The Supreme Products Guide to Bathing and Trimming: Part One

The spring shows are coming up fast and it's time to start transforming that muddy field monster into a shiny show ring superstar. Along with correct feeding, grooming and exercise, bathing and trimming will take you one step closer to show ring success. Over the following few days, we will be posting bathing and trimming tips which will soon have you standing at the top of the line!

Top Tips for Bathing

Before bathing your horse, make sure the hooves are clean and free from mud. Many people make the mistake of washing the legs and hooves and dragging the dirty sponge across the horse's coat.

If your horse's coat is particularly dull, have a look at what you are feeding him- a good diet normally enhances the bloom of the coat. Many show ring champions rely on a well thought out feeding programme, as well as a specific bathing routine and certain must-have products.

Before your first show of the season, make sure you have bathed your horse a couple of times so that all the dirt and grease is lifted to the top of the coat. Thorough brushing of the hair where the stains are before washing also helps to lift the dirt.

Ensure your horse is thoroughly soaked before adding the shampoo and try using a water brush or Supreme Products Slika Grooming Rake, not just a sponge to ensure you get to the roots of the coat hairs.

This not only reaches deep down into the coat but also acts as a massage to your horse. When shampooing, lather up and use all over the coat, leaving the shampoo on the coat, where possible, for a couple of minutes to sink and start to work.

The key to successful bathing is good and thorough rinsing, shampoo that has been left in the coat can dry white and ‘scurfy’.

After bathing your horse remove all the excess water with a sweat scraper and spray all over with Supreme Products De Luxe Coat Gloss, this not only creates a shine to the coat but also seals the hairs to minimise overnight staining and is an effective mud repellent.

If you have a problem keeping your horse stain-free overnight, the Supreme Products Body Wrap covers the whole horse, helping him to remain clean until the morning. The Supreme Products range of Hoods and Garments has something for everyone helping you maintain a show ring coat all year round and they are designed specifically to lay the coat as well as add condition and shine and to aid preparation and presentation.

Check back soon for more information on bathing and trimming!