[Ahilpert]

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I am just wondering if applying oil to horses refers to only their feather? or do you also apply it to mane and tail? I use food grade mineral oil on feather... not sure if I should also be applying that to mane and tail?

Thanks!:apple:

 

[JCnGrace]

For what purpose? I occasionally use oil if they get a mane/tail full of burrs to make removal easier but it attracts dirt and I don't think I'd want to use it on a regular basis.

 

[horselovinguy]

I am just wondering if applying oil to horses refers to only their feather?

I don't know about putting mineral oil on feathers, mane or tail or if I would subject my horse to be a dirt/dust and filth attractant with such applied....:frown_color:


"Oiling a horse" to me means you have a horse colicing and tubing is being done to oil the guts in hope of moving that often clog along...coat the innards.
I've used goats milk cut 50/50 with water to bring on luster, shine and de-tangle long hair...but mineral oil, no. ** refrigerate that mixture or it goes rancid and stinks!! **

:runninghorse2:...

 

[Captain Evil]

With Shires I think they apply chalk dust or talcum powder after to absorb the oil and help keep the feather clean. Maybe that is only on the white feather, it looks like on dark feather they just wash the oil out. I think it is just regular mineral oil, but maybe not.

 

[horselovinguy]

I found older threads here on Horse Forum about feathers and their care...also references to scratches and prevention/aftercare.
I hope the reading offered gives you more insight into what you can use, how and why.

Specifically in post #2 was reference to " Some also mix the sulfur with mineral oil and apply to dry legs- the oil softens the scabs and makes them easier to pull off and sulfur "dries up" the sore."
https://www.horseforum.com/draft-horses/keeping-draft-feathers-clean-26587/

I know MTG is that mixture and then some other ingredients but many horses have adverse reactions to this product too...be careful and watch like a hawk for issues hidden if you use it or anything similar.

I also found these older threads.
Sadly some of the referenced draft sites no longer exist and some members from then are not so active now or at all, but their shared information is still pertinent.
https://www.horseforum.com/horse-grooming/daily-feather-care-501970/
https://www.horseforum.com/draft-horses/proper-care-heavy-feathering-154806/

I learned something new myself...don't have feathered friends with hooves so no need to know...
Now, added more knowledge to my arsenal of trivia stored away for another day.

Welcome back to the Forum... :wave:
:runninghorse2:...

 

[Foxhunter]

With heavy horses and getting them ready to show, pig oil is rubbed into the feathers and left for about an hour, this raises all the debris to the surface. This is washed off with hot water and soap and rinsed well then wood flour is rubbed into the feather to dry and to fluff them up, this is then combed out when the hair is dry.

I have used pig oil painted with a paint brush, on legs to help stop the mud adhering.

Also, pig oil with flowers of sulphur held clear scratches.

To oil legs and leaving it on, is asking for problems when there is strong sun out as this can cause sunburn especially on white legs.