Glas Equine Blog
Big Butter Explained: Why Riders Use It
Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference when it comes to how comfortable a horse feels in the bridle. Most riders will have experienced a horse that can be a little fussy with the bit..opening their mouth, feeling tight in the contact, or just not quite settling into it. Often there’s nothing serious going on, but the corners of the mouth can become dry or sensitive, particularly with regular work or in colder weather. This is where bit butter can be really helpful. Because of this, we’ve been working on something new behind the scenes at Glas Equine, and we’re excited to launch our own natural Bit Butter. We wanted to create something simple and effective, made with a small number of natural ingredients that help support comfort around the horse’s mouth. What Bit Butter Does Bit butter is a soft balm that’s applied to the corners of the horse’s mouth before riding. Some riders also like to rub a small amount onto the bit itself. The idea is simple, helping to keep the skin around the mouth soft and comfortable while encouraging horses to accept the bit more willingly. For horses that are a little sensitive, or those that can feel tight in the contact, small things like this can sometimes make a noticeable difference. A Simple, Natural Formula When we were developing our Bit Butter, we wanted to keep the ingredients straightforward and recognisable. Our formula is made with 100% natural ingredients, chosen for their gentle and supportive properties. Shea Butter – A natural moisturiser that helps soften and protect the skin around the lips. Vitamin E Oil – Known for supporting healthy skin and helping keep it supple. Peppermint Oil – A light flavour horses enjoy, which can encourage them to mouth the bit and relax into the contact. Together these ingredients create a smooth balm that melts easily in your fingers and spreads gently when applied. When Bit Butter Can Help Bit butter can be particularly useful for: horses with sensitive mouths young horses that are learning to accept the bit horses prone to dry or cracked lips horses that feel tight or resistant in the contact It’s not something every horse will need, but for many it can be a helpful addition to their routine. How To Use Bit Butter Using bit butter is very simple. Take a small amount with your fingers and gently apply it to the corners of your horse’s mouth, where the bit sits. Some riders also like to apply a small amount directly onto the bit. Because the balm softens slightly with warmth, it spreads easily and only a small amount is needed. A Small Detail That Supports Comfort Comfort plays a big role in how horses respond to the contact and to their work overall. By helping keep the mouth soft and comfortable, bit butter can support horses in relaxing into the bridle and accepting the bit more naturally.
Why We Choose Natural Over Synthetic Supplements for Horses
At Glas Equine, choosing natural ingredients isn’t about avoiding modern approaches, it’s about supporting the horse as a whole. It’s something that came from years of owning, riding, managing and worrying about horses we care deeply about. Like most horse owners, we’ve tried a lot over the years. Some things worked, some didn’t. What we kept coming back to was this: horses tend to respond best when we support the body, rather than trying to override it. That belief is what shaped how we approach nutrition today. Horses Thrive on Consistent, Natural Support Horses evolved grazing, moving, and living outdoors supported by a wide range of plants, fibres and natural compounds. Their systems are sensitive, especially the gut, respiratory tract and skin, and they don’t always cope well with sudden or aggressive inputs. We’ve seen it ourselves: Horses that became unsettled on “strong” products Horses that improved briefly, then plateaued Horses that needed constant intervention rather than steady support That’s where natural ingredients started to make sense for us. Not because they’re weaker, but because they’re gentler and more sustainable long-term. Natural Means Working With the Horse, Not Against Them When we talk about natural support, we don’t mean throwing random herbs together and hoping for the best. We mean: Ingredients that support normal function, not force change Whole plant materials that contain multiple naturally occurring compounds Nutrition that fits into daily management, rather than replacing it Take something like Marshmallow Root. It’s traditionally used because it naturally produces mucilage, a soothing substance that supports irritated tissues. It doesn’t “shut down” a cough. It supports the airways so the horse can settle naturally. That difference matters. Why Whole