Making socks white...

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welshstar

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...for showing.
I have a section D who has two white socks and I try to make them as white as possible when we show. In the past I have used this show white stuff (in a tub- a bit like a paste) but It is very messy and seems to go everywhere!
I know a lot of people use chalk and I have some talc powder to work with (Am I right in thinking this will make them bright white aswell??) But how do I apply it? Do I put it on a damp sock or one that is dry? How do I put it on?
Many thanks for advice which will hopefully help us on Sunday!!
 
i think (although- dislclaimer- not an expert as can't usually be bothered!) you put it on dry hair- so wash socks as normal and then when you get to the show put your chalk on.
 
What I did with my sect D was give them a good wash with whitening shampoo the night before then while still damp, apply either chalk powder or chalk block (I found chalk block easier). Bandage overnight, next morning take off bandages and brush out. Actually, I used to travel him in the bandages and take them off at the show. Make sure you have a damp cloth to wipe off any dust that has got onto his dark bits just before you go in.
 
I use the supreme products whitening stuff that sounds like the stuff you have used. I have found it much easier to apply with a glove to still damp socks, making sure the paste is fairly thick. Then bandage and not take the bandages off till as late as possible. Like LindsayH says having a damp cloth/duster to take off and residue. I have found it comes of hooves etc really easily with a sponge if you do this as soon as you have bandaged over the top.

I do shampoo with blue shampoo first (either the supreme products one or champion tails).
 
I wash with normal shampoo, and then the white powder I put on when horses legs are still wet - so it becomes a paste. Then bandage up and take off when at the show.

Always use the black hoof paint, as it makes the white stand out more!
 
I find washing with blue fairy liquid. I then mix some of the chalk powder with some water to make a paste and paint it on using a clean hoof oil brush. Then just leave it to dry. Would cover it the horse is messy in stable.
 
Wet the legs, a very small amount of hibiscrub in your hand wash into the wet legs, leave for about 20 mins and rinse thoroughly! I found this approach worked well on a horse I used to loan. Bright white sparkly socks!
 
Be careful adding chalk to feather.... I did once with Star and it attracted every bit of dust and the feather just went flat and grey. Yuk!

I use Soft Soap, used by the Shire people, and a dark purple shampoo. This is left on for 5 minutes. Rinse til squeaky clean then cover them. Before we go in the ring, brush them upwards and apply sparkle spray.
 
I have nothing whatsoever to do with showing as I can't stand it ;) HOWEVER! Having spent a week at camp with two friends who have qualified their ponies for HOYS I have learnt about turn out!!! They wet the leg and scrub it clean and then leave it 'til damp and then chalk. Also you must remember to wash their feet in case the chalk gets on them :P
 
hellspells said:
I use the supreme products whitening stuff that sounds like the stuff you have used. I have found it much easier to apply with a glove to still damp socks, making sure the paste is fairly thick. Then bandage and not take the bandages off till as late as possible.
Click to expand...

That stuff is really good, mix it till it's like yoghurt in thickness and then dab it on with a sponge :)
 
We use a blue shampoo called cowboy magic, works a treat, brings them up super white ;) Then chalk the legs whilst damp and again before entering the ring.
 
When i worked at a showing yard we used to paint them with a certain brand of greenhouse shade. Needed to have a steady hand but certainly got them whiter than white.
 
This is the result with gold label white powder on damp legs, with good quality black paint ;)
a7-2.jpg
 
I have a skewbald with 4 white socks, so I seem to spend my entire time trying to keep them clean ;) I use resplendant white shampoo which you have to leave on for 10 minutes and gets socks really white. If you then towel-dry off excess water, and when the legs are still damp rub in chalk from a chalk block. Then leave the legs to dry, and you get shiny white socks :D
 
Take them to the beach - they're shiney clean after going paddling ;)

On a more sensible note - I have a 3/4 white horse (how did that happen - I've always said I don't want a grey so now I have a coloured. Like that's better :rolleyes: ) so spend much time and effort getting him white.

You need a) whitening shampoo b) whitening powder (most tack shows sell it) and c) white chalk block. Talcum powder isn't really a whitener.

Give the legs a good wash a couple of days before with a whitening shampoo (they're all pretty much the same) then another really good scrub the night before with a whitening shampoo. Towel dry until just damp then cover in chalk powder and bandage up.

Next morning unbandage and brush the legs (and proabably wash the hoovesas well) then rebandage for travelling.

Just before you go in puff some chalk powder onto the legs and chalk block any stubborn bits that refuse to wash out white. Quick brush off with a soft brush to take off the excess then baby wipe the hooves before oiling.

make sure you get changed AFTER you're been messing around with the white powder, unless you have a groom - you get covered in it!

It works:

piperormiston025EDIT.jpg
 
mine lives out so i do all my washing on the day (and dont enter early mornign classes!). he gets his white socks washed with normal shampoo, then blue shampoo, then towel dried until just damp. mix up a paste with the Supreme white powder stuff and paint it on. bandage over the top. get to show, unbandage, brush off excess, fluff a bit more through the feathers and off you go! i normally leave bdanages on whilst warming up so not to mess them up!
 
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