February means mud. And ice, and snow, and freezing rain and 70 degrees days, all of which mean MORE MUD. If you’re like me and have a horse you are working to sell, you need to spend your valuable time training and marketing your sale horse, NOT brushing out MORE MUD!

Here’s a tip to save precious time grooming during mud season. Brush your horse’s tail well, being generous with whatever detangling product you prefer. We love Showsheen spray and gel, and Cowboy Magic. If weather permits, wash and condition the tail. Even if you can just wash the skirt of the tail (the parts hanging below the tailbone) you’ll be ahead of the game.

When your sale horse’s tail is dry, braid the skirt. Secure the braid with a human hair tie. Bag the braid in an inexpensive lycra or nylon tail bag. You can pick up several CHEAP off of Ebay. If you are crafty, you can make your own.

Not only will bagging your sale horse’s (clean) tail save you time and protect his tail from the drying, splitting effects of the mud, but he will look that much cleaner and sharper at a moment’s notice for prospective horse buyers.

Another tip: Even if you don’t need to blanket your sale horse in winter, consider using a sturdy, well-fitting, high denier turnout sheet during springtime mud season. Again, you can often find a good deal on a great sheet on Ebay. Your grooming time will be shortened SIGNIFICANTLY, and your horse’s coat will appear shiny and smooth.

To your Horse Selling Success!