Ingredients Matter One thing we’ve learned is that horses don’t respond to nutrition in isolation. A single synthetic compound might target one pathway, but nature rarely works that way. Whole ingredients often contain: Supporting compounds that aid absorption Natural balances that reduce irritation Secondary benefits you don’t always expect For example, a plant chosen for respiratory comfort may also support digestion or immune balance, not because it was designed that way, but because that’s how plants evolved. What We’ve Seen in Practice Over time, we’ve noticed a pattern with horses supported naturally: They settle more gradually but more reliably Improvements feel more “normal”, not artificial Management becomes easier, not more complicated Whether it’s a horse that coughs at the start of work, struggles seasonally, or just doesn’t feel quite right, gentle nutritional support often complements good management far better than a heavy-handed fix. “Marshmallow Root has turned our top jumping horse inside out, from a persistent cough we couldn’t get to the bottom of, to being perfectly happy and healthy to compete internationally.” Kinard Stables · Glas Equine Customer Why This Matters to Us Glas Equine is built around the horses we ride, the horses we manage, and the horses we want to keep comfortable and happy for as long as possible. Choosing natural ingredients isn’t about avoiding modern approaches, it’s about supporting the horse as a whole. It’s about being thoughtful, cautious, and realistic about what horses actually need. And if there’s one thing horses constantly teach us, it’s that simple, consistent care usually wins. If you’d like to explore the natural supplements we use and trust in our own horses, you can find them here.👉 Explore our natural supplements
Jack Sparrow’s Journey: Finding Comfort with Glas Equine’s Winter Blend
From the moment Emma McCauley met her gelding, Jack Sparrow, she knew he was something special. Based in Leinster, Emma describes him as the kind of horse that just finds a place in your heart and stays there. “I’ve owned Jack Sparrow for just over six years now, and he’s truly one of a kind. We’ve learned so much together, and the bond we have now is something really special,” Emma says. Over the years, Emma and Jack Sparrow have taken part in all sorts of disciplines. He’s the kind of horse who gives his best no matter what’s asked of him. Their standout moment came at the Royal Trim Show, where they won the Open Working Hunter class and went on to take Reserve Champion. As Emma says, “it made all the hard times worth every minute.” A Sensitive Soul Jack Sparrow has always been on the sensitive side, he’s the kind of horse who feels every change in the weather or his feed. As Emma explains: “He struggles a bit when the weather changes. Dust and pollen set off his allergies, his gut reacts when grass or haylage changes, and he’s prone to mud rash and lymphangitis. He even battled colic before. Thankfully, he pulled through, and Glas Equine really helped rebuild him after that.” A Natural Approach That Works Emma’s always preferred to keep things as natural as possible for her horses and that’s what first drew her to Glas Equine. “I like using products that don’t interfere with the gut biome. What I love about Glas Equine is that everything’s raw, no fillers, no rubbish. Just pure plants. It feels like the kind of thing my horses would forage for if they had the chance.” Jack Sparrow and his field mate Buddy certainly seem to agree and they’re often found nibbling happily at the hedges! Real Results with the Winter Blend Emma admits that Jack’s gut and allergies used to be “completely out of control.” Now, her go-to is Glas Equine’s Winter Blend, which she uses all year round. “I actually took him off Marshmallow Root over the summer once and it was a big mistake! Within a week he had a massive pollen reaction, his face swelled up, and let’s just say there were a lot of baby wipes involved. After a few rounds of antibiotics I put him straight back on Marshmallow and added Liquorice Root and he cleared up overnight.” That moment convinced Emma that natural support really can make the difference. Shine, Condition & Comfort Winter has always been a tricky season for Jack but the combination of Glas Equine supplements has helped him stay in top form. “His coat’s usually my first tell if the shine goes, I know something’s off. Marigold has been brilliant for his skin and helps with the lymphangitis too. He’s not an easy keeper, but his condition and energy are miles better now. And since starting Liquorice Root, his immune system has been so much stronger.” Emma’s learned not to overcomplicate things, just to listen to her horse and adjust gently as needed. “After that