Tips for getting the field boarded hunter presentable

[ISR]

I don’t want to hi-jack this thread, but along the same lines, I was thinking of purchasing a portable hot water machine. Some use electric, others use gas.

Does anyone have experience with them? Do they get warm, or just take the chill off from the tap?

Here’s the electric unit:
http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=dd042eed-c2dd-463f-ae21-cc27a028919b&item=28014&utm_content=28014&ccd=IPGM0001&utm_source=PriceGrabber&utm_medium=shopping&mr:referralID=8cf11dd0-ea73-11e2-9389-001b2166c62d

Gas:
http://www.sstack.com/Horse-Blankets-And-Sheets_Horsewear-Featured_New-Arrivals-Foal-Wear-Accessories/Insta-Hot-Equine-Portable-Washing-System/#

[gypsymare]

I boarded at a barn in 2009 that had something like the Hott Wash. It may have been that same unit but I don’t recall exactly. It was electric and made for barn use. The water pressure was awful and you had to let it preheat for at least 15 minutes then after running it for 5 minutes the water was barely lukewarm. It is not an “on demand” heater. More like an old RV unit with a tiny holding tank.

There was some discussion about both here:
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?407063-best-portable-hot-water-heater-for-bathing

Depending on how much power you have available to your barn, I’d look into home on demand systems, too.

When this awful weather thaws I’m going to plumb a hot water spigot out of my house next to the cold water one and make myself some kind of tie rack out there.

[MDMarr]

[QUOTE=Painted Wings;7386495]
I started using this on the dark horses this year.

Southern Illinois
Dust Beater

1 Bottle Witch Hazel (16oz)
1 Bottle 70% Isopropanol (16oz)
1/4 cup baby oil

Mix in a spray bottle. Shake each time before use. Use liberally with a wiping towel when grooming during the winter. Removes dust, conditions coat, kills static electricity. Perfect for removing sweat buildup after your ride or that gunk from under your traces after you drive! Use in mane and tail as well![/QUOTE]

This sounds like a really neat idea. Do you find that it make the coat greasy after a while?

[Ponyclubrocks]

1)curry
2) brush
3) curry
4) repeat above until you are left with a merely dust covered horse
5) vacuum
6) wipe entire horse with a damp towel

[Painted_Wings]

I have paint horses and I haven’t had any trouble with the Southern Illinois dust beater getting oily.

[galloping-gourmet]

I only had a small shop vac, so I used the power blower on mine, and once he got used to it, I think he likes it. Works great to get rid of the dust…

[Ponyclubrocks]

[QUOTE=galloping-gourmet;7397591]
I only had a small shop vac, so I used the power blower on mine, and once he got used to it, I think he likes it. Works great to get rid of the dust…[/QUOTE]

I agree, I should have said; I reverse my vacuum so I actually blow the dust off vs trying to suck it off. definitely works better.

[fourfillies]

Have to second that Hott Wash is so not worth it. As said, forever to heat, no pressure, few minutes of warmish water. Then, you have to drain it!

[Ponyclubrocks]

[QUOTE=fourfillies;7402550]
Have to second that Hott Wash is so not worth it. As said, forever to heat, no pressure, few minutes of warmish water. Then, you have to drain it![/QUOTE]

Ditto, I had one while at a barn with no hot H2O. Gave it away.

[ISR]

So I bought the insta-hott, and am thrilled with the purchase! I’m actually looking forward to getting my horse ready tomorrow! Water gets very warm, and good pressure.

Added bonus, it works great for removing salt off the truck, and de-icing the spigots, and everything else that seems to be frozen shut at the moment!

[OneGrayPony]

Love the tips!! I miss the barn that had a built in vac system. Between that and blanketing I was able to keep my filthy pig clean.