Question # 7,469,850 about washing the gray/white horse

[Ambrey]

I know these threads come up now and then, and I follow them religiously, but of course still have questions- and as we're coming up on our first show in 2 months (small, schooling, but "in public" nonetheless) I desire further clarification ;)


What is the most hardcore whitener out there for stained tails? Is there something stronger than QuikSilver? I had an arab lady suggest dipping the end in diluted bleach once, but that thought doesn't really thrill me.

And is there a spot cleaner that DOESN'T leave a sticky/soapy residue? I've used Cowboy Magic Green Spot Remover and really don't like it or think it works. My horse is a pig and I won't be able to cover his whole body the night before the show.

[tkhawk]

I don't know which one is the strongest, but I used the Cowboy Magic - shine in yellowout thing. It worked ok for my grey mare.
Good luck on your show!

[SMF11]

Ambrey, this is probably the 8 millionth time this has come up, but thank you for asking because I REALLY want to know the answer to #1 too! :D

[bort84]

Bleach didn't work at ALL when I tried it, and I've heard others say the same thing = ) If anything, I think it can turn a tail a bit yellow, and it certainly dries it out. I tried it once when I was younger and didn't notice anything except a stinky stinky tail... Haha.

I started a thread on this topic awhile back, and listed all of the interesting things people have tried.

One plan that sounds interesting to me (and one that I plan to try out veeery soon on my now yellow leopard appy): 1. wash with Orvus (or some seem to really like dishsoap like Ivory) to start with a nice clean tail 2. make a paste with the shampoo and baking soda 3. rinse with vinegar 4. repeat as necessary 5. condition - all of this washing can make for a very dry tail

I've heard a lot of people use dilute vinegar for rinsing.

Also, as a last ditch effort, try the bluing shampoo and rinse for people. It seems to be stronger (and cheaper) than the horse stuff. The most recommended I've found on here was the Clairol Shimmer Lights (shampoo) and the Ultra White Minx rinse by Roux Fanci-Full. They are both super cheap, and I really want to try them out.

Perhaps I will bump up my old thread now that it's actually spring cleaning time = ) I always love to hear about fun grooming techniques.

As far as spot cleaners, I have no idea. I usually just put a lot of show sheen on areas likely to be affected, then dirt doesn't stick as much.

[hitchinmygetalong]

Some good tips here (http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/archive/index.php/t-174919.html) - I'm especially intrigued by the addition of Oxyclean to the tail bath.

I think the very best thing to do is start a serious grooming schedule today. Right now. Roll up your sleeves and get the curry and brush out and put some muscle into it. Not only will it improve your horse's coat and skin condition, it will improve your muscle tone. Think of all the calories you are burning! The horse will appreciate your efforts!

[findeight]

Oxyclean mixed with Orvus, Ivory or Dawn. Make a paste. Let sit for 10 minutes or so. Rinse and condition.

That is the best I have used in 45 years with alot of white on my horses. Cheap and rinses well in cold water.

But it won't get everything and does dry a little, hence you need to condition (Mane and Tail is good but I prefer to rinse it out and not leave it in as the directions say). The trick is to routinely wash that tail so it does not get stained in the first place. Once a week, every week. Just use a good cleansing soap that rinses well-and that's why I do like the Orvus and dish soap. No residue either. Lay off the Oxyclean unless you really need to boost. Condition as needed, do not get carried away.

And be careful. Some greys are born chesnut or bay and they have more red in their tails that looks yellow. It may not be stained at all, just has a bit of red in it.

I remain unconvinced Cowboy Magic or any of the other spot removers are any better then plain old alcohol, something most contain right on top of the ingredient list. No residue either.

Not every stain is going to come completely out and if they sleep on the same side every night? As they age, there is going to be a spot there. Also remember that when they are wet, the stain will look a little more prominent then it does when they are dry- that's because sometimes the skin itself gets stained and when the hair dries and stands back up, you don't see it so much.

[Ambrey]

He so far hasn't stained on his body that won't come out with regular shampoo or, on a bad "poop pillow" day, a dab of quicksilver. I got some great whitening shampoo at Equine Affaire that sparkles him up right nice, but the tail...

I don't think he was chestnut- maybe dark bay, but his legs and mane are mostly black. His tail is half and half and would look stunning if I could get it really white.

I went to 3 stores today looking for the blueing shampoo I remember seeing but can't remember where. I did get some cheap shampoo someone recommended (suave) to really clean the tail. I was thinking of using oxy clean (a.k.a. powdered peroxide!), but hadn't read the thread that discussed it (how I missed it I will never know!).