pollen reaction, I learned my lesson. I don’t try to fix what isn’t broken,” she says with a smile. A Happy Horse, a Happy Owner What shines through most in Emma’s story is the happiness she feels seeing Jack Sparrow thriving again. “It’s so nice seeing him happy in himself. Glas Equine products have really helped us get here and now everyone can see what I saw all those years ago when I bought him: a true superstar.” And it’s not just Jack Sparrow reaping the benefits. Emma’s retired horse Buddy has also found a new lease of life. “Buddy’s in his 30s now and was getting really stiff, barely wanting to pick up his feet. I started him on Devil’s Claw and honestly he’s like a new horse. Seeing him trot up to me every day makes me so happy.” The Glas Equine Difference Emma’s story is a perfect reminder of why Glas Equine exists. To give horses like Jack Sparrow and Buddy the natural support they need to feel their best. No fillers, no shortcuts, just pure, purposeful ingredients chosen with care. Head over to our Instagram to watch Emma and her superstar Jack Sparrow in action. If you’d like to learn more about the products Emma uses, you can explore them here: 👉 Shop the Winter Blend 👉 Shop Marshmallow Root 👉 Shop Liquorice Root 👉 Shop Marigold
Marshmallow Root Benefits for Horses: From Digestion to Breathing Comfort
If you’ve ever watched your horse pick at their feed or cough a little on a dusty day, you’ll know how easy it is for small things to throw them off balance. We’re always chasing the big fixes whether it be better feed, turnout, or training, but sometimes it’s the quiet, natural ingredients that make the biggest difference. For us, one of those little wonders has been Marshmallow Root. We started using it years ago with our own horses, and it’s since become one of the most reached for supplements in our yard. So what exactly is Marshmallow Root? Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) is a soft, earthy-smelling herb that grows across Europe and Western Asia. When it’s mixed into feed, it creates a light, soothing layer along the gut and airways, almost like a natural buffer. It’s not sugary, not sticky, and definitely not the marshmallow you’d roast over a fire! Just pure dried root that helps keep things calm inside. Owners love it because it’s non-heating and gentle enough for long-term use, especially for horses with sensitive stomachs or irritation with breathing during dusty weather or time in their stable. Marshmallow Root for Digestion If your horse tends to bloat, lose appetite, or get a bit girthy after feed changes or travel, Marshmallow Root can help settle things down. The natural mucilage in Marshmallow Root creates a soft, soothing layer along the digestive tract, helping to calm irritation and support easy digestion. We’ve found it brings comfort quietly. No fireworks, just steadier digestion and a happier horse. Marshmallow Root for Breathing Marshmallow Root’s soothing quality doesn’t stop at the stomach. It can also help support the airways, especially for horses exposed to dust, pollen, or cold air. A few owners describe it as their “calm breathing” herb, something that helps keep the chest clear and comfortable when conditions change. We’ve received incredible stories from our customers of their horses who went from chronic coughing to feeling freer, happier, and even back out competing again. Marshmallow Root for Skin Irritations It’s not just the gut and airways that benefit, Marshmallow Root can also help horses prone to skin irritation or minor rubs and cuts. Its soothing properties support healthy tissue and skin recovery, helping to calm areas that feel dry, scurfy, or rubbed from rugs and tack. It’s a gentle way to help your horse look as good as they feel. A Real Story: Healing My Connies One of our customers, Thomasina, shared a beautiful story about her Connemara ponies who’d been struggling with digestive upset and skin irritations. After adding Marshmallow Root to their routine, she noticed a calmer belly, less irritation, and a happier expression overall. 👉 Read her full story here — Healing My Connie’s It’s stories like this that remind us why we started Glas Equine. Real horses, real care, simple ingredients that actually help. The Glas Equine Difference We choose our ingredients for their purity and purpose, not trend value. Our Marshmallow Root is clean, finely cut for easy feeding, and packaged with care. It’s a staple for many of our customers and for our own horses too. If you’d like to try it, you can shop our Marshmallow Root here and see why it’s one of our bestsellers in the Glas Equine range. 👉 You can read our customer reviews to see how Marshmallow Root has transformed horses’ comfort and confidence, one scoop at a time.
