Best process for removing caked-on mud

[in_the_zone]

Professional rider and semi-professional groom...

Hose off the legs.

Use one of these plastic curries in one hand, and a medium brush in the other.
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product...&ids=750280755

Spray some showsheen or vetrolin onto a brush and go over the body. Spray some on the legs too. Clip any grossly long hair so the mud doesn't cake on. Blankets and sheets.

[VarsityHero4]

Originally Posted by mvp

But the horse is SKINNY so he won't like metal and/or rubber curry combs!

Cactus cloth.

If he can't handle even a rubber curry mitt (with the tiny nubbies) I think you're going to have a rough winter. Unless he doesn't actually get that muddy I find that the cactus cloth doesn't give the deep clean on a winter coat like the curries. My skinny minnie gets CAKED to the point where the shedding blade has a hard time. I just take my time and have figured out a way that doesn't bother her. If it's that big of an issue I'd just put a sheet on him.

[LauraKY]

Originally Posted by Laurierace

Yep, this was going to be my recommendation as well. The only bad thing about it as opposed to the shedding blade is you are holding it right in your hand instead of holding the handle so much of the dust and dirt goes onto you. That has always been my unofficial method of horse cleaning anyway, I take the dirt off them, put it on me and we are finished so no big deal.

And then into the house! At least in my house!

[Halcyon Days]

I have rheumatoid arthritis, no way can I deal with scrubbing on a crusty horse, mine are all wearing turnout sheets--hose off the legs, whip the sheet off, voila, you're ready to ride!

[carp]

Showsheen on the mane and tail before the horse gets muddy so that the dirt slides out when you comb them.
Cactus cloth on the legs.
Vacuum the rest.

[eventingismylife]

Originally Posted by CB/TB

I've found that getting dry mud off is easier than trying to scrape away at the wet stuff. Curry comb, shed blade, etc then stiff brush seems to work best for me, even with a winter fur coat!

Yep, always does the trick.