How to wash your horse during winter

As the months are getting colder and our horses are getting hairier, many of us will have already or will be preparing to clip our horses. Although we may feel that removing sweat and grease from a clipped horse is far easier than an unclipped horse, the washing process can still be an uncomfortable challenge for everyone.

NAF has designed and formulated its own no-rinse body washes that enable owners to effectively target and remove unwanted grime while creating a healthy coat without the continuous need for bathing. Including the no-rinse washes into your winter grooming routine will not only aid the removal of dirt but support your horses’ skins' natural protective barrier and thermal regulation.

With a selection of ingredients and essential oils included in the various washes, you can choose which wash is best for you and your horse all year round.

The essential oils contained in the Lavendar wash will soothe and relax your horse’s muscles, providing a great tool for not only winter washing but also after exercise. You only need to add a couple of capfuls to five litres of warm water. The Lavender wash is perfect for preventing unwanted microbes from attacking the skin while leaving a clean and refreshing fragrance with your horse.

For a comforted and warmed horse, the Warming wash leaves the skin free from undesired grime without the need for rinsing. The combination of Clary Sage and Ginger provides a warming sensation while opening your horse’s pores to allow unwanted toxins to escape. The no-rinse wash is perfect for horses that feel the cold more, especially in the winter months.

The natural wash was designed to aid damaged and irritated skin affected by rashes, bumps, and lumps with the unique inclusion of Teatree oil in the wash. Love the skin he's in skin wash is a 3 in 1 product and can be used with warm water for a deep clean or after clipping, leaving your horse refreshed and free from dust, sweat and grease. With the changing of seasons, the wash is ideal for horses with sensitive skin, as it can be applied diluted with water or neat onto a cloth or sponge.

The appearance of your horse’s coat can tell you much about their current condition. Smooth and shiny coats generally indicate a healthy horse who is receiving a balanced diet and regular grooming. Whereas a dull and course coat can indicate a poorer horse who is possibly not receiving the correct diet or is not in any form of work. Providing an effective grooming routine for your horse can significantly aid a healthy and rich coat.

Here is a step-by-step routine you can follow for winter washing.

1. Rigorously curry any loose dirt from your horse’s coat. You can assess how much of your horse needs to be washed at this stage.
2. Using a no rinse wash of your choice and a bucket of warm water, wash the necessary areas of the horse, ensuring all grime is removed.
3. Once washed, quickly squeegee the excess water from your horse’s body.
4. A wicking/drying rug can then be used to further dry your horse.
5. Once the coat is dry, a stable rug can then replace the damp rug to ensure the horse is kept warm and does not cause a chill.

The aim of washing your horse in the winter months is to ensure they are kept warm and are dried off as quickly as possible. If you do not need to complete a full body wash, spot cleaning is always a better alternative for your horse during the winter.