Grooming Essentials: 29 Must-Have Horse Products

by Emily Feilmeier March 15, 2024

Spring is here! With that comes tangled manes, scraggly tails, muddy horses, and shedding hair – EVERYWHERE. In this blog, we'll explore a wide range of grooming products designed to keep your equine companions looking and feeling their best. From luxurious shampoos to innovative grooming tools, we've got everything you need to elevate your grooming routine to the next level.

Whether you're preparing for a show or simply pampering your horse, our selection of grooming essentials has you covered!

The Best Mane & Tail Bands

Professional's Choice Slick Bands - Made from elastic material, these bands are designed to eliminate tangles, pulling, and broken ends, ensuring a comfortable experience for your equine companion. Unlike traditional rubber bands that deteriorate over time and exposure to sunlight, Slick Bands won't dry out. 400 bands per pack

Cashel Horse Braiding Rubber Bands - Crafted to be tangle-resistant, super soft, and crack-resistant. With a convenient storage tub containing a whopping 800 bands, running out mid-braiding session is a worry of the past. Their easy-to-carry design makes them perfect for on-the-go grooming sessions, while their durability guarantees they'll always be ready when you need them.

Classic Equine Tail Rubber Bands - The perfect solution for ensuring tidy and secure tail knots and braids for your horse! With a pack containing 50 bands, these durable bands won’t snag or cause discomfort. Whether you're preparing for a show or simply want to keep your horse looking polished, these bands are a must-have addition to your grooming toolkit.

Classic Equine Tail Elastic Braiding Bands – These bands are made from stretch jersey material that prevents hair pulling and breakage, ensuring your horse's comfort throughout the grooming process. These also work great for braiding tails to put in tail bags. Pack of 100 bands.

The Best Tools for Shine & Detangling

Absorbine Showsheen Original Hair Polish & Detangler Horse Spray - Formulated with a special Showsheen ingredient, this magical potion not only detangles and smooths but also repels dirt and dust, ensuring your horse stays clean. Showsheen is also packed with vitamins and silk proteins that nourish and strengthen hair from root to tip. This product is great at highlighting your horse’s muscle definition and coat color!

Cowboy Magic Horse Detangle & Shine Concentrate - This super-concentrated formula, enriched with silk protein, effortlessly tackles even the toughest mats and tangles, leaving your horse looking and feeling great. With no added water or alcohol, this blend conditions without drying out the hair. Just a nickel-sized amount is all it takes to work its magic, saving you time and money! Plus, this product is allergy-tested and dermatologist-reviewed.

Cowboy Magic Super Bodyshine - This quick-drying, concentrated formula is your ticket to show-stopping shine. Say goodbye to pesky dust in the show ring as this spray not only repels it but also reflects a full spectrum of light for that ultimate gleam. Enriched with aloe vera, this stick-free spray won’t leave your horse feeling gummy or sticky even after days of wear.

ShowBarn Secret Detangle & Shine by DIO - This powerhouse product instantly tackles tangles and strengthens weakened hair, leaving it with a natural, healthy shine. Its moisture-infusing, volumizing, and smoothing features make grooming a breeze. Simply massage a small amount into the mane or tail, comb through, and watch as tangles disappear. Whether your horse's hair is wet or dry, this detangler and shine combo works its magic, protecting, de-frizzing, de-matting, and shining without the need for washing prior to application. Infused with silk protein, it not only strengthens but also leaves hair silkier, smoother, and shinier, without any greasy residue. Plus, its high-grade silicone formula ensures it won't cause slippage of tack.

ShowBarn Secret Braiding Spray - Crafted with a blend of natural ingredients, including nourishing avocado oil, this product provides the ideal grip for braiding and banding, ensuring tight, neat styles with minimal stray hairs. This spray is a must-have for achieving flawless braids! Simply spray directly onto the mane or tail, distribute evenly with a brush or comb, and begin styling. For extra hold, repeat the spraying process as needed. This product is easily removed, and you don’t need to wash it out. Your horse’s mane and tail with thank you!

The Best Shedding Tools

SleekEZ Grooming Tool - Loved by horse and livestock enthusiasts, the large size is designed for two-handed use, making quick work of deshedding large animals all year round. Their medium and small size tools are the top choice for dog grooming, easily removing shedding hair, dirt, and dander from pets, furniture, and more. The medium and small size also work great for large animals for those with smaller hands that find it difficult to hold the larger tool.

