Heavy Duty Horse Vacuums for Rapid Grooming
A horse grooming vacuum does the hard work for you during bath days or show preparation. Instead of manually loosening and removing dirt, debris, hair, dander, and parasites with combs and brushes, a vacuum lifts them right off. Many horse vacuums remove more debris than cleaning by hand so your horse will look better in less time. It also reduces the irritation and anxiety some horses feel with certain hand tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Vacuums
Can you use a vacuum on a horse?
You can absolutely use a vacuum on a horse, but we highly recommend using a vacuum specific to grooming like the ones we carry. We consider vacuums an essential part of our grooming kit. Most horses actually enjoy the feel of it, and it makes quick work of picking up loose dirt and hair.
How do you acclimate a horse to a grooming vacuum?
Here are the following steps to acclimate your horse to a grooming vacuum:
- Start by standing at the side of your horse. Place the nozzle of the vacuum on his shoulder, power it off, and then softly move it back and forth all over him.
- Plug your vacuum in, preferably near the side you are working on, so the cord doesn’t upset him or interfere with your work. Turn the vacuum on at the lowest speed, and introduce the suction gently to his shoulder and midsection.
- If he accepts the feel of the suction, you can move on to the flank, neck, and back.
- Your horse may not like to see the vacuum pointed directly at him, so always work behind his line of vision, if you can. Some horses don’t care for the tickle around the belly, head, and ears, while others seem to accept it readily. Take your time when introducing the vacuum to these sensitive areas.
Benefits of using a grooming vacuum?
Unlike brushing, which just moves dirt around the coat, the major benefit is that a grooming vacuum picks up the dirt, dander, and loose hair and removes it completely, allowing you to produce a clean coat faster and more thoroughly. We always vacuum a clean horse prior to clipping to make sure we have a clean, dust-and-dander-free surface to start with. Vacuums are particularly handy for clean-up in the winter, when a wet bath may not be practical.
Do you vacuum with or against horse hair?
Vacuuming with or against the horse’s hair depends on the job you’re trying to accomplish. If you have already brushed out or curried the coat, (a good idea if he is shedding, or if you have visible dirt or caked mud!) you can pick up the loose dirt and hair by vacuuming the coat in the direction it lies. If you are trying to loosen up dirt or remove caked-on mud with the vacuum alone, you may go against the horse’s hair in places, or even scrub back and forth a little, always finishing the area with a sweep in the direction the hair lies. Be careful of bellies and other ticklish areas–they can be extra-sensitive.
