I’m looking at getting a shop vac for my mare this year since we are doing a lot more shows. What is everyones suggestions (hp, tank size etc) Or if people even recommend certain models? I’m in Ontario Canada. Also is there ones that are quieter then others?
I just bought a smallish one from Lowes that was on sale. My best recommendation (which I learned on COTH) is to set it to blow instead of suck, and it blasts the dust right out. You’ll want to do it outside or in an aisle with good ventilation.
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After training several horses to the shop vac… It’s the hose / canister moving around that spooks horses, not the noise. But with time and treats, every horse has learned to ignore the vac. A dryer sheet rubbed on the horse and a bare hand on the horse as you vacuum reduces the static shocks.
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I use a regular canister vacuum (on sale at Canadian Tire) with a grooming head vacuum attachment that looks like a curry. I ordered it on line- maybe Dr Foster or something? I find my vacuum quieter and more portable than a shop vac.
Edited to add- found it. It is a Dr. Smith Pet Hair Curry- google it, it works a charm!
Just a plain one. Same as a horse one…you can order a curry head for a regular one for like $15.
Yes I use my shop vac on blow rather than suck. I would recommend starting out with a small one and get them accustomed to being blown out. Smaller ones are more manageable but dont have as much power as the larger ones so generally speaking, they are somewhat quieter.
once you and your horses are accustomed to it, get one with more power and you will REALLY see the difference. You can get them for dirt cheap at yardsales and flea markets.
And I second doing it outside. You are going to blow dust and hay and all these other things around besides the stuff you are trying to blow off your horse. Plus, your horse’s friends (or your barn friends)may not like the noise/clouds of stuff puffing around so by doing it outside, you will be considerate to those who don’t want the joy of shopvac grooming
You can always start with a hair dryer on low/cool before you introduce a shop vac. It’s works well when you have a small grey pony who unties himself and rolls after a bath and right before a class. Not that I’d know about that at all. 
