bathing

ok well its starting to get chilly here in Pennsylvania, and my gelding needs a bath really badly and since I havent had the time since I bought him 3 weeks ago I need to do it this week though it will only be in the 60's. I'm thinking warm water, his light blanket and a lot of towles to help dry him off. Will this work?

Just do it bit by bit and get everything covered... so likew have an old clean warm rug on ihm and do his neck then scrape and dry it then fold the rug back a bit and do a small section scrape and dry and then cover tht area up agian and do the next bit,

You could also try waterless soap....It usually comes in powder and you sprinkle or spray it on. I use Miracle Coat, it works well unless he's like CAKED in mud, then I'd say curry the worst of the dirt off first.

I have had my gelding for a month, and only given him a bath once, to get him used to water as he is a pansy at that. Well, he likes the hose, he likes to drink from it, and I can spray it on him. But oh dear Lord, make him step in a puddle, and the world is over!

It's not his fault, he has never had a pond, only trough water. So he has never had to do it. We are working on it. It is funny, because he will walk over a red carpet, a tarp, but not water! Wow, I am sorry, that got way off topic....

I just curry comb him, then smooth the hairs, then spray Shine (or whatever it's called) on him. He looks so handsome!! I have never heard of waterless soap, neat!

Horses don't 'need' baths unless they need a medicated bath for something like Queensland Itch (you guys might have something similar).

If YOU feel the need to give him a bath, then keep him covered and do it bit by bit, drying as you go and re-covering. Warm water is also a good idea, but make sure it's not too hot.

I agree with wild spot- horses don't NEED baths. Is he really dirty? If so I would just spend a little extra time grooming him :). I would skip the bath until warmer weather. JMO, though.

A damp cloth also works wonders for getting that pesky dust out of their coat.