The importance of sticking to a grooming schedule
I stopped by the stable the other day and Betsy, my stable manager, was in the middle of grooming Martyn. I was amazed by how much he was shedding. Betsy explained that the Friesians develop a full and thick winter coat that begins to shed in springtime. She tries to groom each horse every day because of the volume of hair falling off. It's really important to keep up with this grooming schedule to prevent hair from accumulating. If not removed and the horse gets wet outside, a condition called rain rot could develop, where the skin becomes irritated by an accumulation of dirt found on that loose hair. That hair eventually falls off along with dead skin, causing a mangy look. Betsy says that shedding on a large scale will also occur as fall moves into winter.
I used to take care of a Friesian and that was a big problem with the rain rot...one of the things a friend back home in Germany told me to do for the fetlocks(used it on other areas also), was to rub petrolium jelly or milk balm into the fetlock area(skin) it was messy looking but it really helped...what a beautiful photo of Martyn in his halter..great highlight of his face and eye.
Posted by: delia | April 16th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Hi Martha,
Love your Fresians & everything else about Bedford! How many hands are you horses? Also, what breeder did you obtain Francesca and Sharkey from?
Posted by: Lorna | April 16th, 2009 at 10:37 am
The pictures of Martyn are beautiful. It is a dream of mine to own a foal and raise it so I could have horses of my own. Alas, that is a dream that will never come true. I sit in a city.
Linda
Phila., PA
Posted by: Linda | April 16th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Martyn is just beautiful.I love all animals, dogs, cats, birds, wild animals and horses but I have always been intimidated by the horses, I guess because of their size alone. I would love to ride on a horse such as Martyn for hours in the woods, that has always been a dream of mine, to get on the horse and go, without fear.
I don't think in this life, however. I will stand back and just admire them.
I have never heard that term,"soft eye" before but it certainly makes sense now.
Have a great day.
Susie
Posted by: Susie | April 16th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Martha, when I first saw the name of the blog, I thought you were going to tell us about your personal grooming - now that would be interesting! I love Betsey, she always looks so calm.
Pru
Posted by: Pru | April 16th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Yes! isn't Martyn such a beautiful horse and so well taken care of...he is the picture of good care and grooming!
Posted by: Sherey | April 16th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Hi Lorna - Thanks for your comment. My Friesians measure between 16 and 16.2 hands. My Frenchies came from Justus Dogs. http://www.justusdogs.com
Posted by: Martha Stewart | April 16th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Look at this beautiful boy, would you?!! And those beautiful jaunty ears! I can tell that this feels good to Martyn! Awww. He's a dear boy! Even tho' he's a horsie, the loose hair on his back looks just like my cats' this time of the year. Their shedding will continue into the summer months at my house. Yeah, maybe you MIGHT consider stuffing a mattress, Martha! [giggle] I wonder if the birds would use this type of fur to line their nests(?)...
My dear Edgar =^..^= is the type of cat that you could twist into a figure-eight (tolerating anything) - he loves his daily grooming time and responds with great pleasure. His little sister Mandy =^..^= is beginning to 'come into her own', in that she is juuust beginning to settle down and be 'still' and tolerate some combing every now and then. She's 10 now but is STILL in everything (meaning mischief!) [giggle] I usually know where to draw the line when touching her and always follow up with manymany 'good girls!'. I kid you not - treats have worked wonders with my little head-strong spotted girl (she's calico). Our communication and understanding one another has become so enhanced and improved, thanks to treats! She's a beautiful little girl, too, just like Martyn, and just like Edgar (except they're boys, of course.) [grin]
(Here I go again, but) I want to hug Martyn and Edgar and Mandy this very minute - right here and now (but can't)! [whine]
=^..^=
mrrrow/naaay
"Life begins the day you start a garden."--Chinese Proverb
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | April 16th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Hi Martha,
All of your horses are so beautiful and both you and Betsy take such great care of them. I think my favorite picture of your Friesians was the one in the August '05 issue of Vanity Fair magazine. They looked so beautiful running in the paddock. Do you still keep them out of the sun to prevent them from turning too red? Just curious. Trish
Posted by: Trish | April 16th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Any well trained horse will tolerate a ladder/step stool next to it. My Hanoverian is 17h and that is the only way I can groom his top side!
