Is a Leaf Blower the Best Grooming tool?

[@sherryw-ponyluv-er2394]

My horses are all horse vacuum trained. It’s great. Years ago I took my Levels with David Lichman. It was winter. The first day, a guy asked me how I got my horse so clean? He joked “Did you have him dry cleaned?” Well, yeah, kinda! It’s great to vacuum but I also put the hose on the exhaust and viola, it’s a high power horse blow dryer too. The horses all accept the process and I love it. It even helps before they are bathed, with that ground in dust. Not to brag, but when I used to show, my horses turnout was pretty well known as high end. I showed ponies and we body clip. Clean horses really help prolong expensive clipper blades. All that said, I suppose a leaf blower is cheaper than my big horse vac! 😉 Just don’t wait until the day of the show, right Ryan? 👍👍👍

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Nice 👍

[@krystaldaniels7940]

Wow, what a fantastic idea! My horses fluffy winter coats are so dirty I can leave handprints when I pat them lol. Gonna see if they'll let me vacuum them today!😮

[@conniepatterson5098]

For many years I have used a portable, corded, dog grooming blow/vac.It has a shoulder strap and the canister is small so both of my hand are free to handle the vacuum hose and lead rope. I use it outside which lessens the chance of dirt getting into eyes etc. The force of the air moves the skin around for a mini massage, deep cleans the hair and gets out all the loose dander . Great during the shed season. The longer the unit runs, the warmer the air gets . I use it after a bath to blow dry them in a hurry. Even the donkey stands still for his grooming. This works great if you have arthritis in your hands and can't hold onto a grooming brush very well.

[@audreygregis8721]

That's a great idea...dog grooming blow/vac!

[@flowersgardens4057]

Brilliant!

[@krisslewis2367]

I have a wall mounted vacuum in my tack room that I can use on all of my horses. The 20' long hose helps because the noise isn't right up close. I also use the dog dryer when I need to dry them off; they seem to like the warm air when it's cold and damp out. Baths aren't an option here about 6 months out of the year, so having options for cleaning a really dirty horse is important.

[@wendyrockwell719]

Shop vac is the bomb. Really pulls the loose hair, dirt, and dander from their coats and seems to draw the oils through too.

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Good idea 👍

[@tracyjohnson5023]

That's what I use. I got a really long hose (30') for mine aftermarket so I don't have to drag the vac around. I also bought the accessory horse vac that has the curry and brush and they work with the shop vac which also has the exhaust blower too. Saved about $300 plus no vac bags to deal with

[@Heartofitall9691]

@@tracyjohnson5023 y

[@kathydel1786]

Using the leaf blower also keeps your saddle pads cleaner :)

[@elizafreund2861]

The leaf blower. We blow off our cattle before clipping them. It gets the little grains of dirt that brushes miss

[@carolgay8230]

As a dog groomer I can understand that the horse groomer would want your horse clean before the clip. Any dirt in the coat is death to our blades which are skyrocketing in cost now. It also puts a lot of strain on the clipper motor and our hands pushing through a dirty coat. I use a high velocity blow dryer to shoot water off a clean dog. Also an ear wrap called a happy hoodie which lessens the noise. A towel wrapped around a horses head to cover it’s ears might be helpful for training

[@gingercox6468]

I used to use a towel and swing it like a sack to pop the dust off. I also put hay under the blanket when the horse is wet. Just enough to hold the blanket off the horse a little, just on top. It helps dry the horse by creating a space for the air to work on the wet coat. People just shake their heads at me, but it works

[@samgould9930]

In the UK we use straw. It is called thatching. After the cottages here with the straw roofs

[@firstnamelastname-uq9hr]

Hey,good idea,my horses are vacuumed and i use a leaf blower to tidy my stables beds ,,to clean yard, and corridors from shavings ,hay and straw, so no sweeping and quicker .And grooming thick winter coats can cause problems with dirt causing skin abraisions when you use a brush,so, a blower would not only dry a coat, cool a horse, and clean him/her too, why haven't we thought of this before ??? Duh ! Thanx for the tip xx .From U.K.

[@debrabernard4690]

I love the leaf blower idea, I’ve use my vacuum for years, and it can vac & blow, both have their own perks..I was taught that vacuuming can help promote good blood circulation when grooming, promoting their natural oils to shine (dust & hair doesn’t go flying all over the place either) Blowing helps with blowing out the coat… and breaking up over oily areas, you can also use it to dry any moisture from bathing or after being worked.. LOVE IT!!!

[@debrabernard4690]

And there is no hose to get tangled up with

[@twhTami]

I can't believe you put this video up...told my husband I wanted to use Leaf blower and he said I was crazy!!! Thank you...I did have a good idea. Curious what kind of leaf blower that is...looks light weight and easy to use. Our blower is a back pack gas .. don't want to use that.

