The Paris 2024 Olympics is well underway, and in the spirit of exceptional equine athletes, we're exploring how proper grooming using natural products can contribute to the overall health and performance of sport horses. After all, grooming isn’t just about making a horse look good; it’s a vital aspect of their health and well-being.
Benefits of Grooming Your Horse Daily:
Promote Blood Circulation:Brushing and massaging stimulates blood flow, which is essential for muscle recovery and overall vitality.
Prevent Skin Issues: Removing dirt, sweat, and debris helps to prevent skin irritations and infections.
Strengthen the Bond: Grooming provides an opportunity to strengthen the bond between horse and rider, building trust and understanding.
August presents some unique challenges due to the season's heat, humidity, and increased insect activity. By being aware of these summer-specific challenges and taking proactive steps, horse owners can ensure their equine athletes remain healthy, comfortable, and ready to perform at their best, even in the heat.
Here are some tips that can help your horse recover faster and stay in top shape this summer.
Grooming Tips for Peak Performance
- Dry Brushing for Muscle Stimulation:
- Why: Dry brushing, without any water or products, can stimulate the muscles and improve blood circulation.
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How: Use a stiff-bristle brush to gently massage the muscles in circular motions, focusing on areas that tend to be more tense after exercise. This technique not only cleans the coat, but also aids in muscle relaxation and recovery.
- Use Essential Oils for Relaxation:
- Why: Essential oils can have therapeutic effects, helping to calm and relax a horse.
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How: Grab a bottle of our All-In-One Grooming Spray or Barrier Balm Skin Salve, both have a specially formulated blend of essential oils chosen for their therapeutic and healing properties.
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Roll-On Liniment Cool-Down:
- Why: Using our roll-on liniment made with magnesium, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), and glucosamine can provide significant benefits for horses, particularly in terms of performance and recovery. Magnesium helps relax muscles and supports nerve function, reducing stiffness and soreness while calming the horse. MSM offers powerful anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and pain in joints and muscles, and supports connective tissue repair. Glucosamine is essential for maintaining healthy cartilage and joint function, reducing joint pain, and improving mobility by aiding in the production of synovial fluid.
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How: When these ingredients are combined in our roll-on liniment, they offer a comprehensive approach to supporting a horse’s musculoskeletal system. The anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties of MSM, along with the muscle-relaxing effects of magnesium, facilitate quicker recovery from exertion. Glucosamine enhances joint health, ensuring flexibility and reducing the risk of joint issues. The roll-on format allows for easy, targeted application to specific areas, making it convenient for addressing muscle soreness and joint stiffness. This combination helps horses perform better and recover faster. Learn more here.
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Keep The Skin Healthy with Myrrh and Andiroba Oil:
- Why: Myrrh essential oil has potent antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, while andiroba oil soothes and repairs damaged skin.
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How: Use our Barrier Balm Skin Salve for optimal protection, or create a DIY version by combining 3-5 drops of myrrh essential oil with andiroba oil and apply to minor cuts, abrasions, or irritated skin.
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Use Cedarwood and Lemongrass as a Natural Insect Repellent:
- Why: Insects can cause significant discomfort and irritation to horses, but so can the chemicals found in a lot of conventional fly spray options.
- How: Our All-In-One Grooming Spray and Barrier Balm contain natural insect-repellent properties. For a DIY solution, mix essential oils like lemongrass, cedarwood, eucalyptus, citronella, and tea tree oil with water and spray on the horse before and after exercise. Note: Mix single-use batches to prevent bacterial growth.
Proper grooming is essential for maintaining the health and performance of our equine athletes. By incorporating these tips and natural products into your grooming routine, you ensure your horse not only looks their best but also feels their best. A well-groomed horse is a happy and healthy horse, ready to excel in every performance. Here’s to peak performance and rapid recovery for all our amazing sport horses!