Also, he is black bay and I use Black as Knight to keep him from bleach out from the sun and he stays as black as can be. Show ready!
I had a TB mare who was chestnut. Could NOT keep her from getting rainrot each spring! It was horrible. Even keeping her inside on rainy days did not seem to help.
Posted by: Raediva | April 16th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Martha,
Have you thought about spinning the hair? Anything is spinnable into yarn! (I know someone who spinned Chow hair into yarn!)
Posted by: Raediva | April 16th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Martha, Martyn is beautiful! I love all
animals and have only ridden a horse a couple
of times in my life and thoroughly enjoyed it
even though I was a bit "sore" afterwords.
Thank you for sharing your lovely animals with
us.
Posted by: Janis | April 16th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
I didn't know horse shed in such an abundance. I'm sure he looks very handsome now, & must feel better. He is so beautiful!
Posted by: Sherry | April 16th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Martyn is very beautiful!
I have seen that tool b/4
and wondered what it was.
LOL! About stuffing a mattress.
Don't know if you entered that giveaway
for three original paintings and a locket
or not at Tollipops. She has over 500 people who have. It ends Friday at her bedtime.
She had mentioned on her blog that she would know if you entered because there were only lemon zest questions she could ask that you would only know the answer to. LOL!
God Bless You and Yours and Your
Creative Life and Business!!!
Posted by: Flassie | April 16th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Hi Martha, What beautiful photos of Betsy and Martyn! Betsy sure does a great job of caring for your gorgeous horses and you can tell by his calm nature that he trusts her completely. All of your farm workers are absolutely the best! Where did you find such great people to fill those important jobs? Even when someone like Jodi leaves, you always find a perfect fit. Thanks again for sharing. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | April 16th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Soft eye? That horse loves you dearly.
Posted by: Penny | April 17th, 2009 at 1:40 am
Wow, what a beautiful horse Martyn is. I have always been such a fan of horses so it's wonderful to see such lovely photos of an amazing and well cared for animal.
Jodie
x
Posted by: Jodie from the team at cherrymenlove.com | April 17th, 2009 at 3:49 am
My goodness, what a beautifully stunning animal. He is just the most gorgeous gentleman I've ever seen. That is how all horses should look and it only comes with wonderful care and lots of love. Your horses are spoiled and they love it. My favourite blog posts from you are about your horses. Hope to see many more.
Regards
Robyn Kadis
Egypt
Posted by: Robyn Kadis | April 17th, 2009 at 4:47 am
Hi Martha!
How I LOVE Martyn's 'soft eye'. All your animals are so content and cared for. You've got quite the 'soft eye' yourself...and I betcha Betsy's got one too!
Don't you just love the smell of Absorbine Jr. in the stables? Do you use it on the horses? Years ago Johnny Carson told a joke (I think) about Joe Namath's bad knees...'he had to use Absorbine SENIOR!'.
I miss having horses...can you tell?
...and the smell of Hoof-Flex and warm bran and horse shh
Have a nice signing in LA!
Posted by: tinay | April 17th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Rainrot is a bacteria that looks like deep dandruff flakes and loves dampness. There are lots of old remedies, but now there is an easier non-toxic, effective and preventative solution.
I took care of a horse at the Pan Am Games in the Dominican Republic that had come from Barbados. He was grey (technical term for white) with black skin. He arrived with a 6" wide patch of rainrot over his tail. They were the deepest flakes I had ever seen. I imagined him showing with a big black circle over his tail where the hair and skin had flaked off. The horror!
Instead, I got rid of it in one day with Lucky Braids Shampoo, just named Product of the Year by Horse Journal, the Consumer Reports of the equine industry. Developed by a world-class horse groom and braider with a naturopathic veterinarian, it solves a host of issues from every direction.