I'll start being better about weekly washes now, so hopefully I can get it whiter by June!

p.s. Here's a "before" picture, I'll post an "after" and we'll see how white I can get it!

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x182/estarianne/mar27%20lesson/4fd458d0-1.jpg

[joharavhf]

I know these threads come up now and then, and I follow them religiously, but of course still have questions- and as we're coming up on our first show in 2 months (small, schooling, but "in public" nonetheless) I desire further clarification ;)


What is the most hardcore whitener out there for stained tails? Is there something stronger than QuikSilver? I had an arab lady suggest dipping the end in diluted bleach once, but that thought doesn't really thrill me.


My FAVORITE whitener is WOW! Whitener. You spray it on and leave it for a few days before the event/show. I usually first wash the tail. Then braid the tail. Then spray on the whitener and stick the tail in a bag. I then continue to spray the braided tail 2x a day (or more). This removes the organic build-up on the tail which is what the actual staining is! After looking at your picture, I am almost 100% certain the yellow that you have in that tail will be taken care of by the product! http://www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?productclassid=281&cmPreserveSource=true&cmPreserveCategory=true


And is there a spot cleaner that DOESN'T leave a sticky/soapy residue? I've used Cowboy Magic Green Spot Remover and really don't like it or think it works. My horse is a pig and I won't be able to cover his whole body the night before the show.


I like the one by Vetrolin. Green Spot out! http://www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?productclassid=3498&cmPreserveSource=true&cmPreserveCategory=true

[Char]

I was told that laundry bluing works wonders at getting out yellow stains. BUT MAKE SURE YOU DILUTE IT WITH WATER BEFORE APPLYING!!!!

Go ahead. Ask me how I know. :uhoh:

[purplnurpl]

absorbine show clean.
amazing shampoo.

often water and a towel works just as well as green spot remover. but I also use the one from cowboy magic. I have never found it soapy or sticky.

also for legs--there is white spray paint for horses out there.

[ASBnTX]

I second the WOW whitener! I'll soak his tail in a bucket of water and bluing shampoo for 5 mins, rinse, soak with the WOW, then work in a good detangler to keep sticks and debris out. I'll repeat with the WOW and detangler once a week or so. Sparkling white after that routine!

[Dazednconfused]

I know these threads come up now and then, and I follow them religiously, but of course still have questions- and as we're coming up on our first show in 2 months (small, schooling, but "in public" nonetheless) I desire further clarification ;)


What is the most hardcore whitener out there for stained tails? Is there something stronger than QuikSilver? I had an arab lady suggest dipping the end in diluted bleach once, but that thought doesn't really thrill me.

And is there a spot cleaner that DOESN'T leave a sticky/soapy residue? I've used Cowboy Magic Green Spot Remover and really don't like it or think it works. My horse is a pig and I won't be able to cover his whole body the night before the show.



1) I like Shimmer Lights shampoo. The best way to get rid of stains is to make sure they never have time to set - deciding to get rid of the yellow the day before the horse show? Mmm. Not so much. You can try...but if you just work hard to get rid of them every time you see them, it's much easier.

2) Alcohol

[bort84]

Ooh, this WOW stuff sounds lovely! Especially for those mid-winter blahs when you just want your horse to look nice for a clinic or something without a half hour bath/soak session...

I'm such a sucker for these types of things. Now I'm going to have to buy some. I also need to get some of that Pink stuff everyone's talking about on here.

I'm way too OCD about grooming to own a white horse that lives outside 24/7... oh, and he hates to be clipped too = ) So I'm the proud OCD owner of a yellow, furry leopard appy... Hahaha! It was fate, I guess.

[lauriep]

I always use Mrs. Stewart's Laundry Blueing in the finish rinse on grays and white markings. It is great. Never use bleach as it is too harsh and turns the hair yellow rather than white.

To get the blueing dark enough but not too dark, use a white bucket. Fill it about 1/2 full (enough water to dunk a tail). Then squeeze the blueing in, swirling the water with your hand, until it is navy blue in color. This will take a couple of really good squeezes. Hold the bucket up and dunk the tail. Swirl the tail around and leave it in for a minute or two. That is usually enough. There may be a blue tinge to the hair, but that will go away as the tail dries. Sponge the socks with what is left. DO NOT RINSE. Let the hair dry with the blueing solution in it.

For spot cleaning, I like Lucky Braids Whitener.

