Category: Grooming & Skin Care

A Professional Guide to Function, Welfare and Efficiency A grooming kit is not simply a collection of brushes — it is a diagnostic toolkit, a hygiene system and a communication tool between horse and handler. The right equipment allows you to maintain skin health, monitor subtle physical changes, improve coat condition and reinforce trust through…

Many owners believe effective grooming requires large blocks of time. In reality, consistency matters more than duration. A structured 10–20 minute daily routine, applied properly, provides significant welfare benefits and early health detection. This guide outlines a practical, efficient grooming structure suitable for busy UK owners managing work, winter darkness and yard time constraints. Why…

Bathing a horse is often treated as a cosmetic task before competition or showing. In reality, bathing is a management tool that must be used correctly to avoid skin irritation, chilling, coat damage and even immune stress. Incorrect bathing — particularly in the UK climate — can do more harm than good. This guide explains…

Greasy heel (also known as mud fever or pastern dermatitis in some cases) is one of the most common and frustrating skin conditions faced by UK horse owners. It ranges from mild scabbing to painful, inflamed, weeping lesions that can cause lameness if left untreated. Effective management requires understanding the cause — not just repeatedly…

Managing the Coat Transition Properly Shedding season is one of the most physically demanding periods for a horse’s skin and coat. As daylight hours increase in late winter and early spring, hormonal changes trigger the release of the thick winter coat. The process can last several weeks and places significant demand on the skin. Handled…

A naturally shiny coat is not created by sprays alone. Shine reflects internal health, correct management and balanced skin function. While cosmetic products can enhance appearance temporarily, true coat quality is built from nutrition, circulation, hygiene and correct rugging. This guide explains how to develop long-lasting, natural coat shine without over-reliance on artificial enhancers. What…

Preventing Breakage, Thinning and Damage A horse’s mane and tail are more than aesthetic features. They provide natural protection against insects, weather and skin irritation. However, improper care can lead to thinning, breakage, slow regrowth and even discomfort. In the UK climate — with frequent wet weather, rug use and muddy turnout — mane and…

Grooming should be a bonding experience. However, for nervous, sensitive or previously mishandled horses, grooming can trigger tension, defensive behaviour or avoidance. A horse that reacts negatively to grooming is not being difficult — it is communicating discomfort, fear or confusion. Handling nervous horses requires patience, body awareness and structured desensitisation. This guide explains how…

Winter grooming in the UK presents a constant balancing act. Horses accumulate mud, sweat under rugs and dampness around legs — yet frequent bathing in cold conditions can strip protective oils, chill muscles and compromise skin health. Effective winter grooming is about maintaining cleanliness and skin integrity without disrupting the coat’s natural insulation system. This…

Skin irritation in horses is often attributed to weather, rug rubs or grooming issues. However, parasites are a common and frequently overlooked cause of persistent itching, hair loss and skin inflammation. External parasites can significantly affect welfare, performance and comfort. Early identification and appropriate treatment prevent escalation and long-term skin damage. This guide explains how…