What Supplement is Best For My Horse? A Guide to the Right Choice
As horse owners, we all want the same thing — a horse that feels good, looks healthy, and performs at their best. But with so many supplements on the market, figuring out which one your horse actually needs can feel overwhelming. The truth is, every horse is unique. Some need extra digestive support, others struggle with mobility, while mares often benefit from calming hormonal balance. Choosing the right supplement can make all the difference to your horse’s comfort, behaviour, and long-term wellbeing. Where to Begin? Take the Guesswork Out If you’ve ever found yourself staring at shelves of supplements unsure what to pick, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why we created the Glas Equine Supplement Quiz — a quick, simple way to find out what your horse really needs. 👉 In under a minute, you’ll get a personalised recommendation based on your horse’s age, workload, and health priorities — whether that’s calmer behaviour, stronger joints, a shinier coat, or a supported immune system. Take the quiz here Find the Right Fit for Your Horse Prefer to explore first? Use this quick guide to see which Glas Equine supplement typically supports each area of health — then dive deeper below. Marshmallow Root Marshmallow Root is a gentle, natural support for digestion and respiratory health. It’s particularly useful during feed changes, seasonal shifts, or times of stress. Supports: Digestive & respiratory systems Used for: Horses prone to coughs, seasonal irritations, or digestive sensitivity Key components: Mucilage — forms a soothing protective barrier over the oesophagus and stomach lining ★★★★★ Megan Connell - Glas Equine Customer “I started using the marshmallow root supplement on my thoroughbred who always has “sneezing/ blowing “ episodes this time of year end of winter to early spring (even though he’s got no allergies) since starting this he hasn’t done it once ! He’s also the grumpiest horse going and again his behaviour has even changed since starting this . Daily routines of brushing and tacking up was always a struggle but he’s honestly a nicer horse since starting the marshamallow root . He’s most definitely happier in himself and he will remain on this supplement for good . Honestly love it and the change it has made my horse.” Shop Marshmallow Root Devil’s Claw Often called nature’s support for joint comfort, Devil’s Claw is valued for helping horses maintain easy, fluent movement. It’s a popular choice for horses in regular work or those showing stiffness. Supports: Inflammation, injury recovery & joint comfort Used for: Horses needing extra help with suppleness or recovering from hard work Key compound: Harpagoside — a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compound ★★★★★ Ingrid O'Connor - Glas Equine Customer “If you're considering Devil's Claw Joint Support, do it! It's made a phenomenal difference for our horse, Zebo, earning a solid **5-star review** from us. We've noticed he is significantly less stiff and much more free in his movement. It's fantastic to see him so comfortable again. This product genuinely works!” Shop Devil’s Claw Marigold Bright and beneficial, Marigold flowers are more than a splash of colour — they’re a natural way to help maintain skin comfort, coat shine, and healthy tissue. Supports: Skin, coat & lymphatic system Used for: Coat shine, skin conditioning, and added support during seasonal changes Key components: Flavonoids — plant compounds that provide antioxidant support and help maintain healthy tissue Shop Marigold Liquorice Root Respected for its natural balancing properties, Liquorice Root helps maintain immune resilience and overall wellbeing — often chosen during seasonal transitions or travel. Supports: Immune system & respiratory function Used for: Extra support during seasonal changes, travel, or exposure to new environments Key components: Glycyrrhizin — natural compounds with immune-modulating properties Shop Liquorice Root Mellow Mare Created with mares in mind, Mellow Mare is a natural way to encourage calm and balance during seasonal cycles. It’s often chosen to support relaxation and an even temperament. Supports: Mood, relaxation & hormonal balance Used for: Mares in season; horses showing behaviour changes linked to cycles Key components: Agnus-Castus (Chaste Tree Berry) — supports hormonal health naturally by balancing the pituitary gland ★★★★★ Amy Grady - Glas Equine Customer “I put my mare on this roughly 3 weeks before Dublin, and have definitely noticed a difference. Notably in the week gone by, in season, went to a show, rode and jumped super to win her class!” Shop Mellow Mare The Right Support, Naturally Supplements aren’t about giving your horse “more” — they’re about giving them the right support at the right time. Whether your goal is a calmer ride, a stronger topline, or a glossy coat, the right supplement will help your horse thrive — and we’re here to make that choice easier. At Glas Equine, we believe in keeping things natural. Our supplements are made from 100% herbs and plants — inspired by the way horses naturally forage. No fillers. No synthetics. Just nature working the way it was meant to. ✨ Start by taking the quiz, or explore our natural supplement range to find the perfect match for your horse’s needs.
