Patty's First Bath!

One of the things the riders love to do is give the horses a bath -- and they sure can use it. They get really dusty in the ring and often like to roll in the hay and dirt. Vixen, our mare who just foaled, and her filly, Patriot (Patty) have been looking particularly grungy. They are still kept separate from the herd (unless the gate isn't secure!) in a 'dry paddock' -- meaning, it is all dirt. There are lots of different reasons to keep a horse in a dry paddock. Patty is predominantly white, so keeping her looking nice is going to be a constant chore! Yesterday, Junie, Annie and Elizabeth worked with Krissy and Chuck to give both mom and baby a bath. It has to be at least 55 degrees outside to bathe a horse. Also, you use diluted shampoo. Krissy took pictures that I hope to post soon. Vixen loved it. Patty is getting used to it. It is important to handle her often now so that she gets used to people. It is a critical part of her 'training' -- even though she is only a few weeks old.