Stable / Field: everyday equipment

Grooming in Order

Grooming follows a specific order, from the coarsest to the finest. The rubber curry comb is used in circles on fleshy parts to lift mud and dead hair. The hard brush, or block, then sweeps this dirt away in the direction of the hair, and the soft brush smooths the coat and makes the hair shine, including on the head and legs, where the curry comb should be avoided. The comb detangles the mane and tail, and the hoof pick cleans the frog and the sole, from back to front.

Grooming is not just about looks: it helps spot any injuries, heat in a leg, or discomfort in the back before saddling up. Grooming bags and boxes, like those from LeMieux, Horze, or Imperial Riding, keep brushes tidy and clean. They are found in the grooming supplies.

Skin and Hoof Care

Shampoos for horses, like the Animaderm Tea Tree, clean the coat while respecting the pH of their skin, which is different from human skin. They should be used sparingly, as too frequent washing removes the sebum that protects the hair. Balms and ointments, like Natjely or the bay laurel Keralit for hoof care, treat minor irritations and nourish dry hooves.

Preparation and recovery gels, applied to tendons before or after exercise, support sport horses. Anti-itch mane care products help horses that rub. All these products can be found in the care section.

Hay Nets and Feeding

The horse is designed to graze in small amounts almost all day long. A small mesh hay net, like those from QHP or Hippotonic, slows down intake: the horse pulls the hay strand by strand, which extends meal times, reduces waste, and lessens boredom in the stable. The mesh size should be selected according to the horse's appetite, finer for a greedy one.

The bucket, covered feed trough, and manger complete the equipment. They are listed under feeding and stable equipment.

Electric Fence for the Pasture

An electric fence relies on three elements: the electric fencer, which sends pulses through the wire, the conductor (wire, cord, or tape), and the ground stake, often neglected even though it conditions the effectiveness of the system. The wide tape is the most visible to horses, who respect it better than a thin wire.

The fence should be checked regularly with a tester, as a branch or tall grass touching the wire can lower the voltage. The equipment can be found on the fencing page.

Maintaining Leather and Equipment

Leather equipment from saddlery is cleaned with a sponge and glycerin soap, then nourished with a balm, like the one from Bense & Eicke, to keep it supple. Blankets are washed with an appropriate cleaner, like the Grooming Deluxe Extra Clean, which preserves their waterproofing. A bamboo broom and a rug rack keep the saddlery tidy.

All Stable Equipment

This category is organized by use:

• Grooming Supplies, brushes, curry combs, hoof picks, and bags.
• Feeding, hay nets, buckets, and supplements.
• Care, shampoos, balms, and gels.
• Stable Equipment, troughs, rug racks, and storage.
• Fencing, electric fence chargers, tapes, and posts.

The horse has its own category for blankets and bridles, the rider category includes rider clothing, and the children, shoes, accessories, and dog complete the universe on the equestrian page.

New Products and Good Deals

The new products showcase the latest collections, the special offers highlight discounted items, and the clearance and sales feature end-of-line products. Items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and sent in 24 hours. The Black Friday, end-of-year celebrations, winter sales, and the French Days in spring mark the year's calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

In what order should brushes be used during grooming?

You start with the rubber curry comb, using circles on the fleshy parts, then the hard brush in the direction of the hair, and the soft brush to smooth the coat, including the head and legs. The comb detangles the mane and tail, and the hoof pick cleans the frog from back to front.

How often can you shampoo a horse?

In moderation: too frequent washing removes the sebum that protects the hair. A horse shampoo, like the Animaderm Tea Tree, respects the pH of its skin, which is different from human skin. Between washes, grooming is enough to maintain the coat.

Why use a small mesh hay net?

The horse is made to eat little and often almost all day long. A small mesh hay net, like those from QHP or Hippotonic, forces it to pull the hay strand by strand: meals last longer, waste decreases, and boredom in the stable is reduced.

Why might an electric fence lose its effectiveness?

Most often due to the ground stake, which is frequently overlooked but conditions the entire system, or from tall grass and branches touching the wire that can lower the voltage. Regular checks with a tester can reveal this, and the wide tape remains the most visible for horses.

How do you wash a blanket without losing its waterproofing?

First brush off any dry mud, then wash it with an appropriate cleaner, like the Grooming Deluxe Extra Clean, which maintains the waterproofing. The blanket must dry completely before being stored, otherwise it may mildew.