Healing My Connies: Thomasina’s Story with The Miracle Herb Marshmallow Root
Meet Thomasina, our dedicated brand ambassador, whose love for all things natural extends to her Connemara ponies. With a string of competition victories under her belt, Thomasina's journey took a remarkable turn when she discovered the healing power of Marshmallow Root. For many horse owners, finding natural remedies that effectively address gut and skin issues can be a challenging journey. But Thomasina's story highlights the transformative effects of marshmallow root, a centuries-old remedy derived from the Althaea officinalis plant. Marshmallow Root has been a wonderful gut support for Thomasina's Connemara ponies—Camile & Margo. How does Marshmallow Root support gut health? The key to marshmallow root's effectiveness lies in its mucilaginous properties, which form a gel-like substance when combined with water. This gel coats the digestive tract, soothing inflammation and irritation while promoting healing from within. Additionally, marshmallow root contains compounds that support skin health, making it a versatile remedy for a wide range of equine issues. Some of the main issues it can address include: Ulcers, colic and gastrointestinal upset Coughing, nasal congestion and inflammation Mud fever and sweet itch Allergies and skin irritations Wound healing Camile’s Story Camile had a remarkable first year as a 5-year-old, going champion at the Dublin Horse Show. However, Thomasina sensed something was amiss. Camile began coughing and had a severe hives reaction after being clipped. Despite a veterinary visit, the issue remained unresolved. The coughing persisted, with a thick, custard-like consistency. Blood tests eventually revealed severe anemia, an unusual condition for a horse on good grass, especially on Thomasina's cattle farm. This indicated a deeper gut problem. A visit to the Curragh with Kevin Corley revealed an unexpected diagnosis: Camile was allergic to oats, barley, and soya bean, leaving Thomasina with limited feeding options. This discovery forced her to navigate the complex landscape of equine nutrition with caution and care. The challenges persisted, with Camile losing hair due to allergic reactions and suffering from skin issues triggered by environmental factors. Thomasina's determination to support Camile's fragile system led her to explore alternative feeds and remedies, including the use of marshmallow root. Camile's allergic reaction With consistent use of marshmallow root, Thomasina witnessed a remarkable transformation in Camile's well-being. Stubborn skin reactions healed beautifully, and Camile's gut health improved significantly, allowing her to thrive despite her sensitivities. Thomasina has to be very mindful of what she feeds Camile and how it might affect her gut. “You’ll never know all the triggers, you just have to keep her gut as good as possible to fight the triggers”. Look at Camile today! She’s given Marshmallow Root Digestive & Respiratory Support daily as well as our Marigold Skin, Coat & Blood Health. Camile jumping at NIF 2023 Margo's Story Margo came to Thomasina as a 3yr old just after Easter. She was broken and then given some time in the field before being shown in hand, qualifying for the 3 yr old All Ireland Connemara Filly Championship.Before Christmas, Margo decided to go field hopping, during which she sustained a small cut. This minor injury unfortunately led to a skin reaction and the development of anemia. This experience prompted her to focus more on supporting her overall system. Before & After of Margo's skin reaction from her injury Thomasina was also finding that Margo would go light after a show. She wasn’t an amazing eater and was often leaving her feed so it was then tough to keep weight on her. Since starting her on Marshmallow Root, she has experienced significant improvements. She looks better than ever, and her hind leg has healed brilliantly, with the hair fully grown back. Margo is currently competing regularly. She leads a varied life, participating in Connemara classes—both ridden and working hunter—as well as jumping in SJI competitions. She is proving to be extremely willing and is improving week by week. Margo is very happy and has had no further reactions or disruptions to her system. Margo at Longford Agricultural Show 2024 Marshmallow Root has become a cornerstone for Thomasina’s care regimen, providing much-needed support for Camile & Margo’s systems. In-hand showing no longer feeling depleting for Margo, and Camile’s gut has balanced thanks to the healing properties of this natural remedy. Through Camile & Margo’s story, we're reminded of the power of nature in promoting equine health and well-being. As Thomasina continues her journey as a dedicated equestrian advocate for natural remedies, she inspires us all to explore holistic approaches to horse care. Explore our range of natural equine supplements to start supporting your horse and ponies systems.