[@KH-tx6lg]

Back in the day when I used to show dogs. Once, the morning of the show my dog rolled in the dirt. With no time to bathe her again I wiped her down with a dry swiffer sheet. Worked like a charm and got all the dust off her 😀

[@barbarawitt1049]

My horses seem to really enjoy the blower!

[@liannaroller4813]

Loved this. Never thought of using a leaf blower! Thank you!

[@supitssyd8483]

I feel like the horse I work would be in Mexico or the Bahamas by the time I even turned the leaf blower on!

[@caroldonnelly8325]

LOL LOL

[@twade909]

I got my horses used to a hair dryer, never thought of leaf blower-much more portable, will have to try next time 🙂

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

👍

[@richtreffts8593]

I have used a leaf blower on all my horses. Primarily to desensitize them and occasionally in hot weather after hosing them off , or if they are a little sweaty , to help dry them off. I've also used a vacuum cleaner on them. Just another fun way to play with them & get them to feel good with it. I also scratch their itches , especially under their flanks & around the tail. I usually try to wear gloves when I do that though.

[@hhlagen]

I’m headed out the door to get me a battery powered leaf blower. Great job!! Enjoy your time in Florida

[@shannoncreary1584]

Fun for you and from the looks of it, ultimately fun for the horse too. Win/win.

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Definitely

[@katrinaferreri2419]

We always vacuumed the horses we did loved it

[@victoriadelaney5169]

Dried mud on coats is a constant battle here in Nova Scotia . I have used a small shop vac and both horses were are so laid back that after the first minute of noise they were cool with it all. Now Ryan if you want a good tool to create exposure , try a carpenters tape measure . Just start small and friendly . A good challenge !

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Lol 😂 your totally right! Those are tough when your to cheap to buy a HH stick like me.

[@cantiohorse]

Hello Victoria! Also watching from Nova Scotia 🇨🇦

[@victoriadelaney5169]

@@cantiohorse HI, where from in NS ? We are close to Tatamagouche 🤗

[@cantiohorse]

@@victoriadelaney5169 Walton on hwy 215 😆 (by Windsor!!) About 2 ish hours haha

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I have a concrete isle and twice a day I blow it out and blow the shavings that were kicked out back in so my horse's are already pretty broke to a blower but I never thought to blow them off. I will try it! Thanks.

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

👍👌

[@marksheffer625]

That's a great idea! I had to laugh when I saw you with a leaf blower because I saw a guy desensitize a horse to a chainsaw once it was interesting and the horses ended up quite comfortable with it. Great video Ryan thank you

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Thanks

[@mervjb809]

Oh yeah, that was the guy with the three legged horse! 🤣🤣

[@michellekoonce3191]

Love this idea~ My two are already used to a big giant blowing fan in their faces, they love to get close to it. I also love to explore with new things to challenge them and myself, as their personal trainer..Thanks for the idea!! Happy Trails

[@chrisp7548]

This is great. Timing is everything!

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

👌👍

[@patsyeldridge3844]

We used a leaf blower on our mare for a last minute pinch to get ready for a PAS show. Worked great and she didn’t mind it at all.

[@groovychic]

whatever works. I use a shop vac on my siberian hukies and they love it!

[@guemesferrytrail2380]

Oh, you missed a spot. LOL that was great!

[@tripleransom]

I have had an Electro Groom horse vacuum for many years and it really gets them clean. Like the leaf blower it makes a lot of noise. For some sensitive horses, going directly against the lay of the cost is too much. For horses like that, i go across the grain, i've never had a horse that didn't get used to it and they definitely get clean. I'll have to try the leaf blower idea, though.

[@user-bi5if1ip6t]

That’s really neat! After a while he should get used to the tool and noise. Great idea.

[@annewolfe7414]

I had a friend that lived in the snow belt in northern Ohio that used a leaf blower to clean off her driving ponies. It was fast, easy, and got the ponies clean, no frozen fingers.

[@marilyneckert6106]

Curious why you did not have the horse follow you as you walked away from him with the blower on. This has helped me get my horses use to all kinds of scary objects! The horses get braver when the scary object is moving away from them. They get to follow the frightening object and their curiosity comes into play. This really helps them learn to not fear scary things. I always end the game by letting them walk up and touch the object with their nose.

[@TheAnnav123]

Just a heads up I wouldn't recommend doing this all the time. We often use leaf blowers to clean our barn and I always make sure the horses are out and not close. With flying dust Ive heard of horses developing breathing problems from using the leaf blower in the barn. Personally I have gotten things in my eyes from using them (pointing away from falling debris). So something to be cautious of don't throw out your brushes just yet 😉

[@ingridblohm-hyde805]

I wholeheartedly agree. That is not to mention that the noise of these things are horrific for the sensitive ears of the horse. Horses are stoic and put up with the abuse. I think using noisy objects to groom the horses is not a good idea. Nothing takes the place of a good shampoo.