Slick 'N Easy Grooming Block - This block is every horse owner's dream come true. Say goodbye to tedious grooming sessions – this miracle worker effortlessly removes loose hair, dust, and dirt with just one swipe. One block can groom 10-12 horses making it a great cost-effective solution.

Circle Y Shedding Blade - Its simple yet effective design makes it a must-have for every horse owner. With softly serrated blunt teeth, this blade gently grabs your horse's loose hair, leaving their coat looking shiny and healthy. The steel blade holds its shape and is a breeze to clean. Plus, the rubber-coated handle provides the grip you need and protects your hands.

The Best Brushes

Oster Mane & Tail Brush – This one is a favorite! With gentle bristles, it brushes through hair effortlessly, removing knots with extra care and leaving your horse's mane and tail smooth and tangle-free. With its durable design, this brush won't break or pull out hair, ensuring a stress-free grooming routine.

Professional's Choice Soft Poly Brush - Specially designed for ladies' or kids' hands! These brushes are perfectly shaped to fit snugly in your hand. The synthetic bristles are stiff enough to remove dirt but still soft on your horse’s coat.

Professional's Choice Dense Medium Bristle Brush – This brush is also comfortable to hold in your hand and works great for kids, too! The bristles on this brush are on the stiffer side, which makes it great to remove stuck-on dirt but still gentle enough to use on legs and faces.

Professional's Choice Wooden Goat Hair Brush – A super soft brush, this also has an adjustable leather handle so it’s guaranteed to be comfortable to use. The goat hair brush is super soft making it excellent at dusting off fine dirt and getting a great shine on your horse’s coat.

Professional's Choice Horse Hair Brush - You can’t beat natural bristles for that clean and shiny finish! This densely bristled brush has a rubber back which provides great grip. This brush is soft and is ideal for putting the finishing touches on your grooming – removing light dirt and loose hair.

CST Reversible 6 Ring Curry Comb – Everyone needs a good curry comb in their grooming kit! The curry comb is securely attached to the handle, so it won’t start to roll on you even after years of use.

The Best Shampoos & Conditioners

EZ All Body Wash Original - Formulated with a plant-based formula, this body wash is a game-changer in cleanliness and comfort. It loosens dirt and rinses away clean, leaving your horse’s skin and coat feeling soft and looking shiny with just a few ounces. Plus, its fresh natural scent transforms your horse from a dirty dud to a stunning stud in no time.

Mane N’ Tail Shampoo - A versatile product originally formulated for horses but loved by dogs, cats, and even humans! Its rich lather deeply cleanses, removing dirt and debris from the coat, mane, and tail without stripping natural oils. The micro-enriched protein formula, fortified with moisturizers and emollients, conditions the hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and clean. Plus, its high-lathering action leaves behind a pleasant perfume that doubles as a fly repellent. pH balanced for gentleness.

Mane 'N Tail Conditioner - A concentrated formula designed to revitalize hair of all types. Originally crafted for horses, this versatile conditioner is so effective it's suitable for dogs, cats, and humans! Its unique properties condition and strengthen hair, helping to prevent breakage and providing essential nutrients for a longer, healthier-looking mane and tail. Moisturizing is key to eliminating itching and scaling caused by external irritants like the sun and wind.

ShowBarn Secret Lavender Shampoo by DIO - Designed to reduce anxiety and offer potent anti-inflammatory benefits, this exceptionally mild yet highly efficient shampoo is the perfect addition to your grooming routine. Infused with a unique blend of Lavender Oil, Egyptian Geranium Oil, and Chamomile Extract, each ingredient works synergistically to soothe your horse's nerves and promote relaxation. Simply cleanse and relax your horse with this shampoo, then follow up with your favorite DiO liniment for maximum benefits.

