L'été

10 tips to give a good shower

Whether the horse is anxious or relaxed, the shower must be an organised, comfortable and safe moment. Our target is not only to have a clean horse, but also a trusting one. Here is the way to proceed.

  

Characteristics of the shower area

Whether the horse is anxious or relaxed, the shower must be an organised, comfortable and safe moment. Our target is not only to have a clean horse, but also a trusting one. Here is the way to proceed.

1. Let the water flow at an average speed

2. The jet must be adjusted downward. Hitting the ground, the water will let the horse get used to the noise.

   

3. Always keeping the water in the same direction, go nearer to a limb, but without touching it. Hitting the ground, the jet causes splashes which warn the horse about the following events. Don't ever start the shower from another body part instead of the limb in order to avoid a thermical shock. Surprised, the horse could actually react violently.

4. Once that the four limbs are wet, provide yourself with a sponge to damp the rest of the body, starting from the shoulder, the neck (without touching the ears), the back, the buttocks and the belly. You must start with the less sensitive areas to end with the most sensitive ones.

  

5. Once that the whole body is wet, you can get your horse wet with plenty of water. But be careful not to use the spray hose as a fire hose! Keep an average flow. And pay attention not to soak ears - and head in general. The smallest drop in an ear can cause a brisk reaction by the horse.

  

6. Shampoo.

7. Rinse, using the hose as described above, with the only difference that you will use one of your hands as a « scraper » to take the shampoo away.

8. With a wet sponge (but not too soaked with water) clean the head and the ears contour. During this operation, the horse will be obviously untied.

   

9. Run the shedding blade.

10. Let your horse walk for ten minutes, to increase his body heat, which will favour the water evaporation.