[@imagineifyouwereaworm]

@@ingridblohm-hyde805 don’t shampoo your horses often, it strips the oils the coat needs for it to be healthy and have protection from rain.

[@kim99may]

@@ingridblohm-hyde805 I have a battery one that’s not too bad. I think a vacuum combo may be better but between shampoos I think I would be an option. I would avoid the face completely and do it where you won’t stir up debris to get it the horses eyes like you said.

[@samgould9930]

Also they have a high dB level so will damage hearing after a while

[@FITZIEBLUE]

dog groomers often use super high velocity blowers to get rid of mats and heavy undercoats before bathing...

[@kblank9393]

I'm going to try this.....very interesting, have never seen anyone do this before. Great video!

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Thanks

[@ghggp1]

When I was a groom back in the 70’s we used a vacuum designed specifically for getting dust and dirt out of the horses coats! I would bribe one of my horses with a carrot in my back pocket that he could see! When I got done using the vacuum on him… he got the prize!

[@junipersue]

Yes!! We teach all of our horses to be leaf blown. Almost as good as a bath! 😎

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Nice 👍

[@imhorsenaround]

You could use a hair dryer to blow also which wouldn’t be so awkward and heavy and not so loud and shrill

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

True

[@lindacsmith13]

He had a bit of the Fabio look with his mane!

[@Engleulv]

I juse a dogblower for my icelandic pony 😊👌 it's a brilliant tool

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Cool

[@chrisusher7144]

I use it all the time like the hose start at there feet and stop turning it off . They love to get there bangs blown back.I dry then I blow the hair off and I blow the stall to one side too.

[@Ileauxchiens]

Cool👍 I have a white percheron can you imagine the time I will gain and no more tendonitis, YES SIR!

[@ratherbwithhorses]

Not the season, but future forks(clean of course) are the best shedders .

[@debjordan4399]

Have you tried the roto brush that fits in a drill? Horses love it.

[@aftonwhetsel375]

Ryan, Milwaukee makes an 18v. handheld blower that’s small and has 3 speed settings on it. I’m betting that would be more comfortable for you to hold for longer periods of time especially if you have a lot of horses to groom this way. Looks pretty fun actually lol!!

[@gingercox6468]

In a way he is reacting to the air pushing him, like pressure it seems to tell the horse to move away.

[@lanischagreywolf6452]

I worked at a farm that had a vacuum and that was a game changer because it was a muddy place and I swear that was such a time changer.

[@anna9072]

I know quite a few alpaca owners who use leaf blowers to clean the fleeces before shearing.

[@ratherbwithhorses]

Brushes tho, are really good for circulation and skin.

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

👍

[@HobbitHomes263]

LIke that time you got bucked off when you were just walking down a country lane and your neighbor comes charging down the drive on a lawn tractor....

[@bayleydonahue745]

I think I like that better than the vacuum, not as much static zapping their skin.

[@debbieadcock7328]

That is hilarious. I’ve got to try this one.

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

😀💯

[@janetcurry7931]

I use the small can of air to help get them comfortable.

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Good place to start 👍

[@leeevers8976]

Good idea, thanks for sharing

[@victoriadelaney5169]

A hair dryer could also be a starter to train with.

[@onewaves7971]

I guess it would dry the horse as well? My horse lives out and my heart sinks when I bring him in for riding after he has just rolled in wet mud😱

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

I feel your pain!

[@caroldonnelly8325]

LOL LOL oh no!!! That would make me crazy!!!

[@onewaves7971]

So, I bought a leaf blower and followed Ryan’s steps for introducing it to my horse. On the 2nd day I was able to groom him and get a great shine. It’ll be good to use before clipping as well and the blades should last longer between sharpenings. Brilliant idea, thanks for sharing.

[@kidstuff44555]

That looks fun, and tbh it seems as if once a horse is accustomed to it, he might even enjoy the sensation. Like an air massage :)

[@junipersue]

All of ours seem to really love it.

[@krismarsiglia9095]

Shop vac with the hose switched to blow does well too.

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Good idea

[@leeevers8976]

Good idea, thanks for sharing

[@leopoldovita487]

When.will you be Citra and how much is it im a city boy and don't know much about horses and would love to learn im 45 just moved to Ocala last December. I've lived in Miami all my life but love to know all i can about horses

[@lisamassaro205]

I think - your horse won't have an issue with the leaf blower - but my horse - well I'll work on that!

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

😀👍

[@debbienixon4460]

Absolutely will work

[@chanceremmy1629]

Provided the horse tolerates the blower, i bet you make one heck of a dusty cloud in that arena. XD

[@atsavvy6.0]

Gonna have to try this one .

