How to Vacuum a Horse

Horse vacuums are great grooming tools, as they allow you to quickly and easily remove dirt from the coat. Vacuums are particularly useful when you don't want to bathe your horse, such as right before a show or during the cold winter months. A few simple tricks can teach you how to use your vacuum when grooming your horse.

Things You'll Need

  • A friend (when necessary)
  • Grooming supplies (curry comb, brushes, etc.)
  • 2 lead lines
  • Bridle
  • Treats
  • Horse vacuum
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Instructions

    • 1

      Recruit a friend, when possible, to help keep your horse calm while grooming. Your helper can stand at the horse's head and speak calmly to help quiet the horse and reduce stress. If the horse is particularly dirty, you may want to begin by using a regular grooming brush, such as a curry comb or soft-bristled brush, to loosen dirt.

    • 2

      Secure your horse inside of his stall before beginning. The most common method of securing a horse is by attaching two lead lines to either side of the bridle and typing them to either side of the stall. There should be enough slack in the leads that your horse can move his head and body a bit, but not so much that he can make a full circle.

    • 3

      Put a few treats in your pocket before you turn on the vacuum, and be sure to stand a few feet away from your horse, as many horses may spook a bit. Hold the handle of the vacuum as you slowly approach the horse. Talk to her gently and offer treats, only beginning to use the vacuum when she seems to have calmed down. Over time, she will get used to the noise and the machine and will not startle so much.

    • 4

      Begin vacuuming at the neck near the back of the head, working down in long gentle strokes. Work along the horse's entire body until the coat is clean and free of debris. Do not stand directly behind your horse when grooming the back section, as a spooked horse may kick.

    • 5

      Take extra special care when working over bony areas, as the end of the vacuum can hurt your horse. For sensitive areas, you can place soft-bristled vacuum attachments to the end of the tube. Don't forget to feed your horses a few treats before, during and after vacuuming.