🧼 The importance of hygiene in horses: health, well-being, and suitable materials 🐴

🧼 The importance of hygiene in horses: health, well-being, and suitable materials 🐴

Maintaining good hygiene for our horses goes far beyond aesthetics. A clean horse not only looks good, but is also healthier, more comfortable, and performs better in its work or daily activities. In this article, we explore why hygiene is essential and what role the products and materials we use in its daily care play.

Why is equine hygiene so important?

A horse's skin is a sensitive organ, and as such, it requires constant attention. Sweat, mud, moisture, and debris can easily accumulate, causing problems such as:

• Skin irritations or infections (dermatitis, fungus, scabies).

• Hair loss or bad odor.

• Muscle discomfort or chafing due to poor drying or dirt.

• Appearance of external parasites, such as ticks or lice.

Furthermore, proper hygiene helps detect injuries, wounds, or inflammation early, which could otherwise go unnoticed under a layer of dirt.

The importance of the right material and products

Not everything works when it comes to caring for your horse. Using the right equipment is key to ensuring effective and safe hygiene. Here are some essentials:

• Brushes and scrapers: These should be adapted to the horse's coat and skin type. Brushes that are too hard can cause irritation, while those that are too soft don't clean thoroughly.

• Sponges and towels: ideal for cleaning delicate areas (eyes, nose, genitals). They should always be clean and, if possible, separated by use.

• Moisture eliminators 💦: After a bath or a rainy day, it's essential to dry your horse thoroughly. Products like SAMBA (Artero) help remove residual water and moisture quickly and effectively, reducing the risk of fungus and shortening drying time. This is especially useful if bandages or protectors are to be applied afterwards.

• Shampoos and disinfectants: Always specifically formulated for horses. Human or other species products can alter the pH of their skin.

• Preventive cures and creams: to keep hooves, mane and skin in good condition.

Hygiene = prevention + well-being

A proper hygiene routine doesn't have to be long or complicated. The important thing is consistency and the use of quality products. Furthermore, time spent caring for your horse strengthens the bond between human and animal, improves handling, and allows for detailed observation of its physical and emotional state.

In summary…

Equine hygiene is a fundamental pillar of a horse's overall well-being. By using the right tools and effective products, you're not only taking care of its health, but also facilitating its recovery, comfort, and performance. A clean horse is a healthy and happy horse! 🐎