Static!

[Pocket_Pony]

Mr. PoPo and I just moved to our new farm in Central Oregon - yay! The horses come Friday and in the meantime I’m trying to get as much unpacked as I can.

Since it is so dry here, I have noticed that my hair is crazy staticy. Like I brush it and it just flies everywhere and I touch it and it sticks to my hands and/or my bangs stick to my forehead.

Which got me to thinking of the horses and when I go to brush them I’m sure it will be a little shocking!

So here are my questions:

1. what can I do to minimize my dry staticy hair?
2. what can I do to not shock the horses?

Should I stock up on dryer sheets? :lol:

[charismaryllis]

yes, my SIL carries dryer sheets around for her hair; i suspect they would work on the horses too…

[TBROCKS]

There is a product called “Static Guard” that you can spray on your brushes to reduce static. You can spray it directly onto your hair, stockings, car seats, etc. It kind of smells good, too. I find it works better than dryer sheets, but in a pinch, those work, too.

[HungarianHippo]

Also watch when taking off their blankets-- sliding those nylon blankets off creates a cascade of shocks that can freak out your horse. My QH/perch mare is stoic about it, but not the hackney–it just fries her brain. So when it’s bad, I fold the blanket up as much as possible before sliding it off them, and then literally ground myself by holding a gate with one hand while pulling blanket with the other.

Moisture will eliminate the static, so you can lightly mist them with a spray bottle when grooming.