The Best Shampoo For Horses
Horse owners put a lot of effort into grooming their pets. From equine clippers to dandy brushes, keeping your horse's coat looking good can be a full-time job. Depending on your horse's habits, you may find it difficult to keep them clean. That's where horse shampoos come in; depending on your horse's needs, they can brighten their coat, remove stains, create shine, and more. Given the vast array of shampoos on the market, choosing the right one can prove challenging. With that in mind, we've rounded up some of the best shampoos on the market to help you with your search.
What to Look For
We recommend asking yourself the following questions when shopping for the best shampoo for your horse: What type of coat does your horse have? Does your horse have any skin or medical issues? What color is your horse? Our top pick was the shampoo from Mane ‘N Tail because it’s non-toxic and creates a rich lather that effectively removes dirt. We were also impressed by the shampoo from Exhibitor’s, which makes light-colored and white hair stand out without using harsh chemicals. Read on to learn more about our top picks and discover the best one for your equine.
Mane ‘N Tail Shampoo for Horses
Shine bright
As one of the best-known shampoo’s for horses, Mane ‘N Tail consistently lives up to its reputation. The non-toxic formula creates a rich lather, allowing you to work it into your horse’s skin to cleanse it thoroughly. It’s also pH-balanced, so you won’t have to worry about it drying out your pet’s skin. You won’t have to purchase this shampoo frequently because a little of it goes a long way. That’s not all; this shampoo is so effective it’s also a popular choice for washing human hair.
Pros:
- We love that this shampoo moisturizes hair, helping to relieve dry scalps and repair damaged hair.
- The shampoo has a pleasant scent that’s not overwhelming, which most horses tolerate well.
Cons:
- It doesn’t add much body to the hair.
Exhibitor’s Color Intensifying Shampoo for Horses
Lather up
Whether you have a gray horse or one with white socks, this shampoo from Exhibitor’s will ensure they always look their best. The intense whitening formula is designed to change how your horse’s coat interacts with light, highlighting their mane and enhancing shine. It does all of this without using bleach or other harsh chemicals, making it safe for horses with sensitive skin.
Pros:
- We found this shampoo effectively removes yellow color and manure stains, leaving horses’ coats with a bright, white appearance.
- The shampoo produces an excellent amount of lather and rinses off easily.
Cons:
- The shampoo is a bit drying, so conditioner may be needed after using it.
Cowboy Magic Super Bodyshine Shampoo for Horses
The right stuff
If you want the complete package: shampoo, conditioner, green spot remover, and detangler, this set from Cowboy Magic is worth a closer look. The shampoo gently cleanses the coat and mane while thoroughly removing stains, making it an excellent choice if you have a horse with a light coat that loves to play in dirt and mud. If you don’t have time to shampoo your horse, you can use the green spot remover to get rid of unsightly spots quickly.
Pros:
- We were thrilled that these come in travel-sized bottles, making them easy to take on the go.
- The detangler is very effective at helping to work out knots and tangles in the hair, making it easier to comb.
Cons:
- The bottles are on the smaller side.
Farnam Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo for Horses
Deep clean
When your horse is suffering from problems related to dry skin, this hydrating shampoo from Farnam can help. It works into a rich lather, removing dandruff, dirt, and other debris from your horse’s coat, leaving it looking soft and shiny. The formula also helps reveal natural highlights and enhance shine in dark horses while removing dinge on the coats of white horses. Plus, its mix of brightening agents and coconut oil help add moisture to your horses’ skin.
Pros:
- We especially liked that this shampoo works effectively on light and dark coats, resulting in shiny, soft coats.
- This shampoo is suitable for horses with sensitive skin and it has a mild scent that’s not overpowering.
Cons:
- It’s a concentrated formula, so you must add water before using it.
Pet MD Medicated Shampoo for Horses
Skin Relief
If your horse suffers from skin problems such as dermatitis or acne, this shampoo from Pet MD can help. The medicated formula contains ingredients that target these issues, helping to bring relief to your pet. When used in skin folds, it can help prevent problems before they occur. Plus, it’s a great option for horses with allergies as it won’t irritate most skin types.
Pros:
- We were impressed that this shampoo provides quick relief for horses suffering from skin problems, reducing itchiness and scratching.
- With regular use, this shampoo seems to prevent hair loss and encourage new hair growth.
Cons:
- It doesn’t produce a lot of lather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to apply shampoo to a horse?
Looking at a horse, you may think that they need a lot of shampoo to get clean. However, that’s not always the case. You don’t want to just pour shampoo onto your horse and have them covered in suds. Instead, mix a small amount of shampoo with warm water and pour it over your horse. Next, thoroughly scrub spots that seem especially dirty. You can use your hands, a body brush, or a curry comb to wash them.
Should you bathe your horse?
Most horses don’t need to be bathed unless you’re preparing them for a show. Furthermore, bathing or over-shampooing your horse may lead to dry skin and coat problems. The best way to keep your horse clean is by thoroughly rinsing them to remove sweat and using shampoo to target dirty areas.
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