A horse does not need washing every week, but for a competition, after a muddy winter or for a grey with stains, you want to do it properly. Here you will find shampoos, shine products, sun protection and clippers for the coat of horses and ponies.
Which shampoo for which horse?
| Need | Choice in the range |
|---|---|
| General washing | Hi Gloss Shampoo Original or a scented variant such as apple, lavender or lemon |
| Grey or white markings | Hi Gloss Shampoo White |
| Dark coat | Hi Gloss Shampoo Black |
| Sensitive skin | Skin Derm Propolis Shampoo, Green Clay Shampoo or Zedan Bio Ginkgo |
| Less packaging | Hi Gloss Shampoo Bar with foaming net |
The collection also includes an iodine shampoo from Excellent and shampoos from other well-known brands.
After washing
Shine spray such as Hi Gloss Spray makes the coat slippery, so dirt sticks less easily; there are also 2.5 and 5 litre refills. Hi Gloss Clean Spray and Odour Spray are intended for in between, when washing is not convenient. For horses with a pink nose or white blaze, there is Sunblock Cream with SPF 30. If you want to stand out, choose glitter spray or glitter gel.
Clipping and trimming
For clipping a winter coat or tidying the head and legs, Wahl offers the KM Supera, the KMC+ that works with and without a cable, and the small Pico for the head. Separate stainless steel attachment combs and a spare battery are available separately. Excellent Horse Clipper Toilet Plus is for maintaining the clipper head.
Points to note
Always rinse shampoo out thoroughly, because residues can cause itching. Wash on a warm day or use a sweat rug afterwards. A clipped horse needs a rug in cold weather. For bald patches, scabs or itching, see mud fever, itching and sweet itch, and have the vet take a look if in doubt. Looking for the complete competition kit? See show preparation.
Related: grooming supplies and mane and tail. Back to horse care.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash my horse with human shampoo?
Preferably choose a shampoo for horses. It is suited to horse skin and rinses out of the thick coat more easily.
How often can you wash a horse?
As little as necessary. Frequent washing strips the natural oils from the coat; in between, grooming and a shine or cleaning spray are enough.
Which clipper suits me?
For the whole body, a larger clipper such as the Wahl KM Supera or KMC+ is suitable. For the head, ears and fetlocks, the small Wahl Pico is handier.