The Horse

MAR 2018

The Horse:Your Guide To Equine Health Care provides monthly equine health care information to horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, barn/farm managers, trainer/riding instructors, and others involved in the hands-on care of the horse.

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40 TheHorse.com THE HORSE March 2018 a matted mess. And when washing the tail, pay extra attention to the roots of the hair, on the dock, to check for parasites and skin problems, says Lenher. The "ideal" tail length is usually discipline-specific, as is any shaping or pulling at the top. Corcoran explains that event horses tend to have shorter, cropped tails, whereas show hunters rarely trim their horses' tails to maintain a natural look. Jumpers might trim their horses' tails to the hocks, the fetlocks, or any point between. "I think a banged tail on the back gives a good, tidy look, but it's all personal preference," she says. Before cutting a tail, Corcoran reminds riders that a horse's tail has a natural lift. To avoid cutting it too short or crooked, she recommends placing an arm under the tail and running your hands down to the point to trim. Ask a helper to safely hold the tail up in a similar fashion so you can take a step back and make sure it's level. Western and gaited show horses also have very specific tail care regimes, including the use of tail bags to preserve length and thickness. "Tail bags are a great way to protect tails, but they must be managed carefully," says Lenher. "If you use a tail bag you must check it at least weekly to air the tail out and keep it clean and dry," as well as ward off mold. For disciplines that prefer longer tails or recreational owners who don't com- pete, it can be helpful to trim a horse with a naturally long tail just to keep him from stepping on it and breaking the hairs. Less Is More Arguably, there's nothing more beauti- ful than a horse that glistens in the sunlight. Recreational and competitive horse owners alike can achieve that sleek, polished look. It can be tempting to bathe a horse weekly and use finishing products to add shine, but Corcoran cautions that less is more. "I think we oversoap and sanitize horses," Corcoran says. "Think about the way they live in the wild. Knocking the dirt off on a daily basis, especially before a ride, is all they really need." At a top-level show jumper barn she's affiliated with, riders and grooms hose horses daily and bathe them every two weeks to preserve the coats' natural oils. She also avoids applying silicone-based sprays to horses' bodies. "(These are) meant for manes and tails," she says. Try not to spray them on the body, because they can cause the saddle to slip, says Lenher. Instead, when Corcoran needs a prod- uct to help remove stains or soothe sores, she reaches for witch hazel, a mild astrin- gent that might have anti-inflammatory properties. "For horses that are prone to hives, I'll use apple cider vinegar," she adds. Take-Home Message Routine grooming and attention to the details contribute to a finished, polished appearance. However, your horse's ultra- sleek look starts with good nutrition and parasite control. A healthy coat glistens naturally, while an unhealthy coat will always be dull. Work closely with your veterinarian to develop a ration that sup- ports your horse's digestive health and to create a deworming schedule suitable for your horse. Then, just add the finishing touches for an impeccably turned-out horse. h Equine DETAILING Dandy Products, Inc. Padding & Flooring Specialists "Padding At Its Best" Breeding Sheds, Stocks, Stalls, Trailers, Exercise & Training Areas, Induction & Recovery Rooms Table & Surgical Pads, Neo-Natal Foal Beds Non-Slip Safety Floors for All Areas Pavesafe Bricks & Tiles, Trac-Roll & Vet-Trac Floors, Wash Stall,Grooming, Aisleway and Trailer Mats Toll-Free 888.883.8386 • 513.625.3000 FAX 513.625.2600 3314 State Route 131, Goshen, Ohio 45122 • www.dandyproducts.net

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