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Washing Horses' Heads

Hi everyone,
What do you all do about washing horses' heads. I know some get away with rarely doing it, while others, with grey or white horses, end up doing it weekly, or more frequently in the summer. It certainly can be a most hated task.

Any tricks? Special shampoo? Particular setting on the hose? A rain coat? :)

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Permalink Reply by Julie Rentz on May 27, 2009 at 2:01pm

I use to have a bald faced mare that was taller than me and knew it :)
I never was able to use any shampoo on her face as I never knew if I'd be able to get it off. I use to sponge or use a wet rag only and could get her face sparkling with just that. Took some work as sometimes I'd have to let the wet rag just sit on her face to loosen the mud/dirt/etc and then it'd wipe off...yes I'd have to chase it down a fair amount as she'd sling it off but that was the most agreeable way to get this task done with her. I did from time to time use some no-rinse green spot remover on a rag on her face (but not the eyes!) and that would work as well.

Even though she's gone now that's still how I wash my faces.
Rain coats are not a bad idea though!

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Permalink Reply by Debby Stansell on May 29, 2009 at 10:41pm

I use a Tearless Baby shampoo for the heads. It works great and I don't have to worry about their eyes stinging if I get some in there by mistake.

Debby

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Permalink Reply by Joyanna Packer on July 10, 2009 at 12:21am

The best way to wash their head is to spray up over their head, (like a whale blow through their hole) and let the horse stick their heads in the spray of the water, that's what my instructor says works better. Then their ears are back and no water gets in.