The warm weather is here in New England! Time to get that crusty pony in the wash stall; bathing a pony is an important part of horse care. Not only does it keep your horse looking great, but it can also help with their overall health and wellbeing. But, if you’ve never bathed a pony before, the process can seem daunting. What tools and products do you need? What are the tools called and how are they used? How often should you bathe them? In this post, we’ll go over all the basics of bathing so that you can feel confident in taking on this task yourself - like a pro!
Let's face it, ponies LOVE to roll in mud, grass, and manure—especially right before a big competition. Make sure you’re properly equipped for the job - The right tools can make bathing easier and more effective. Non of the products listed here in this post are paid endorsements - Just tidbits of info picked-up along the learning journey.
Your trainer may say, "You need to give the pony a bath." And while the kiddos think that's fun and great, you are left wondering how to tackle this...Because some of us have never bathed a pony before! Roll up the sleeves and here we go...
TIP: I make my daughter wear her helmet when she bathes her pony. Her pony enjoys a good bath, but ANY pony can get startled, kick-out, or move suddenly to take a look at something and we always take safety very seriously, especially while the kids are so little and young. Parents - if you are going to help, ALWAYS wear appropriate shoes. Need some guidance? Check out our post on "Appropriate Barn Attire."
Have a washstall at your barn? Think of it as a shower room for the pony, and they can be fancy, or very basic- indoors or out!
Just as hose? Start with a hose that has an adjustable nozzle (or a big tub, if you don’t have access to running water), and a couple of buckets. Next, collect the following:
a rubber scrubbing mitt
at least 2 big half-moon sponges (1 for the body, 1 for under the tail)
an equine shampoo
a scraper
2 bath-sized towels
a helper to hold your horse if he dislikes baths or won’t tie quietly
There are SO MANY grooming supplies! As with everything related to horses, there are so many to choose from and people certainly have their favorites and their recommendations.
We use Cowboy Magic products (picked these up at Riding Warehouse online), mainly because I have always been happy with the results- especially the Super Body Shine. These are just a few of their many products in their line, and they have a great rosewater scented shampoo:
Once you have all the necessary supplies gathered together, it’s time to start preparing for the bath itself. Make sure you have all the proper safety measures in place, such as a cross-tie line or stall guard to prevent your horse from running off. Fill up your bucket or tub with lukewarm water and add any equine shampoo you’ll be using to the mix. Wetting down your pony before applying the shampoo will help it lather better and penetrate deeper into their coat.
When it comes to actually scrubbing down your pony, use long, gentle strokes with the brush. Avoid any harsh rubbing - this can irritate their skin and damage their hair follicles. Remember to rinse them thoroughly afterwards so that no soap residue is left behind on their coat. Finally, once they’re nice and clean, make sure you dry them off with a clean towel or get a fleece cooler on them if it's chilly.
Need a cooler? The SmartPak Pony Fleece Cooler is a stable staple for any pony’s blanket collection. It’s perfect for cooling and drying your pony out after a good workout or bath, as a ringside dress sheet at shows, or as a blanket liner for chilly weather. This cooler is made from high-quality, anti-pill fleece that’s moisture-wicking to help keep your pony warm and dry.
Ever heard of The Ponyjet? Yes, we bought one and tried it...And it works really well! Nothing compares to a "hand wash" after the winter, but for a clipped pony and as maintenance this is a pretty good time-saving option. Image is a hyperlink
KEEP IN MIND: Bathing your pony can be a great bonding experience, but it’s important to keep safety in mind throughout the entire process. Make sure you’re familiar with how their body works and that all tools are kept out of reach of their hooves. Additionally, take frequent breaks and monitor your pony’s behavior closely - if they seem overwhelmed or stressed, stop the bath immediately and try again another day.
If you are more of a video person, this one right here is very good:
With the right preparation and knowledge, even first-time pony owners can confidently tackle bathing a pony on their own! Not only will this help keep your beloved animal looking its best, but it’ll also help strengthen the bond between you two - something every pony owner should strive for.
Alta and her Pony Club crew washing up after a lesson.
Have a few product tips or bath time pics? Share them!
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