by Sandra Gillhouse

Created on: December 19, 2011   Last Updated: December 21, 2011

A thick coat of healthy hair is a horse’s best defense against long harsh winters, therefore over-grooming can be harmful. Often times show horses are groomed so frequently during competitive months, that they are left with an inadequate winter coat and will need additional blanketing to protect them from wind chill.  

Nevertheless bathing a horse during the winter months can be a thoughtful procedure to prevent some late winter skin disorders and parasites that like to host on neglected long hairs. The key is, to first curry the hair, with a curry comb, to loosen dead skin cells and circulate insulating air. Additionally a switch from your usual shampoo and conditioning treatment to a dry-shampoo that you just spray on and brush through to the ends can give your horses dull coat a new sheen without water. The hardest part of winter bathing is retaining natural grease that repels water and further protects in the elements. Wet hair is less insulating which lends to ice formation on horses that spend most of their time in the fields without shelter. (However, it’s been noted in equine journals that field horses tend to grow a naturally thicker coat than show horses in general.)

Mud and manure stains can get unsightly to the point that they demand attention, but in the winter a horse does not always require a full bath. You might try a little vinegar dip on a sponge rubbed into stains or baby wipes for around the eyes and nostrils. For really stubborn stains opt for soaking beneath a steaming towel, it’s temperature carefully checked first and then rotating the towel as the dirt lifts.

Sometimes just a good curry with the comb once a day and spot-checking around the hindquarters and vitally exposed areas is all your horse really needs to maintain a winter glow. That and a clean stable, to begin with, will always ensure a cleaner animal.

Of course, if you notice your horse excessively rubbing patches of hair off, you should suspect lice or mites and you should isolate your horse before you bathe or curry and/or start any kind of treatment to protect your other animals from harmful bacteria. In any case, when you groom a horse in the wintertime with water, always spend a good bit of time making sure your animal is dried properly by heartily rubbing down with rough towels and plenty of combing. Additionally healthy winter animals require a bit more water, and feed to grow it’s hearty insulation, so be sure to keep some extra grain and water in their stall. Above all, beware of your animals coat health, check to see if it swells and feels thicker on cold mornings. Just noticing change or lack thereof will help you decide what steps to take to protect your horse during the unforgiving winters.

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