Horses are not Big Dogs
Some people think of horses like they think of dogs when it comes to bathing and therapy. However they are very different as their skin sweats more like a human than a dog. Horse sweat has a high concentration of salt, which tends to dry the skin. Most people that own horses recognize they need to wash the salt out of the hair and skin but many miss the important step of rehydrating to replace what has been lost. Use a mild shampoo like Iv San Bernard Banana Shampoo and either Banana Conditioner or, better yet, Orange PEK. You will be amazed at how dry that coat really is when you see the change in the color of the coat. Also, the mane is one of the driest areas due to the coarseness of the coat, so I recommend always using Orange PEK alone or in addition to your preferred PEK to jack up the hydration level.
How Horse Skin Differs From Dog Skin
- Horses sweat over most of the body, much like people. Dogs mainly cool themselves by panting.
- Horse sweat is salty, and the salt crystals left behind dry the hair and skin and can rub under tack.
- Horse skin and coat have a near-neutral pH, so products formulated for people are not a good match.
- Horses are large and strong, so an itchy horse can rub away a mane or tail and injure its skin quickly.
Why Rinsing With Water Is Not Enough
Hosing a horse down after work removes some of the salt, but it does nothing to replace the oils that sweat, sun and washing remove. Over time the coat looks dull and faded, the mane and tail become coarse and tangled, and the skin becomes more vulnerable to irritation and allergens.
A Bathing Routine That Rehydrates
- Shampoo with a mild product such as Banana Shampoo, diluted about 1 part product to 3 parts water.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Condition with Banana Conditioner or, better yet, Orange PEK.
- Give the mane extra attention. It is one of the driest areas because the hair is coarse, so use Orange PEK alone or added to your preferred PEK.
Owners are often surprised to see how much richer the coat color becomes once the hair is properly hydrated. That change shows how dry the coat really was.
Related Horse Care Guides
- Jumpy horse? Salt on the skin may be the cause
- Mane and tail basics
- Growing mane and tail on a horse
- Caring for a horse’s coat
- Horse maintenance bathing products
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use dog shampoo on a horse?
Horse skin works differently from dog skin because horses sweat salt over most of the body. Use a mild shampoo and always follow it with a hydrating conditioner to replace lost oils.
Should I condition my horse after every bath?
Yes. Shampooing and salty sweat remove the oils that protect the skin and coat, so conditioning after every bath restores hydration and shine.
Why does my horse’s coat look dull?
A dull or faded coat is often dry. Salt from sweat, sun and water-only rinsing remove oils without replacing them. Conditioning after bathing usually brings back color and shine.