[@emilylyons3352]

I use a gas powered one, very loud and my horses will tolerate just about anything after getting over that

[@Kelly19217]

Some people use vacuum cleaners to get the dust off.

[@talonhatch9342]

Love it. Will be using the blower!!!!

[@nadjadebruin6227]

A friend of mine cleans his Friesians with a leaf blower, they don't care at all, haha, bizarre!

[@kblank9393]

Holy Cow....I'm guessing my horse would run for the hills...

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

That what I thought!

[@childcrone]

hee, you for sure want a cordless one for this. And is that icicles I'm seeing under the lights above? 9:26

[@kristinel6352]

An angles rabbit blower or dog grooming blower would work even better, be much quieter and easier to maneuver

[@dragonrider712]

There are plenty of horses who would be scared shitless.

[@leeevers8976]

Where can we find information on this class?

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

If your on Facebook there’s an event called train the trainers or send an email to [e-mail]

[@marykeeven5153]

What part of Florida are you going to? Doing any clinics?

[@DutchIsraeli]

I think the horse will jump 6 feet in the air! Mine would 😄

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

😂 some might

[@HobbitHomes263]

SOmetimes I wonder. Like many dogs, mine LOVES sticking his head out the window as we go along. The first time I fired up a leaf blower around him, he took off running. I went about my work and eventually came back when he realized it wasnt the DOg Eating Demon from Jupiter. NOW, when ever I fire it up he becomes a pin in the ass because he'l stand right in front of me as I try to work with his nose 12 inches from the nozzel. gums and ears flapping. Might be because he likes the FEEL of going fast without having to actually run?? lol...

[@gingercox6468]

I was in a stable that had a horse vacuum. My horse got to watch other horses get vacuumed and was already accustomed to the noise. A vacuum doesn’t push air so it’s different

[@cadencefarm7005]

And there is less dust transferred to you, than with conventional currying.

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

You bet

[@davidschmidt449]

The leaf blowers don’t have enough velocity to do much cleaning. That’s my prediction.

[@gapcreekonline948]

Lol good work :)

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Thanks 😊

[@7thMack]

I would jump off a cliff if I couldn’t rely on a vacuum with my horse. I’d love to use a leaf blower, but it’s a little tricky getting access to electrical outside, and doing it indoors, not an option.

[@imagineifyouwereaworm]

Most leaf blowers don’t have cords

[@0FlowerPop0]

this is what i think about at 10pm.. lol this wasn’t recommended… im just curious

[@rachealsingell3857]

Leaf blower wins! Hands down!

[@chrisusher7144]

Come on in the stall they'll wackvup to it no problem over the door then tack them out and start at the feet like withe the hose I was ten dry with the lelf vlower

[@karenpruett23]

Well that's nice but you better make sure your horse is use to it My horse at a barn of halter horses they were use to the Vacuum my horse not so much She reared straight up lost her footing on her back feet her feet lost grip she fell over backwards and was on her back stuck because of the cross ties True story

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Definitely

[@carolmillage3861]

Don’t tie the horse. Do it like he did and hold the lead.

[@robbymcintosh9069]

I use a blower in my barn to clean the breeze way and take every opportunity to let my "kids" see it and blow air on them. They aren't really bothered by it but, be careful...God's peace to all

[@soincredible5640]

I wonder if someone will comment Hello or Hi🤞🤞🤞

[@samgould9930]

Just use a damp towel & scrub all over in circles it picks up all the dust

[@sarahqueen5506]

I blow mine with the backpack blower and he plays Fabio!

[@krisarmitage2872]

I have used a blow dryer

[@sandrahyder6053]

I use a leave blower. Love it!

[@magdielperez2219]

What part of Florida ?

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Citra, just northeast of Ocala.

[@sherryplaney108]

Funny to see you try this as just last week i was blowing leaves and thought it would be a great thing to help my horse not to be afraid of. was just going to try it myself! Thanks Ryan!

[@jameystone2650]

A horse barn I visited once used a vacuum on the horses -- that would at least suck air rather than blow on them. Personally, I would just put up with some dirt rather than put my horses through that.

[@chrisusher7144]

I wash my horses and blow dry them all the time right in the face they love if

[@HobbitHomes263]

Anbother left handed horse...lol

[@chrisusher7144]

Your crazy act like it's the hose feet first then face you can wash get warm water and blow them dry I ever brush

[@pon1952leod]

There is presently a class action suit being launched against leaf blower companies because of insanely high toxic emissions.

[@carolmillage3861]

Electric?? I don’t think so.

[@05hdmike]

I like how you changed the sound of the video, so no one could hear you giving commands to move the horse...lol so fake....lol