Heard on Heels Down Happy Hour: Our Favorite Barn Hacks, Presented by Wahl
Some things were just put onto this planet to make our lives more difficult, and more often than not that list includes our beloved horses. As much as we plan and prepare, Murphy’s law is almost comical in its application to horse life. Luckily, on an episode of the Heels Down Happy Hour podcast, our hosts shared a few of their best loved secrets to making life around horses just a bit easier.
Keeping Cool
Rubbing alcohol is your best friend for an array of remedies – we love it for a quick way to cool a horse and wick moisture, as well as preventing skin funk such as fungus when sprayed onto towel-dried legs.
Swap out your everyday hairnet for a control top panty hose, cut to size. “It holds everything in so you have no hair falling on your neck,” Happy Hour host Justine Griffin says. She also says the panty hose are, believe it or not, more breathable than a regular hair net. For those of us with thick hair, this might just be a life saver!
Get crafty at the barn with more DIY tips here.
Skin Funk
Apple cider vinegar and witch hazel is a staple at Payne Equestrian, according to Jess Payne. Justine also swears by vinegar for multiple purposes such as insect bites, hives, allergic skin reactions, etc. Mix 2 parts vinegar with 1 part water and go for a full bath.
Justine also concocts her own anti-fungal spray: 2 cups of Listerine (Jess swears by the old-school yellow-colored option), 1 cup of water, and 1/3 cup of Skin So Soft or baby oil to soften. “The listerine will kill anything – rain rot, thrush, etc.,” Justine says. Jess agrees, also recommended the mix for tail rubs.
Diaper rash cream is also helpful to have on hand – but be sure to pick up the type with 40% zinc oxide, which is the most beneficial ingredient. This can help with prevention of scratches and relief of itchy spots such as rubbed-out tails.
Looking for hydration? Check out Justine’s electrolyte recipe here.
Cuts and Scrapes
Manuka honey is a product that a friend recently landed on after trying out multiple products to battle a bit rub. It’s expensive, but it’s worthwhile.
Vaseline is also a useful tool for preventing rubs. A glob in the corners of the mouth before bridling can help – but, of course, make sure you have a properly fitted bit and bridle first and foremost! A swipe over a scrape or rub can also help prevent dirt and flies from getting into the area during a ride.
