Have you considered that global warming, allergies and cancer all seem to point to toxins? I even know of 2 horses vets have declared allergic to their own sweat. What does that say? The very strong correlation between breast cancer and common petroleum-based products is unnerving. It seems our bodies and earth are maxed-out with chemical pollutants.
In an effort to avoid illness and contamination, we have the opportunity to approach grooming with a new consciousness. We have more information now, so why to use it to aid the health of our selves, horses and land? Especially, if the new paradigms are easiest and healthiest! It's a win-win.So, here are some tips to great green grooming:
Did you know regularly brushing and toweling horses' nostrils, eye areas and ears can make the skin glisten? Bypass the standard toxic petroleum products. Just rub on the horses! The shine from the coats' natural protective oils is undoubtedly richest. And, it does not attract the sun or dust! What's better?
As far as I can tell, common detanglers are toxic. Petroleum products are not biodegradable and actually suffocate the tails so they break. Detangling sprays can contaminate the earth, horses and you.
The good news is that you can opt for tails that are stronger, grow well and are easiest to care for- if you shift to this simple and cost-effective paradigm.
1. Using a shampoo that enriches, instead of stripping coats.
2. Combing the clean tail when wet.
3. Organizing hair daily. Pick: it is preferable to separate the strands with your fingers. If you comb or brush, twist the tail, hold the bottom and gently work your way up- always protecting roots with your grip.
4. Quick cleaning muddy tails with an enzymatic spray. Then wipe off dirt with a towel. Comb when wet.
With this system, tangles are reduced. Tails are gorgeous and easy to maintain.
. Scratches medications tend to be petroleum-based. Plus, consider the premise: First, scratches are a fungus that lives in the dirt. So why would you want to use something that attracts dirt? Secondly, if you want to protect the sores, wouldn't you rather the skin breathe and be nourished to actually heal quickly?
Heads up: Do not clip hair short. It is the most effective skin protectant. Instead, keep legs clean. Most importantly, put ONLY BONE-DRY legs into stalls. Then, avoid the depleting salt (NaCl) most shampoos use for lather. It strips the skin of protective oils, leaving it vulnerable to irritation.
Instead, choose a shampoo that moisturizes and nourishes to fortify coats and only uses medical-grade tea tree oil. This shampoo will very gently eradicate the fungus, promote healing and leave skin more resilient.
Careful! Fly sprays can be poisonous. How often have we breathed them in? Choose a non-toxic and non-oil-based solution. It will be safer, not attract the sun or make the hair slippery to braid.
These are some simple ways to shift toward healthier living. Since they can also save time and money, I hope you'll give them a try. And, enjoy!
Ruthann Smith has spent a lifetime studying sound horsemanship- both as a groom for top international horses and as a renowned braider. Quietly twisting manes atop a ladder, she watched and learned in some of the best stables in the world.
As her passion for great grooming grew, Ruthann became focused on researching, collecting and sharing the best practices of the world’s keenest horsemen. Ultimately, Ruthann used her vast experience to develop exceptional equine grooming products to help raise the bar of horsemanship.
The knowledge she dispenses and the products Ruthann developed solve age-old grooming issues. Making quality horse care easier, they have received the highest honors in the equine industry*. Her Lucky Braids for Top Turnout coat care and braiding products are the best, most versatile, cost-effective and easiest solutions available on the market today.
Now Ruthann offers her LOVE, LOVE Guarantee. If not totally thrilled with a product she developed, Ruthann will refund you in full, regardless of where you purchased it.
It’s her life’s mission to empower horses by educating, motivating and equipping their people to be true horsemen. You can access Ruthann’s tips at: The Grooming Resource on LuckyBraids.com, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and her Horsemanship Clinics.
*After testing 350 products, Lucky Braids All-In-One Horse Shampoo was named product of the year by Horse Journal, the “Consumer Reports” of the industry. They also named Lucky Braids Shampoo and Top Pick for greys and whites. Lucky Braids specialized braiding yarn also got stellar reviews.