|
|
Regional,
Monthly All-Breed Horse Magazine • Since 1993 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Copyright 2011 Rocky Mountain Rider. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Reproduction of any editorial material, artwork and photos is strictly forbidden without express written permission of the publisher. For information about reprint rights, please contact the editor; editor@rockymountainrider.com.
Vacuuming
the Coat To
suck dirt, dust, and dandruff from a horse’s coat without removing the natural
oils, some people use a vacuum cleaner designed for horses. This grooming method
has the added benefits of keep you cleaner, plus it is a better choice than
bathing on a cold day. You
can also use the vacuum to remove horse hair from your tack and clothes. A
small, cordless handheld vacuum is an inexpensive alternative. A vacuum is a
real time-saver, but it’s important to use it carefully. If
you’ve never used a vacuum on your horse before, get him accustomed to it
gradually — in several sessions if necessary. First
turn it on near him, several feet away, and monitor his reaction. Let him get
used to the noise without a confrontation. When he’s relaxed about it, move it
closer. If at any point he becomes alarmed, back off a little. Start
brushing him with one hand and bring the vacuum closer with the other, and make
the first body contact somewhere around his back and midsection, so he gets used
to the vacuum in conjunction with brushing, which he already accepts. Once
he’s comfortable about vacuuming his midsection you can gradually extend the
area to include neck and upper legs as he comes to accept it. • Never use a vacuum on a wet horse, or you may shock yourself
and the horse. • While
the vacuum sucks, the exhaust end discharges air, so make sure you’re not
blowing dust from the barn floor into the air. • Keep the hose, cord, and machine itself out of the way so
that you and your horse won’t trip over or step on them.
Heather
Smith Thomas is the author of numerous articles and 20 books. She and her
husband ranch near Salmon, www.rockymountainrider.com/Business_Profiles/heather_smith_thomas.htm.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Rocky
Mountain Rider Magazine • Montana Owned & Operated |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