Vetericyn FoamCare Equine Shampoo - Simply wet your horse thoroughly, then spray on FoamCare evenly and lather into the coat for a luxurious clean. Specially formulated with nutrients vital to your horse's skin, this shampoo conditions as it cleans, ensuring optimal coat health and conditioning. Its unique spray-on applicator provides quick coverage, while the foaming action effortlessly saturates your horse's coat, making rinsing a breeze. Plus, its equine-specific formula ensures you get the perfect amount of shampoo every time, saving you time and effort. With features like hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory, and plant-based ingredients, FoamCare is gentle yet effective, suitable for nourishing mane, tail, and skin, as well as removing dirt, oils, and debris.

Vetericyn FoamCare Equine Medicated Shampoo - Specially formulated to clean, soothe, and heal common dermal ailments. Simply wet your horse thoroughly, then spray on FoamCare evenly and lather shampoo into the coat for a deep conditioning clean. This sulfate-free shampoo is enriched with anti-inflammatory and cell-proliferating ingredients, effectively treating ringworm, girth itch, scratches, dry, itchy skin, and other fungal disorders. Gentle yet powerful, FoamCare restores your horse's skin defenses while providing optimal coat health and conditioning. With features like hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and plant-based ingredients, it's suitable for addressing a variety of skin ailments while retaining essential oils.

Farnam Vetrolin White 'N Brite Color Brightening Shampoo - This deep-cleaning, color-brightening shampoo adds incredible radiance to coats, manes, and tails, leaving your horse soft and shiny. Optical brighteners work to reflect light off the hair, accentuating the coat's natural brilliance. Enriched with coconut oil derivatives, this gentle formula moisturizes while increasing absorption of brightening agents, ensuring optimal results. Whether brightening light-colored coats or enhancing highlights on dark-colored coats, Vetrolin White 'N Brite Shampoo delivers stunning results. Plus, its concentrated formula washes up to 16 horses, making it a cost-effective choice for busy barns. With an easier-to-hold bottle and cap, it's designed for convenience. And don't forget – it's great for dogs too!

ShowBarn Secret Whitening Shampoo - Your ultimate solution for achieving a dazzling white and shiny coat for your horse! Engineered for perfection, this shampoo enhances your horse's natural color while effectively reducing discoloration, ensuring they look fabulous and show-ring ready. With its light fragrance and no-stain formula, ShowBarn Secret® Whitening Shampoo is a must have for any palomino or gray horse owners! Formulated with a blend of nature-derived ingredients including coconut-derived surfactants, aloe vera extract, and optical brighteners, this unique formulation is gentle yet effective, naturally conditioning your horse's coat for a healthy, radiant glow. For optimal results, apply to a wet coat, massage into mane, tail, and body to create a rich lather, focusing on areas with white markings or discolorations, then rinse thoroughly. Regular use can transform your horse's appearance, enhancing white and light-colored coats with a vibrant shine and removing tough stains effortlessly!

The Best Bathing Tools

EZ Wash Wand - The ultimate solution for a hassle-free, water-saving grooming experience! Crafted with a unique aluminum design, this lightweight wand offers a no-fuss, no-mess way to wash horses, dogs, show animals, and equipment without getting wet or wasting water. It removes dirt, mud, urine, and dander with just a squeeze of the handle, making it perfect for use by all ages. Designed with eco-friendliness in mind, the EZ Wash Wand conserves water and reduces the need for shampoo and scrubbers, making it a cost-effective addition to any barn.

Professional's Choice Miracle Mitt – This mitt requires less shampoo and creates a superior lather. Plus, the Miracle Mitt can easily be rinsed clean after each use and will not retain water, keeping it hygienic and ready for your next grooming session.

Classic Equine Grooming Wash Gloves - These gloves are perfect for foaming up soap and providing gentle scrubbing during bath time. Made from 100% silicone, they offer waterproof protection, keeping your hands dry and comfortable.

Sponge On A Rope - The convenient rope attachment ensures easy handling and storage, allowing you to hang it up when not in use. Whether you're bathing your horse or scrubbing tack, the Sponge On A Rope gets the job done efficiently and effectively.

We hope you've found inspiration and discovered some new products to enhance your grooming routine! From specialized braiding sprays to gentle grooming gloves, each product is designed to meet the unique needs of your equine companions. Especially during the spring cleaning season, investing in high-quality grooming essentials is essential for maintaining your horse’s health, happiness, and appearance. So, treat your equine companion to the pampering they deserve, and watch as they shine from mane to hoof!