Pampering your pony
There is nothing better than spending quality time with your favourite Equine Friend on a sunny afternoon at the stables. At Animal Friends, we love to pamper our horses or pony’s so they feel good about themselves, and of course, it is the perfect opportunity to bond with them.
Before you start, you may want to take a before photo, so you can see the before and after pictures. Although it is a little too cold for bathing your horse in March, a good groom will be very beneficial to your horse to help his circulation and it also gives him a good massage whilst you are at it.
Ideally, you want a rubber curry comb to start off with. This will help to remove all the loose hairs, give your pony a massage and will also remove any mud or sweat that may have built up. After this, your pony will be relaxed and most probably be having a snooze in the sunshine.
Top Tip!
Whilst you are giving him a good groom, it is the ideal chance to feel for any lumps or bumps which he may have got in the field. Check for any cuts or heat in his legs and feet. Not only is a good pampering session a perfect time for bonding, but also an ideal chance to check for anything untoward.
After a good dandy brush to remove the excess hair and mud, you can use a nice body brush which will remove the natural greases. Try not to use this on a pony that lives out, as the natural greases will be used to protect him from the elements.
When you have picked his feet out, it is a good idea to use a diluted solution of Hubiscrub and water to scrub the underneath of the hooves. This is a good method of giving his feet a real good clean to prevent bacterial infections. Now is a good time to put hoof grease on the feet, as this will lock in any moisture.
Don’t forget to get a bowl of nice warm water and two sponges. One sponge for his eyes and muzzle. The other to clean his bottom. Your horse may not like this being done, but if you take your time, he should allow you to do it.
If your pony has a tangled mane or tail, it is wise to use a specific horse conditioner which will help you brush through it. Always remember to start from the ends and work upwards. This will prevent hair from being pulled out.
Top Tip!
A thick, trimmed tail looks lovely on a pony, so cut his tail 4” down from his hocks. This will give a nice appearance and also help the condition of the hair.
Now is the perfect time to pull your pony’s mane, remember not to pull too much out at once as this can hurt your equine companion. If you have a native breed, you may want him to stay looking natural, but there is no harm in pulling the occasional loose and unruly hair out to give a nice finish.
Your pony should now be looking a million dollars, so stand back and admire your hard work. And don’t forget to take plenty of pictures of your ‘new’ Equine Friend!
