Horse Body Wash: How to Choose the Right Shampoo
A good horse body wash cleans without stripping the coat's natural oils. Ferro's Revive Shampoo is the everyday default — gentle, plant-oil based, and safe for regular use. Switch to Repel Oil Shampoo during fly season, or reach for Reluminate to brighten a grey coat between full washes. Most horses only need a full bath every few weeks, not after every ride.
How to pick the right body wash for the job
Not every wash has to do the same job. Revive Shampoo is a full-body cleanser built on plant oils and magnesium, mild enough for weekly use without drying the coat out. When flies are heavy, Repel Oil Shampoo cleans the same way but leaves a botanical, oil-based finish behind. For a grey or white horse fighting yellow staining, Reluminate Shampoo is a clarifying wash built on chamomile flower water and aloe.
- Everyday coat cleaning: Revive Shampoo
- Fly season or heavy bug pressure: Repel Oil Shampoo
- Grey or white coat with yellowing or stable stains: Reluminate Shampoo
Wash Less, Not More
Full baths strip natural oils faster than most owners realize. A weekly or biweekly wash is plenty for most horses. Between baths, spot-clean sweat marks and manure stains with a damp cloth instead of reaching for a full lather. See how often to wash a horse and how to wash a horse step by step for the full routine, plus drying properly afterward so the coat doesn't sit damp.
- Wet the coat fully before applying shampoo, so it rinses out completely later.
- Work the shampoo in with your hands, going with the direction of hair growth.
- Rinse until the water runs clear and no residue is left behind.
- Scrape or towel off the excess water before turnout, especially in cold weather.
Recommended products
Frequently asked questions
How often should I wash my horse's whole body?
Most horses do fine with a full wash every one to two weeks. Spot-clean sweat and stains between baths.
Is Repel Oil Shampoo a fly spray?
No — it's a wash you rinse out at bath time, not a leave-on spray.
Will Reluminate turn my horse purple?
No. It's a clarifying shampoo, not a violet-toning product, so it lifts yellowing without tinting the coat.
Can I use Revive Shampoo year-round?
Yes — it's gentle enough for regular, everyday washing.