Strapping

[Barklands]

Out of interest, does anyone still strap their horses or are we the only ones and very unfashionable over here

If you do still strap, how often, how long for and do you get good results (aside from the rock solid biceps!)?

 

[Ratface]

Yes, about once a fortnight. Old Horse loves it and leans into the strokes.

 

[Lucky Snowball]

Yes, once a week on horses day off.

 

[rabatsa]

When the pony is doing a lot of work but not otherwise.

 

[Archangel]

Horse is retired now, but when competing once a week. It really made a difference.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

I do once or twice weekly through the winter, good for both of us!

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Good Lord I remember the word "Strapping" from my Pony Club days back in the prehistoric mists of time when dino's walked the earth.

Funny how some of the good old things that were discarded as being "unfashionable" or even "too much work involved" are being brought back.

Good grief we'll be back to feeding warm bran mashes after hunting next................

 

[SpeedyPony]

Yes- not weekly, but 1-2 times a month. I can even make a wisp! Although usually I just use my hands. The horses seem to appreciate it and it certainly helps with keeping their coat shiny.

 

[Equi]

I would strap my old lad and it really helped I think. I’d forgotten about it but I think I might start again.

 

[ozpoz]

I do sometimes-really relaxing and good for muscles. It used to be so normal, now no one else at my yard does it.

 

[CobsaGooden]

I’m think if I started to strap my pony at my yard, the young girls would probably faint then report me!

 

[saalsk]

Yep, weekly, although us a leather pad thingy, like a body brush with no bristles, rather than a hay wisp these days. Good for me, good for them, and they love it. Even just loose in the field, I'll take a carrot and the strapping pudge (just what I call it, I am sure it has a proper name...) and just have a relax thing. If they want to, they stand there and enjoy it. If they don't, they take the carrot and walk off !

 

[thommackintosh]

Yes. To the extent that I was asked by a fellow livery what oils I'd been using to make Harry's coat so shiny. The words, "no oil, just elbow grease," left my mouth before I realised I'd turned into my Dad

 

[Barklands]

Nice to see we’re not the only ones who still strap, thought it might have died a death!

Once had to keep a horse on a livery yard and the other liveries looked at me like I had four eyes when they first saw me strap!

 

[dorsetladette]

I do on my nervous lad. Although I have adapted it to work for him.

I have a leather pad thingy and then use a large microfibre cloth in my other hand. It's a bit of a hybrid between strapping and hot clothing. It works well to get the grease out of his coat as he doesn't like a bath. We have to start of pretty gently and then work up to a firm hand. Once we get going he enjoys it and as he isn't ridden I think it most help. I do this once a month maybe.

 

[humblepie]

When previous horse was at a pro-showing yard, they used to strap the horses there. I do have one of the pad things and did used to though must admit have got out of the habit. Perhaps one to start off gently again.

 

[spotty_pony2]

Not when they are living out as they need the grease to keep them waterproof. I do when my boy is fully clipped and stabled at night though.