5 Trotting Pole Work Exercises for Flexibility, Strength & Co-ordination
Using poles in your training sessions can have huge benefits for you and your horse! It helps improve their strength, balance and co-ordination and makes them pay attention to where they are placing their feet. Glas Equine has create a mini eBook with 5 pole work exercises for flexibility, strength & co-ordination for you to try with your horse! Download the FREE eBook This is just a sneak peek of what's in store for the release of our complete eBook! Exercise 1: Trotting Poles A simple yet effective exercise, trotting poles help improve your horse's symmetry and stability by encouraging them to step under the hind legs more, while building their stability and topline. Difficulty level: Easy Instructions Place 5 poles on the ground 4 feet apart Approach your line of poles in a steady trot Maintain a steady rein contact with a softly closed fist over the poles, sit up and and avoid tipping forward Keep an even feel on both reins to help your horse stay centred and go straight over the middle of the poles Counteract your horse veering off centre of the poles by adding apply your left or right leg aid Repeat on both reins TIP: Adjust the distance between poles to practice shortening or lengthening your horse's stride. Exercise 2: Fan of Trotting Poles Trotting poles on a curve allows you to practice controlling your horses length of stride and improve their awareness of their foot placement. Difficulty level: Moderate Instructions Set up 4-6 poles in a fan shape on a curve Ensure the distances on the inside and at the outside edge are the same (3ft - 5ft) Approach the line of poles in a steady trot, aiming for the center of each pole. Use your inside leg at the girth to ask for bend from the ribs. Your outside leg should be slightly behind the girth, supporting the haunches. Use the outside rein to prevent your horse from over-arching the circle and falling out through their shoulder. Maintain a soft contact with the inside rein while asking for bend from the ribs Reduce the size of your curve to aim for the shorter distance inside your poles Increase the size of your curve to aim for the longer distance towards the outside edge of your poles Repeat on both reins TIP: Adjust the distance between poles to practice shortening or lengthening your horse's stride. Exercise 3: Raised Trotting Poles Strengthening exercise that teaches your horse to use their hocks, lift their shoulders, engage their back and use their neck correctly. Difficulty level: Easy - Moderate Instructions Place 5 poles on the ground 4ft-5ft apart with each alternating side raised using a block Approach the line of poles in a steady trot Maintain a steady rein contact with a softly closed fist over the poles, sit up and and avoid tipping forward Keep an even feel on both reins to help your horse stay centred and go straight over the middle of the poles Maintain a consistent rhythm so that you get regular trot steps between each pole Ride through the poles several times before changing the rein and repeating the exercise in the other direction. TIP: Approach this exercise in walk first to get your horse used to the poles and start thinking about their feet. Exercise 4: Trotting Pole Circle Improve your horse's balance and bend while practicing shoulder control to prevent over-bending and maintaining a steady circle. Difficulty level: Moderate - Difficult Instructions Set up a 20m circle with poles. The circle inside the circle inside the poles should be approximately 10m. Start off in walk on the 20m circle outside of the poles to get used to it. Approach the the circle in a steady trot, aiming for the center of each pole. Use your inside leg at the girth to ask for bend from the ribs. Your outside leg should be slightly behind the girth, supporting the haunches. Use the outside rein to prevent your horse from over-arching the circle and falling out through their shoulder. Maintain a soft contact with the inside rein while asking for bend from the ribs. Repeat this exercise multiple times before changing direction, adjusting the size of your circle by making it larger and smaller. TIP: Remember to look up and breath! Once you start looking down at the poles your weight tips onto the forehand, which can unbalance your horse. Trust your horse to fix their feet between each pole. Exercise 5: Trotting Pole Serpentine Improve your horse's rhythm, straightness, accuracy of bend, and balance with this versatile exercise. Difficulty level: Moderate Instructions Set up 2 - 3 poles 20m apart from the center of each pole. Begin your serpentine by approaching your first pole with a steady trot and even rein contact. Use your inside leg at the girth to ask for bend from the ribs. Your outside leg should be slightly behind the girth, supporting the haunches. Use the outside rein to prevent your horse from over-arching the the bend and falling out through their shoulder. Straighten your horse, maintain a steady contact and balance them before the next bend. Ride your serpentine several times before changing the rein and repeating the exercise. TIP: Maintain a slight bend in your elbows, keeping them close to your sides. Use your body to turn at the waist, allowing your hands to follow naturally, to turn properly instead of relying solely on the reins. 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How to Hot Towel in Winter For a Shiny Coat