Lucky Braids Shampoo eliminates and prevents rainrot by killing the bacteria with tea tree oil, natures best antiseptic, though it is a compound and can vary. Lucky Braids uses only medical-grade, the highest quality. This shampoo does not strip natural protective oils by using sodium chloride (salt) to make the lather like other shampoos. Instead, it is saturated with aloe vera and generous amounts of vitamin E. Perfectly pH balanced for horses, it leaves no dust-collecting film and rinses instantly to: conserve water, preserve hoof quality and not leave soap which would promote irritation.
To me, the best news of this shampoo is that you can get the fullest and easiest to maintain manes and tails, WITHOUT using toxic and expensive detanglers which make hair brittle to break. Just shampoo with Lucky Braids and comb the long hair when wet. I like to twist the hair first to best protect the roots. Always start by holding the bottom and work your way up, combing below your grip. Organize the hair with a big comb to the roots. When it dries, the hair will be fluffy, strong, and easiest to maintain. They won't itch, either! Great stuff.
For more grooming tips, visit: http:www.luckybraids.com
Enjoy all! Shine on!
Ciao
Ruthann
Posted by: Ruthann | April 17th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Thanks Ruthann,
Good comment, important info. Can never get enough info about these difficult problems.
Thanks!
Posted by: Sally | April 17th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Dear Martha,
I looked at your very good new Martha Stewart website for pets, but it seems to include just cats and dogs. How about a website for horses? Just hoping, as your horse blogs always generate a lot of worthy discussion.
Thank you,
Sally
Posted by: Sally | April 17th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Martyn, is beautiful, how lucky for him to have you. I look forward to all of your posts.
Posted by: Susan | April 18th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Gorgeous!I am an artist and have painted Frisians. After four years of trauma, am trying to put my life back together, and the dream of one day being able to have a home again, and possibly a horse or two, helps spur (sorry, I can't help myself)me on!
Still rising from the ashes, for this moment, for this hour, for this day,...all is well.
Warmest wishes,
Susan
Posted by: Susan Moore | April 19th, 2009 at 7:17 am
Hi, Just as a side note, the 'shedding blade' is actually designed to be opened up and used with both hands to be most effective. The way it is shown used on Martyn is the way it used to hang up when not in use. This particular grooming tool is very useful and can pull lots of hair that is ready to come off in a very comfortable manner.
Just thought I'd pass it along, I love this website and always learn from it!! KE
Posted by: Kitty Eckert | April 27th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Hi Martha, I love looking at pictures of your horses and barn. I have a grooming tip for you and Betsy: VINEGAR
Rinse the horses with a cup of vinegar (white or apple cidar) in a bucket of water after washing/grooming daily (or several times per week). The vinegar rinse is gentle and helps wash away the dirt and grime, controls the pH to deter rain rot, and also leaves coat shiny and soft. They will smell like a pickle until dry, but once dry will look and feel great.
Also, you can use a large furminator to help with the shedding (just like on the doggies).
Looking forward to more pictures of the farm and stable.
Best, Susan
Posted by: Susan | May 9th, 2009 at 1:04 am
There is a mash used in the early spring. It is a mixture of bran and wheatgerm oil. I used it a long time ago, maybe they have something better now. But it worked, it will make your horses shed out their winter coats. They will shine like nothing you have ever seen.
I used to use a little wheatgerm oil in their grain all year. Check it out and see if it works for you. ~D~
Posted by: drucilla janssen | July 16th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Has Martha ever seen a Fold-A-Cart?
I was reviewing your site and noticed Martha Stewart is interested in both horses and gardening. We manufacture several different models of the Fold-A-Cart, Multi-Purpose Carts used by gardeners, Equestrians, boaters and general home use. Also, has your stable manager Besty seen the Fold-A-Cart used by many horse owners to muck out the stalls and carry tack?
Please let us know if you would like a Fold-A-Cart to try...
Posted by: Richard Shier, Managing Partner | August 20th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
I read somewhere that Martyn had a hock issue. I just had my Friesian iv'd with Tildren. Can you tell me what you are doing?
Posted by: cindy | August 26th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Martha, your horses are just lovely! It is so nice to see you enjoying time with them as well as all of your animals. Please continue to share photos of your "babies" on your site and show off your riding skills girl!
Posted by: Susan S. | October 23rd, 2009 at 11:07 pm