By Christine DeHerrera
With a flowing mane and tail and jet-black coat, is there any horse lovelier than a well-groomed Friesian? They are beautiful, but of course, if you’ve ever tried to keep that mane and tail tangle free, you sometimes ache with frustration.
So what is the secret to the gorgeous horse in books and movies? Like most things, this secret is really simple--day-to-day care and attention to detail.
Daily grooming requires little expense, but pays off not only with beautiful black hair, but also improved health and soundness, including increased skin circulation. In addition, the grooming process is your ideal opportunity to thoroughly inspect your horse and catch little things, such as cuts or rubs, before they become a big problem.
Here are five FAQs that we often receive at the farm.
How do you keep them from getting "scurf" or scratches in their long feathers?
We keep the hair very clean and very dry. We use an antimicrobial shampoo each day, and then dry the feathers thoroughly with a towel and finish off with a hair dryer so no wet hair sits on the skin of the legs. If your horse does develop scurf, don’t pick at the scabs. Instead, continue with the shampooing and then, when totally dry, apply a scratches ointment. At Iron Spring we use a specially formulated cream from our veterinarian. Some people make their own using a combination of Furacin, Desitin diaper rash cream and azium, but it’s always best to check with your vet before using any home remedies.
How do you keep their coats black?
Sun and poor nutrition are the worst enemies of a jet-black coat. We are very careful with turnout and try to avoid having the horses go out during the brightest part of the day in direct sunlight. If they go out during the day, they wear a flysheet and have shade. Ideally, we turn our horses out at night. If you have a problem with coat fade, there is a Henna dye especially made for horses to help keep the coat black. There are some feed supplements, such as "Black as Knight", which may help, however we have not used them. It’s also important for your horses to have a proper nutrition plan. A healthy diet definitely promotes shiny, rich color for all horses.
How do you keep their mane and tail looking nice and tangle free?
We groom the horses daily, which includes a complete mane and tail brushing. Use a wide tooth comb and start from the bottom and work your way up, so you don’t rip out the hair. Use a silicon product, such as Show Sheen, as a detangler. If your horse has a really long mane, you may want to keep it in a French braid so it doesn’t catch on something or become tangled.
When showing a Friesian, do you braid the forelock or leave it loose?
You can do it either way, but most people, ISF included, braid the mane and leave the forelock unbraided.
My Friesian doesn’t sweat very much. Have you encountered that problem and how do you handle it?
Friesians seem to be more prone to anhydrosis (lack of sweating) than other breeds. During the hot months, all of our Friesians are on a products that help to promote sweating, ensuring that they stay cool.
One last note, be sure to check with your veterinarian before feeding any supplements or using any topical ointments, as you do not want to inadvertently feed or use a banned substance.
Remember, you are welcome to email or call the farm for more information.
Disclaimer:
All content provided by Iron Spring Farm is general and for informational purposes only. Content may also not constitute the most up to date information. Nothing in this content is intended to constitute veterinarian advice or to serve as a substitute for consultation with a veterinarian. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified provider with any questions that you may have about the treatment and care of your horse.
Any reliance that you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk and Iron Spring Farm, its officers, employees, representatives, and agents, hereby disclaim any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental, consequential or other damages arising directly or indirectly from access to or use of any content provided to the maximum extent permitted by law.
