Horse Shampoo
The right horse shampoo depends on the job at hand — an everyday bath, a coarse mane and tail, a grey coat gone yellow, or the thick of fly season. Ferro keeps four honest, plant-oil washes on hand so you're never forcing one bottle to cover everything. Start with the everyday Revive Shampoo, then bring in a specialist wash when you actually need one. Browse everything in the full shop.
Pick the Shampoo for the Job at Hand
- Everyday bath — Revive Shampoo: plant oils and magnesium for a gentle, full-body cleanse that doesn't strip the coat. The default pick for most horses.
- Mane & tail — Reluxe Shampoo: castor and jojoba, richer and more conditioning, for coarse hair that breaks easily.
- Grey & white — Reluminate Shampoo: chamomile and aloe that brighten and lift yellowing and stable stains.
- Fly season — Repel Oil Shampoo: citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus and tea tree in a cleansing wash with a botanical, insect-deterring finish.
What Makes a Good Horse Shampoo
A horse's skin sits at a different pH from ours, and a good horse shampoo respects that. The Ferro washes clean with plant-derived surfactants while leaving conditioning oils behind, so the coat comes up clean without going squeaky and stripped. What to avoid is a harsh degreaser used week after week — that's exactly what leaves coats dull, itchy and flaky.
How Often to Bathe
Most horses only need a full shampoo bath every few weeks; over-washing does more harm than the dirt ever would. Spot-clean sweat and stains between baths, and save a specialist wash — brightening, mane and tail, or repellent — for when the situation actually calls for it. Our grooming guides cover a simple seasonal routine.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best horse shampoo?
There isn't one single best — it depends on the coat. For a gentle all-rounder, Revive suits most horses. For coarse manes and tails, choose Reluxe. For greys and whites, use Reluminate. Match the wash to the coat and the job.
Can I use human shampoo on a horse?
It's not the best idea. Human shampoo is balanced for our skin and scalp pH, and over time it's often too harsh on equine skin, leaving it dry and itchy. A purpose-made horse shampoo is simply the better long-term choice.
How often should I shampoo my horse?
A full shampoo every two to four weeks is plenty for most horses. Bathe more often and you strip protective oils. Between baths, rinse off sweat with water and spot-clean stains instead of reaching for shampoo every time.
Do I need a separate shampoo for the mane and tail?
If the mane and tail are coarse or breaking, yes — a dedicated mane and tail shampoo conditions while it cleans. For an easy-care coat, a good everyday shampoo over the whole horse works fine.