applying fly sprays and grooming products.

11/07/2024 03:33 am GMT
Shapley s 32 oz. Color Enhancing Shampoo - Whitening Formula
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For all colors - to add shine and help lift stains.

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Shapley's Easy-Out No Rinse Shampoo 32 fl.oz
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Spot removing, deodorizing, dust busting, shine adding spray.

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Shapley's Equitone 32 oz. Color Enhancing Shampoo, GOLD
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Brighten duns, palominos, and golden colors.

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SHAPLEY'S 32 oz. Color Enhancing Shampoo, RED
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For chestnuts and some bays

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Shapley's 32 oz. Color Enhancing Shampoo, BLACK
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For dark bays, black points, and black horses

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Dura-Tech Breathable and Waterproof Tail Bag
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This waterproof tail bag is especially great for white and gray tails.

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Wet Brush Shower Hair Brush Detangler
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Gentle and effective detangling for your horse's mane and tail.

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Shapley's Show Touch Up Color Enhancer, Medium Brown
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Cover scars and enhance your horse's color with this medium brown shade.

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Dritz 638 Deluxe Seam Ripper, Blue
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For taking out braids

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Bent Latch Hook 6.25", Wood Handle
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For braiding most styles

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Spray Bottles, 500 ml/17 oz
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Why have a boring ol' spray bottle when you can have these gems!

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Wet Brush Shower Hair Brush Detangler
$13.79 $6.07

Gentle and effective detangling for your horse's mane and tail.

11/07/2024 08:39 am GMT

Shapley's Easy-Out No Rinse Shampoo 32 fl.oz
$19.58

Spot removing, deodorizing, dust busting, shine adding spray.

11/07/2024 05:19 am GMT
Shapley's Hi Shine Shampoo, 1-Gallon
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Other sizes, too! Adds shine with the most gentle formula.

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SHAPLEY'S Medi-Care Med Shampoo W/Tea Tree & Lemon Grass, 32 oz
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The best shampoo for shine and soothing.

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Shapley's No.1 Light Oil
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This is my favorite horse care product for shine, conditioning, detangling, and stain protection.

11/07/2024 12:44 am GMT
11/07/2024 12:44 am GMT
Shapley s 32 oz. Color Enhancing Shampoo - Whitening Formula
$23.49 $21.33

For all colors - to add shine and help lift stains.

11/07/2024 05:03 am GMT
Shapley's Equitone 32 oz. Color Enhancing Shampoo, GOLD
$22.46

Brighten duns, palominos, and golden colors.

11/07/2024 05:12 am GMT
SHAPLEY'S 32 oz. Color Enhancing Shampoo, RED
$22.59

For chestnuts and some bays

11/07/2024 05:03 am GMT
Shapley's 32 oz. Color Enhancing Shampoo, BLACK
$23.04

For dark bays, black points, and black horses

11/07/2024 04:57 am GMT
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Weaver Leather Deluxe Sweat Scraper
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This style of sweat scraper is gentle over your horse's bony and lumpy places.

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HANDSON Pet Grooming Gloves - Grooming, Bathing, Shedding
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These are HandsOn Gloves with special pricing! Only in the color gray.

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HandsOn Finishing Gloves - Double Sided
$19.99

The jute side buffs to add shine, the other side is fuzzy for lifting dust and applying fly sprays and grooming products.

11/07/2024 03:33 am GMT
Handson Ergonomic Hoof Pick
$19.99

This is the strongest hoof pick available!

11/07/2024 03:33 am GMT
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Farnam Slick 'N Easy Horse Grooming Block
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Good for grooming, shedding, and bot egg removal

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BRUSH FACE WHITE GOAT HAIR
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For faces, ears, and any place your horse needs a softer brush.

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USG H.A.A.S Haas Diamond Gloss
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Sort of a mix between a finishing brush and a body brush. Soft for sensitive horses.

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Jeffers Horse Face Brush
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This brush is luxury and will help your horse shine!

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Huntley Equestrian Deluxe Grooming Bag
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Keep all of your poops in a group with this handy tote.

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H.A.S HAAS Mould Horse Brush Large Silver, Medium
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Boost shine and create a smooth coat with this medium brush from the best of the best - HAAS. Go forth and shine!

11/06/2024 07:18 pm GMT
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Wet Brush Shower Hair Brush Detangler
$13.79 $6.07

Gentle and effective detangling for your horse's mane and tail.

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Electric Cleaner Co Rapid Groom Horse Vacuum
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It's always satisfying to vacuum your horse!

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HANDSON Pet Grooming Gloves - Grooming, Bathing, Shedding
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These are HandsOn Gloves with special pricing! Only in the color gray.

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Big Hoss - Outlaw Nutrition

Omega 3's plus gut health support in a delicious cold milled flax formula. It's delicious and it will turn your horse's coat into a mirror.

WAHL Professional Animal Bravura Cordless Trimmers
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This cordless trimmer is powerful and comes with the 5-in-2 blade system for versatility.

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Wahl Professional Animal KMC+ 2-Speed Cordless Clipper Kit
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This is my favorite clipper - It's great for body clipping, trace clipping, and trimming. Cordless for the win!

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HORZE Vail Square Wool Cooler
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Old School Cooler!

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HORSEWARE Ireland Rambo Deluxe Fleece Blanket
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A classic pattern in a modern colorway. And it's so thick!

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Kensington Protective Fly Boots (Pair)
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Banish the stomping!

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CENTAUR Original Irish Knit Sheet
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Soak up all the sweat and water with this Irish Knit, best for warm weather use.

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CENTAUR Original Irish Knit Sheet
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Irish knits are the best wicking coolers for warmer weather.

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HORZE Vail Square Wool Cooler
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Square coolers are traditional and versatile, and wick more than a fleece cooler.

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Cashel Quiet Ride Horse Fly Mask with Long Nose and Ears
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This style is great for riding!

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Back on Track Therapeutic Black Mesh Sheet
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The OG of therapeutic blankets.

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Harrison Howard FocalMax Quarter Horse Exercise Sheet Horse Blanket Hi-Vis Reflective Stripe
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Keep your horse dry and visible with this reflective quarter sheet.

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WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Ultra Cozi III Detach-A-Neck Heavy Horse Blanket
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This heavyweight turnout blanket gets even warmer with the neck.

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WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Sweet Itch Shield Combo Neck
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Sweet itch is best battled by not letting those annoying midges bite your horse.

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Schneiders Adjusta-Fit Mosquito Mesh Hybrid
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For horses with sweet itch and other insect allergies, more coverage is better.

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Horze Nevada Heavy Weight 1200D Waterproof Horse Winter Turnout Blanket (400g Fill)
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This affordable heavy blanket will keep your horse warm in the worst weather and cold snap.

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High Spirit Fleece Quarter Sheet, Black/Grey
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Harrison Howard Quarter Horse Fleece and Mesh Exercise Sheet
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WeatherBeeta Anti-Static Fleece Cooler Combo Neck, Maroon/Grey/White
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Keep your horse dry and spiffy with this cooler combo. Love the neck for fast drying.

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Tech Equestrian Rain Sheet with Neck Cover | 1200Denier

Keep your horse dry during bad weather, this rain sheet is also great for windy days.

Rub Protector Lycra Fly Mask GG Equine

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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