Horse Oil-Based Shampoo
An oil-based horse shampoo cleans with help from nourishing plant oils rather than stripping the coat bare, so skin and hair hold on to their natural moisture. Ferro makes two: the botanical Repel Oil Shampoo and the castor-and-jojoba Reluxe Mane & Tail Shampoo. Both leave the coat clean, soft and conditioned in one single step.
Why Choose an Oil-Based Shampoo
Ordinary detergents clean by stripping oil, including the coat's own protective layer. Do that too often and skin turns dry, flaky and itchy. An oil-based shampoo balances cleansing surfactants against plant oils that stay behind on the hair, so the coat comes up clean but soft, without that tight, stripped feeling. It's a solid choice for dry coats, coarse hair, and horses that get washed often.
- Repel Oil Shampoo — botanical oils (citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, tea tree) that clean while leaving an insect-deterring finish behind. See the fly-repellent wash.
- Reluxe Mane & Tail Shampoo — castor and jojoba oils for coarse manes and tails that need conditioning, not more stripping.
Recommended products
Frequently asked questions
Will an oil-based shampoo leave my horse greasy?
No, not when it's used and rinsed properly. The oils are formulated to condition the hair as it's cleaned, then rinse away cleanly, leaving the coat soft rather than slick. Greasiness usually means too much product, or an incomplete rinse.
Is an oil shampoo good for dry or itchy skin?
A gentler, oil-conditioning wash is kinder to dry skin than a harsh degreaser, so yes, it can help a dull, dry coat. A genuine skin condition needs proper treatment, though — a grooming shampoo supports healthy skin, it doesn't cure disease. Our grooming guides go into more detail.
Which oil shampoo should I choose?
How often can I use it?
Oil-based washes are gentler than degreasers, but over-washing still isn't ideal. Every one to three weeks suits most horses, with spot-cleaning filling the gaps.