The old-fashioned art of singeing...

[CastleMouse]

A bit scary...!

[ QUOTE ]
Brian Higham at the Badminton Estate Stables, with Fiona Price presenting. Brian demonstrates the dying art of singeing with a hand engraved tool. Though there was a sharp intake of breath from the crew when he lit the wick, the horse enjoyed the sensation of warmth from the flame as Brian combed the instrument smartly across his body. Any cat hairs were removed, leaving a sleek and tidy coat. Fascinating video filmed in a wonderful setting. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.horsehero.com/1295/stable-management/1755

 

[somethingorother]

how bizarre :s can see the reason it's not used much anymore to be honest lol, give me a pair of clippers over that any day! I'm sure there were some nasty accidents with those. horse doesn't look anymore fussed than with clippers though i have to say.

Thanks for sharing- very interesting

 

[lilym]

have singed my welshies many a time!!

 

[somethingorother]

honestly? :/ like that? Thats great! what do people say?

Or am i being a numpty?

Damn, now i sound like one either way...

 

[Booosh]

The now very elderly chap that I used to help break ponies/horses many years ago always singed the horses cat hairs and did their faces/chins with a candle! Never had an upset or worried horse and made a perfect job.

 

[svincent]

That is excellent, I'm impressed! My grandfather had horses between the wars and he used to come out with the most bizarre stuff.

He once told me that if you wanted to harden off a horse's skin, then use your own water. I looked at him funny as I didnt know what he meant, then it dawned on me - urine! To date, there has never been such an occasion to test that little theory.

 

[mat]

We recently had a groom from Holland, and he said it was still very common practise over there to singe the horses hair instead of shaving it.

 

[Ezme]

It must be great for shires seeing as cat hair are part of the breed description! Maggie gets covered with them poll to hoof!

 

[Maesfen]

We always did it, horses didn't mind a bit and I'd still use it to tidy up if necessary but as I don't have anything clipped just now, they're safe!