Whether it’s daily grooming or grooming for a competition, equestrians have plenty of tips and tricks to keep your horse’s coat in tip-top condition. From wet wipes to car wash mitts, many solutions may be practical, but not all are specifically designed to safely and effectively remove loose hair from the undercoat and topcoat, tangles and mats. Loose hair can be especially frustrating if you clip your horse regularly, but still find your hands full of hair at the slightest touch. Horses have two types of hair that are most affected by grooming with the FURminator: the fluffy, thick and insulating undercoat and the coarse topcoat hairs that protect the skin from the elements. When hair stops growing from the follicles, they are shed to make way for new hair. Loose hair that is not removed regularly can absorb moisture and can collect dust, dirt, mud and more. Over time, these become felted areas where new hair can get tangled. Removing these mats can be painful for your pet or irritate the skin, causing it to become inflamed. Matting most often occurs in areas where there is friction, such as under the saddle or bridle, behind the ears, or between the legs where they rub together. The FURminator® Horse Undercoat deShedding Tool is specifically designed for pet horses. This tool helps remove your horse’s winter coat and removes up to 90% of loose hair. Use 1-2 times per week for 10-20 minutes each time on dry hair as part of the 4-step FURminator® Ultimate Hair Reduction System. Directions: Before using the FURminator® Undercoat deShedding Tool, give your pet a thorough inspection. Look for cuts, bruises, or any skin conditions that may be hidden under your pet’s coat. If your pet has any of these conditions, consult your veterinarian before brushing. Additionally, you should remove mats and tangles with the FURminator® Adjustable deMatter Tool or Grooming Rake before you begin brushing. Use the tool just like a brush. Brush your pet in the direction of hair growth, tilting the stainless steel teeth toward the coat. Start at your pet’s head and work your way back. Pay extra attention to the belly, legs, genitals, and anus. Don’t brush too much in one area; instead, brush with long, gentle strokes upward, away from your pet’s skin. Although the Skin Guard® prevents the edges from cutting and helps the tool glide over the skin, brushing too hard or too roughly can still irritate the skin. So don’t apply too much pressure to the brush. Stop if you notice any redness or irritation. You can remove collected hair from the teeth by pressing the FURejector® button.
