Q&A for How to Bathe a Horse

This depends on the temperament of the horse and how used to handling it is. If you are in doubt, try gently wetting the horse to see how it tolerates it. That way, if the horse becomes anxious, you can stop, rather than struggle to rinse shampoo off. If a horse is skittish or reacts badly, then take your time to get them used to each individual step, such as having all parts of their body handled, their legs wetted, and then other parts of the body.

No. If your horse gets very hot and sweaty, then bathing can help reduce rubs and sores. However, in the winter, the natural oils help to waterproof the coat, and shampooing can strip away these oils. Regular brushing is ideal, as this will remove dried mud, spread the natural oils, and improve the circulation to the skin, which helps conditioning.

Human skin has a different pH to horses, and the soaps work differently accordingly. Whilst your horse probably won't suffer any ill effects from a one-off wash with a mild human soap, it's not advisable for regular use as it could strip the natural oils or cause an allergic reaction.

Yes. For your safety, know that some horses hate water and may get very frisky when being bathed. Try to stay near the horse's shoulder and away from danger. For your horse's safety, try to only bathe the horse when it's warm out -- 70 Fahrenheit or above is recommended. Dry your horse afterward regardless of weather, and do not blanket a wet horse.

Any age. If your horse is extremely dirty, you should clean it. It could track flies if you don't.

You can pretty much use anything that won't harm your horse to get the excess water off, such as a curry comb or even your hand.

Yes.

For your own safety, you should try and groom him instead of wash him. Also, when you wash do you use warm or cold water? You could try changing the temperature of the water and see if your horse reacts differently.

You'll need a hoof pick. Slide your hand down the leg and the horse will pick up its hoof. Use your pick to scrape out all the dirt around the horseshoe. Make sure you avoid the triangle (also called the "frog"), as it is a very sensitive part of the hoof.

It is recommended to do it that way.

Perhaps a little, but it shouldn't be a problem. If your horse is cold afterward, dry the horse thoroughly and he should be fine.

Yes, but you may struggle a little more since most goats hate water.

You could, but unless they have a super dry skin or coat, it is unnecessary.

Your horse is likely afraid of the water hose. It looks like a snake and has sudden movement from the water. Put a lead on your horse and go to a relatively open area, making sure you or someone else can hold onto him. Pick up the hose. If your horse doesn't display signs of fear (eye whites, a high head etc.), put on a small amount of water. Don't hold it against your horse until he lowers his head, chews or otherwise displays signs of being relaxed. If he panics, hold the lead and try to send him in a circle around you and the hose. Don't turn off the water, lower the hose or let him go until he calms down. Repeat this to hold the water against him, and gradually add water pressure.

You should groom your horse daily to keep his skin healthy and bathe him after a hard workout.

No, using Dettol in hot water can cause a bad rash on a horse. If you don't have horse shampoo, you can use Johnson's baby shampoo because it can be used for sensitive types of skin, which won't cause a rash.

Yes; however the horse probably won't like it. It's recommended you use lukewarm water.

You can use conditioner on the body, but you may not want to use it where the saddle and girth go. This could make the saddle slide around, which is no fun for rider or horse. Use caution and use it infrequently, especially around the saddle area.

No. Never use dish soap. This will irritate their skin and may cause dandruff. Find a good horse shampoo and conditioner.

A horse may be rinsed off after workouts, but should only have a full bath with soap once a month. Otherwise, the shampoo may strip away the horse's natural oils.

You can find whitening shampoo for horses at most tack stores or online. If it is just a few grass spots, find a greenspot remover.

You could walk them around, use a horse dryer, leave them in a clean stall with fresh shavings or turn them out into a grass field without any dusty/muddy places to roll.

You do not have to wash the horses face first. It is personal preference. I don't bother washing the face unless it really needs to be washed.

You should never shave the mane off, as it takes a very long time for it to grow back to its normal shape. When a shaved mane is growing out, it is uneven and not pretty looking. If you do want it trimmed an inch or two, though, it's recommended that you hire a professional groomer who knows what they're doing.

Yes, a bath should help. You can buy horse shampoo and conditioner, or using baby shampoo and conditioner would be fine.

It could be too rough on his skin. It is best to stick to the horse sponge for your horse.

Yes, since horses get dirty like any other animal.

Using a disinfectant is not recommended. You can buy special shampoos for rashes and fungal infections. It is best to use a shampoo formulated for horses, because humans and horses have different needs when it comes to baths. Bathe your horse only before formal events or if the horse is exceedingly dirty. If you must bathe your horse more that once a week, use a conditioner. Assuming you bathed your horse with soap before the competition, only use water to rinse off the sweat afterwards.

You can use horse shampoo for horses all over their body. And yes, if it is a soap for horses, you can use it.

Where you live shouldn't affect how you take care of your horse. Some of the equipment might have a different name, or look different, but that shouldn't affect anything.