A horse shampoo is a secret to a cleaner and itch-free horse. Whether you are planning to participate in a show, a race or just want to give your horse a cleansing bath to make them clean and itch free, this post is for you.
Choosing the right horse shampoo is very important if you want your horse to always look their best.
You might have seen well-groomed horses in races and shows and thought: “what is their secret?”
Let me tell you, just like you use shampoo for your hair maintenance and growth, similarly a horse needs shampoo to properly nourish their hair. And having the knack of how to wash your horse doesn’t hurt either – I have a guide you can read here!
Horse shampoos are available in different varieties. Some horse shampoos also have pest repellents to keep your horse free from insects and pests. Other more gentle shampoos are specifically designed for sensitive skin. I find in general they all smell great, which is an added bonus.
In my years riding horse I’ve done a lot of research on a range of horse shampoos. So here’s a list of my top 5 shampoos.
Mane ‘n Tail and Body
Mane ‘n Tail and Body is one of the most commonly used horse shampoos. It is a high lathering shampoo that cleanses your horse’s hair thoroughly but gently. It can be used with on all types of horses – even those that have sensitive skin.
Whether your horse is young or a little more mature horse, you can use it without worrying about it irritating your horse’s skin. Other great features are that its fragrance repels insects and it has some great moisturizers.
Dr. Muller Pet Solutions Chlorhexidine 4% Shampoo
Dr. Muller’s Pet Solutions Chlorhexidine 4% Shampoo is best for killing the microorganisms that make your horse uncomfortable. This shampoo contains chlorhexidine, which is an antiseptic and is very helpful if your horse has dry skin.
This shampoo is not only one of best available for horses but you can also use it on dogs and cats. Just avoid contact with eyes and mouth and your horse is good to go. It will transform your horse to tip-top condition.
Dr. Muller Dermabenz-3 Shampoo
Dr. Muller Dermabenz-3 Shampoo is an ideal soap-free solution for your horse’ needs. If your horse is suffering from issues related to dry skin, then you should consider using this shampoo.
It revitalizes your horse’s coat easily and quickly. It also nourishes your horse’s skin and strengthens their hair. The best thing about Dr. Muller Dermabenz-3 Shampoo is that you can also use it on your cats and dogs. You won’t need to buy a different shampoo for them.
It contains a citrus scent that helps deodorize and cleanse your horse gently.
Pet MD Antiseptic Antifungal Medicated Shampoo
If your horse is suffering from a skin issue such as bacterial dermatitis, then Pet MD Antiseptic Antifungal Medicated is the solution. It is also useful if your horse has any scrapes or scratches, as it’ll keep them nice and clean.
It contains aloe vera and lanolin – these soothe and heal your horse’s skin, naturally.
What should I keep in mind while buying horse shampoo?
There are various things that you should keep in mind while buying horse shampoo. The most important are the needs of your horse. If your horse is suffering from any type of skin infection, then you should buy a medicated shampoo such as the Pet MD shampoo above.
I personally love that many of these horse shampoos can be used on other pets – they’re great for my dogs!
Speaking of using horse shampoo in other ways, did you know that there are rumors that a horse shampoo can also make your own hair longer and thicker? Well, I’ve written a complete blog post on this topic and if you want to know whether this rumor is true or not, check it out here!