What can I do to increase shine before a show without using chemicals?

Answer: Shine is created by consistent grooming with the right tools and technique. (See article "Grooming for Success"). To take it up a notch for a show or special event without using chemical shine sprays, double your strokes with the finishing brush or treat the horse twice with the finishing brush, from head to toe. Then use a cloth diaper, a lambskin mitten or a goat hair brush to thoroughly brush the horse from head to toe, always in the direction of growth. This will smoothen the coat and remove any fine dust particles. If desired, use a natural type of leave-in conditioner and apply it to a cloth-diaper, then smoothen the coat again. Do not use conditioner in the saddle area, though.

My horse is extremely dirty... it's too cold to bathe, what to do?

Answer: "Hot-rag" your horse! Here is what you need: Thin terry cloth towels (sauna towels, dish towels), hot water, horse wash or shampoo, bucket, medium stiff brush, cool-off sheet. How to: Groom your horse thoroughly as usual. Then fill bucket with hot water and only a small cap full of horse wash. Wet and wring towel almost dry, rub your horse thoroughly from head to hind end. Rub your horse with a dry towel, brush with a medium stiff brush in hair growth direction and then walk him dry under a cool-off sheet.

About grooming tools:

After reading this article, you may suspect that I had suffered a fair amount of frustration with the grooming tools available in most tack stores. In my search for better brushes, I came across Leistner™ brushes, which are made by a small traditional manufacturer in Germany. In short: I requested samples, tested and now offer these brushes for sale. When comparing prices online you will notice that my prices are lower than the prices these brushes retail for in Europe. I’d simply like to make these brushes available to US horse lovers and hope you’ll love them as much as I do. To learn more about Leistner™ brushes email me with any questions.

Also see my article in Natural Horse Magazine: "Thoughtful grooming - how to improve health, fitness and relationship!"

Enjoy your horse and happy grooming!

Stefanie Reinhold