Vacuums for horses

[JackW]

You can put 2 or more hoses together allowing you to put the shop vac further away from the horse, keeping the noise level down. I agree, blowing works very well.

[Foxyrab]

To eliminate shock from static electricity while vacuuming the horse, I use a long length of electric fence tape (wire would work, but me the tape is easier to work with) and wrap the fence tape around the entire length of the vacuum hose. Hold it in place with black electrical tape. One end needs to be wrapped around the end of the vacuum hose so that you’re touching it while vacuuming the horse, and so that the wire in the tape is in contact with the attachment you’re using to groom the horse. The other end of the tape needs to be attached to a “ground”, so that the static charges that are building up as you groom your horse have something into which they can “discharge” without shocking the horse. I have it set up so that the end of the fence tape clips onto the metal conduit for the wiring. You could also attach it to a water hydrant.

I get custom made lengths of vacuum hose made from a place that sells and services high end vacuums for the house – they’ll make it in any length I want. (My shop vac is in the loft.)

A “broan-nutone ct 109b vacuum pet brush”, shown in the picture, is the the brush attachment I prefer. Using google, I found them for under $4 each.

[Scarlet_Gilia]

I use a small shop vac from Home Depot and a Dr. Smith’s vacuum curry. This setup is great during shedding season.

Foxyrab, I will have to try your idea to prevent static build up!

[Kimstar]

[QUOTE=Brooke;8486315]
I looked at the shop vacs a while ago, and wondered if the hose was long enough. It seemed as though I’d have to have the vacuum awfully close in order to do the job. Do they make extension hoses? Or maybe it’s not a problem. Have you had any problems with the length of hose?[/QUOTE]

Different models have different hose lengths. I find that you need at least 7 ft. if you don’t want to actually carry the thing around as you vacuum. But you do need to get the horse used to the canister following you around on the ground. I’ve actually found this to be more of an issue than the noise. Doesn’t take long though if you’re patient.

[Brooke]

Is the static electricity a problem particular to the shop vac? I used to have the Electro Groom and very occasionally would have static electricity build up but not often.

[Jarpur]

I’ve used a Metro Vac N Blo for years without trouble, although not that often (mainly before bathing and clipping). I had the original hose replaced at my local vacuum repair shop with a much longer one, at $1/ foot. I’ve used the attachment mentioned by Foxyrab and the Dr. Smith’s (the latter eventually broke, and I haven’t replaced it) with okay, but not great, results.

When using the Vac N Blo, I alternate currying (by hand) and vacuuming the loosening dirt; the few times I tried blowing the dirt off, it didn’t seem to work that well, but perhaps my horse’ very dense, plush coats are to blame, or maybe I just didn’t give it enough time. Inspired by others’ positive posts, I may try that technique again.

[Gamma]

I was inspired to pull my vac out the other day–I have been so lazy lately, but the extreme pristine-ness of my saddle pad afterward was really worth it. I was thinking about technique to report back to this thread.

My vac is only 2.5hp (it is tiny). I either use a plain hose or the crevice attachment for blowing, the crevice attachment seems to help direct the air and get a more powerful force out of it. Curry any visible mud off first, then blow with the vac with the end of the hose right up next to the horse (hose end about 2-4 inches from the horse, maybe?). If you’re too far away, it does nothing. It really takes a while, but you can see the dust flying off so you know it’s working. The blow-vac really does a great job in places that are difficult to curry effectively, too, like the whorl on the flank and around the fetlocks. After the air coming off of the horse is “good enough”, I give a once over with a brush and then his body is ready to go (I still do his face by hand, seems safer all around).

I’m on an uneven surface and didn’t get the wheely platform for my vac, so I pretty much have to carry it, but also one of the things my horse didn’t like at first was having too much hose flapping around–especially when it makes that weird vacuum hose noise (kind of scraping against itself). I usually hold the vac in my left hand, run the hose behind me, and the end of the hose in my right hand (right handed). I’ve thought about jury-rigging a back-pack style harness for the vac and finding a short hose that’s just arm length, so I don’t have anything in the way. Maybe someday.

[Palm_Beach]

@paintjumper63

I have 2 horses that live outside and are often mistaken for pigs:D I am looking into getting a vacuum for them (both have experienced them before). I would love to be able to groom them everyday, but it is not feasible and we do go to a show or 2 during the winter and more in the spring. Looking for suggestions for horse vacuums or shop vacs that will work. I did try my own shop vac, but it wasn’t powerful enough.

Once you get them cleaned up, you can put a breathable rain sheet on them and it will keep their bodies clean. I have one that I’m trying to keep going. I’m sure he looks silly with a super clean body and mud caked in his mane, but I won’t go to a show until early April. Which is only 2+ months away!

[Mariocar]

@Brooke

Is the static electricity a problem particular to the shop vac at vacuumallrounder? I used to have the Electro Groom and very occasionally would have static electricity build up but not often.

I don’t think it would be a problem. I own Bissell Wet Dry shop vac and never encountered any issue related to static electricity. I’ve the whole setup to clean up after my horses and it works great.