The basics of good grooming know no particular season. Daily currying, brushing and the occasional bath help ensure a shiny coat year-round. And, of course, elbow grease is always part of the equation. Using short, vigorous strokes with clean brushes not only eliminates dirt and scurf but distributes coat oils and stimulates circulation.
But what to do when the temperatures soar to three digits, the bugs start biting and the air feels like a soggy sponge? You’ve conquered the shaggy hair and shedding of seasons past, but summer presents a whole new set of challenges.
To help you find solutions, we conducted an informal survey of professional groomers from across the equine industry. Here are 8 tips from the pros to help keep your horse’s skin healthy and his coat lustrous, especially during the summer season.
1 Rinse your horse after workouts with plain water—either straight from the hose or with a bucket and sponge—saving shampoo for when his coat needs more thorough cleansing. Getting the sweat out of his coat is important because it contains salt that can be hard on the skin and hair. Rinsing also helps
