All OWNERS HAVE had that sinking feeling when their previously squeaky clean horse who is turned out in his winter paddock returns to the stable covered from head to toe in thick, sticky, wet mud. How on earth are you supposed to prepare him for a ride? Throw in winter’s limited daylight hours and this, together with that hideous gloop covering your best friend, means that the minutes will be ticking away as you wait for him to dry off. You may even find yourself questioning your decision to turn him out at all even though you know it’s a win-win for his wellbeing.
However, fear not as there are ways we can allow our horses to live more natural lives while keeping them clean enough to be ridden, or even attend a lesson or show.
“Winter brings challenges for the day-to-day grooming and care of the horse kept outdoors, but it’s important that a regular grooming routine continues, particularly if the horse is expected to carry out riding or competition activities and he needs to look well turned out,” says Vicky Goody of Smart Grooming. “However, it is possible to keep a horse clipped and well rugged, as well as clean enough
