Why the routine makes the difference
A shiny, healthy coat is not just an aesthetic matter: it is a reflection of internal health and the quality of external care. The professional grooms who look after international-level horses know this well: the consistency of the daily routine is worth far more than the occasional “intensive” treatment before a competition.
The key is the correct sequence of operations and the choice of products that do not merely coat the hair, but actually nourish the skin and the structure of the hair from the root. Nocera Umbra clay, found in ArgiShine, works exactly like this: it mineralises and nourishes from within, restoring vitality to a coat stressed by intense training and artificial environments.
The morning routine
The morning is the time to prepare the horse for work and assess its condition after the night in the stall:
- Visual inspection: check eyes, nostrils, legs and coat. Note anything new compared to the previous day.
- Dry brushing: start with the rubber or plastic curry comb to remove caked-on dirt and stimulate skin circulation. Follow with the soft body brush to remove the residue.
- Tail and mane: use your fingers to untangle the knots before the comb. Always start from the ends, not the root. A light conditioner before the comb reduces hair breakage.
- Hooves: clean the frog with the hoof pick, check the white line and the sole. It is the best time to apply ArgiShine to the coronet.
- Finishing: a damp cloth on the muzzle and around the eyes, then the saddle. The horse is ready.
The evening routine: recovery
The evening is the most important time for maintaining the coat. After work, the skin is slightly dilated and absorbs active ingredients better:
- Post-training shower or sponging: remove the sweat with lukewarm water and, on days of intense work, use Equilibrium Shampoo for a thorough cleaning.
- Scraping and drying: use the sweat scraper to remove excess water, then cover with a breathable rug or actively dry in winter.
- ArgiShine application: when the coat is dry, distribute ArgiShine over the loins, the flanks and the thighs — the areas that tend to dry out the most. The product requires no rinsing.
- Clay packs on the legs: together with ArgiShine, apply ArgiStrong or ClayPower Arnica clay packs to the legs (see the dedicated guide).
- Final check: hay, water, a rug suited to the season. The horse must be able to rest without stress.
Tail and mane care
Tail and mane require specific attention, especially in horses that graze or live in paddocks with other animals (rubbing, bite knots). The fundamental rule is: never comb dry. Always spray a detangler or use your fingers to separate the strands before any tool.
To keep the mane thick and the tail full over time, wash them no more than once a week with a gentle shampoo. Washing too frequently removes the natural sebum that protects the hair from the environment. Between washes, use only leave-in products that nourish without weighing down.
Preparing for competition
In the days before a competition, grooming intensifies without, however, stressing the horse with excess. The ideal sequence:
- 2 days before: a full bath with Equilibrium Shampoo. Reinforce the mane with intensive conditioner. Apply ArgiShine to the entire coat.
- The day before: dry brushing, mane touch-ups, application of clay packs to the legs in the evening (ClayPower Arnica, all night).
- Competition day: removal of the clay packs, final brushing, polishing with ArgiShine, tail and mane. The horse must be impeccable and relaxed.
“The difference between a well-groomed horse and a neglected one shows in five seconds. But the difference is built over weeks of daily work, not on competition day.” — Silvia T., international groom