[Addison]

Gold Nugget made a shampoo called Super Whitening Berry Shampoo. I think they just sold the product but I ordered some from Smartpak and although it comes with a different label it is the same stuff. It has a very distinct berry smell and works better than anything else I have tried.

You will need to wash the tail several times a week until it is white and then keep it clean by using Show Sheen, Vetrolin Shine or some other product to help repel the stains.

[ponygrl25]

1.~~ I use the baking soda trick and it works great. In fact I think I posted something about it before:confused:.... Anyway, I've also used hydrogen peroxide, poured straight out of the bottle. I let it sit for a few seconds and rinse then shampoo. you may need to repeat the peroxide, but don't let it sit too long. You MUST condition well because it really dries the hair out. I wouldn't do this like every weekend, but once in a while it's o.k..
2.~~ Baby wipes are pretty good and you can't go wrong with the good old soap and bucket approach. I'll have to try the alcohol. Happy Whitening:D

[pony4me]

I just wash the tail with Quicksilver once or twice a week even when I'm not showing. Keeps the tail white, and cleaning up for shows is easy.

[Ambrey]

Thanks for those who warned me to start well in advance. The sad thing is that I do wash his tail in quicksilver at least every 2 weeks, he is just that much of a piggy boy. I do have a tail bag so if I can get it very white the day before the show I can keep it out of the poop.

[spaghetti legs]

Baking soda and vinegar

[mypaintwattie]

I use Orvus about once a week, and quicksilver the day before a show. Tail is kept braided and in a bag all the time. After a pre-show bath on goes a slinky, cotton sheet, and fly boots. It's alot of work, but it keeps my horse clean!

Cowboy Magic Green Spot remover works well so long as you don't put too much on, otherwise you end up with suds! My goal, especially before a show, is to prevent the stains as much as possible, hence the full body cover!

[pony4me]

And if all else fails, there always the "full care" option for horse shows. Expensive, but worth every cent. I love our show grooms!

[Foxtrot's]

I do this: Wash tail, rinse, soak with Shout, leave ten minutes, rinse, wash again, rinse.
Shout has enzymes that 'eat' grass stains and I figure that is what manure it. My horse has a white tail that has received compliments but I keep it up and she is not out in a muddy field 24/7 etc.

[Ambrey]

OK, thought I'd share the outcome.

I worked on it, washing it once a week with Suave and QuikSilver (except for the 3 weeks when my family had the plague... uh, flu, lost ground there). I also got the WOW whitener. I did not see the WOW having much of an effect, but once a week regular washing with QuikSilver definitely helped, more so because I was double-washing it with regular Suave first (suggestions I got here). I also got a tail bag, which he promptly shed (note to self- next show, ask mypaintwattie for help putting the sucker on).

So here is the result! I might try the orvus or oxy-clean next time, but his tail is so long and pretty I really don't want to risk breakage.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x182/estarianne/1c2e595a.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x182/estarianne/5b955218.jpg

[msfarab]

OK, I will let the trick out of the bag.
Look at DOLLAR STORE in laundry section for

M30 = $1 ea

works like a charm, on spots, just swipe it on stains and spots and wait, walk away for 20 minutes and come back with a tack cleaning sponge, the little ones and a small warm water bucket. Rinse out the sponge so it is just damp and swipe over the area where the stain is, and VOILA! no stain and a clean horse.

For Paints, white socks, & grey horses who sleep the night before in their poop just BECAUSE.... the day of the show, makes for easy clean up.

You can put some in the tail and leave it too, especially the ends if the tail is long.
Let me know when you find it, and the rest of you guys try it out!
msfarab-Lesley

[foursocks]

I love these threads- my grey is a pig. The two things that have helped the most for me are being consistent with my scrubbing week to week and soaking his tail (which is a gorgeous pewter color when not yellow-brown) with Cowboy Magic Rosemary conditioner after I've cleaned it. I let the conditioner sit in there for 5 minutes or so and this seems to really help keep the staining to a minimum. There are also yellow-out conditioners you can get from beauty supply stores that I like quite a bit.

You guys like WOW, hunh? I think the Cowboy Magic stuff is the best out of all that I have tried- and I've tried 'em all. The Lucky Braids whitener doesn't work all that well for me, but their shampoo is fabulous.

For really bad stains I've done Oxyclean, I've done Dawn, I've done blueing- what seems to work best is simply scrubbing every several days. Orvus with a hefty blop of Quiksilver in the bucket, and then extra Quiksilver on knees, stifles, butt, and in the tail for a good 10 minutes. He goes from yellow: :) To grey: :yes: