How to Make Homemade Horse Shampoo

Caring for horses involves not only ensuring they are well-fed and healthy but also keeping their coats shiny and clean. However, frequent trips to the store for equine shampoo can become costly, and the harsh chemicals can sometimes affect a horse's sensitive skin. Making your own horse shampoo at home is a wonderful solution that's both cost-effective and gentle on your horse. Here’s how you can create a natural, soothing shampoo for your equine friend.

Benefits of Homemade Horse Shampoo

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s look at why homemade shampoos can be a better choice. Commercially available horse shampoos often contain chemicals like sulfates and parabens that can strip natural oils from your horse’s skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Making shampoo at home allows you to use natural ingredients that nourish and condition the coat without the harsh side effects.

Simple Aloe Vera and Glycerin Shampoo

This recipe is perfect for horses with sensitive skin. Aloe Vera acts as a soothing agent while glycerin provides the coat with a shiny finish. Here’s what you need:

  • 1 cup of unscented baby shampoo or mild dish soap
  • 1 cup of aloe vera gel
  • 1 teaspoon of glycerin
  • 2 cups of distilled water
  • 10 drops of lavender essential oil (optional, for a pleasant scent and insect repelling properties)

Combine all the ingredients in a large bottle and shake well before each use. Apply directly to the horse’s coat, work into a lather, and rinse thoroughly.

Moisturizing Oatmeal Shampoo

This formula works wonders for dry and itchy skin. Oatmeal is known for its soothing properties, and it can help moisturize and relieve irritated skin. You will need:

  • 1 cup of raw, uncooked oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup of baking soda
  • 1 quart of warm water

First, grind the oatmeal in a blender until it becomes a fine powder. Mix the oatmeal powder with baking soda and warm water. Stir well until the mixture is fully blended. Use this mixture to shampoo your horse, allowing it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly to soothe the skin and cleanse the coat.

Refreshing Tea Tree Oil and Coconut Shampoo

Tea tree oil is celebrated for its antibacterial properties, and coconut oil is excellent for adding moisture. This shampoo is great for keeping your horse's skin healthy and his coat resilient. Ingredients include:

  • 1 cup of mild liquid soap
  • 1/4 cup of coconut oil (melted)
  • 1 tablespoon of tea tree oil
  • 1 quart of warm water

Mix the soap, coconut oil, and tea tree oil with the warm water in a large container. Once well combined, use the mixture to shampoo the horse, taking care to rinse out the shampoo completely to prevent any residue.

Storing Your Homemade Horse Shampoo

It’s important to store your homemade horse shampoo in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Use airtight containers to keep the shampoo for as long as possible, but homemade mixtures typically last for up to a month.

Tips for Bathing Your Horse

When shampooing your horse, always opt for warm water as it helps in better cleaning and is also comforting for the horse. Test the water temperature just as you would for a child’s bath. Additionally, be sure to wash and rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving any soapy residue that could irritate the skin.

Making your own horse shampoo allows for creativity and ensures that you are using safe, effective ingredients that maintain the health and beauty of your horse’s coat. Have fun experimenting!