Hot towelling, a grooming secret, works wonders to give your horse's coat a deep clean. It's the perfect go-to when the weather is chilly, and giving your horse a full bath isn't an option. The steam from the towels opens up the hair follicles, allowing for deeper cleaning and removing dirt, sweat, and oils. This results in a shinier, healthier coat, and can be particularly beneficial during shedding seasons. Who knew we could get a glowing coat in winter! Hot towelling does more than just deeply cleanse your horse's coat; it brings additional benefits: Enhances your horse's circulation by stimulating blood flow with the warm towel Regular hot towelling can contribute to maintaining healthy skin by removing dirt and debris that could potentially lead to skin issues Just as a warm bath can be relaxing for humans, hot towelling has a similar effect on horses Hot towelling isn't just about pampering your horse; it's a special time for bonding between you and your equine buddy Let's jump into our tutorial on how to hot towel: Step 1: Gather Supplies What you'll need: Towels (small size) - we used a selection of cotton and microfibre cloths Kettle A bucket of hot water (not scalding, but just bearable to touch) A bucket of cold water (for rinsing your towels) Curry comb Cooler rug No Rinse Shampoo (optional) Rubber gloves (optional) Step 2: Prepare your buckets To get started, boil some water using your kettle—two rounds should do it for your first bucket. Grab a second bucket and fill it with cold water; this will come in handy for rinsing your used washcloths. This way, you can cycle through your cloths, giving them a quick rinse and reuse without muddying up your hot water. Easy and efficient! Step 3: Soak your towels Once your buckets are good to go, toss in all your towels, letting them soak in the water. Step 4: Curry, curry, curry... While your towels soak, use a curry comb to get all the dirt and grease to the top of your horse's coat. Curry your horse's entire body using circular motions. It might take a bit of time, but consider it a great arm workout! Step 5: Towel time! You want your water to be just about bearable to touch - so pretty hot! Take one towel at a time and ring completely dry, you want them to be damp and not wet. Mimic the motion you'd use with a curry comb, working through your horse's coat in small sections. Go with and against the natural lay of the hair. You might be surprised with what you see, we sure were with Holly's coat. Once your towel is dirty (like pictures below), toss it into the cold bucket of water to rinse as to not dirty your clean hot water. Step 6: Repeat over areas of your horses body Pick up your next towel and repeat all over your horses body until dirt and grease has been removed. You're definitely in for a workout with this grooming method! Bonus: Use the remaining hot water and towels to wipe over your horses mane and tail for some extra cleaning. Step 7: Allow your horse to dry This is where the cooler rug comes in! Your horse shouldn't be wet, more so just damp so pop your cooler rug over them for 15-20 minutes to allow them to completely dry. Once dry give your horse a light brush to reveal their transformation! Step 8: Admire your horses glowing coat 😍 Can we just take a moment to admire the before and after of Holly's coat? The method we've used here goes the extra mile, reaching deep into the winter buildup, and the results speak for themselves. Try this method out and share your results with us over on Instagram @glasequine. Happy grooming!
The Secret to Plaiting a Thick Connemara Mane
Plaiting a thick mane requires patience, precision, and a touch of creativity. In this step-by-step guide, we'll explore the art of plaiting a Connemara Pony, in collaboration with The Horsey Barber who has a secret technique to making plaits look even no matter how thick a mane. Before we jump into the tutorial, meet Emer, The Horsey Barber—a seasoned equine stylist who loves transforming every mane into a work of art. She offers grooming and equine clipping services in the Meath, Dublin, and Kildare regions. Trust us, she's totally worth checking out! 🐴✂️ Let's jump into our tutorial: Step 1: Gather Your Tools For successful plaiting, assemble your essential tools – a mane comb, plaiting wax, and plaiting bands that complement your horse or pony's coat color. We recommend Glas Equine Mane Pulling Comb and Glas Equine White Rubber Plaiting Bands for best results. Step 2: Prepare the Mane Begin by thoroughly combing through your Connemara pony's mane to eliminate tangles. Apply plaiting wax generously by starting at the base of the mane and working downwards to ensure those flyaways stay in check. Step 3: Sectioning for Success Use your comb to measure and section your mane, ensuring evenness to avoid cross hairs. We're using about 2/3 of the comb to get our section. We also use the tip of the comb to make a even split in the mane for a neater look. When sectioning you can use your comb to keep the rest of the mane out of your way while you start working on your plaiting. Step 4: The Perfect Plait Divide the first section into three even strands and try to keep these sections as even as possible. Start slightly looser at the top, tightening as you go down. Get as close to the end of the plait as possible so that you have less fly away hairs when you create your rose bud. As you work your way down the neck, expect the mane to get a bit thicker, especially with Connemara's. No stress, though! Make your sections a tad smaller – this way you'll keep your rosebuds looking even. Step 5: Creating Your Rosebud Tuck the end of the plait tightly to the base of the neck and fold it over itself. Secure with two Glas Equine White Rubber Bands for added security. Step 6: The Backwards Plait (our little secret) Now, as you hit the middle of your Connemara's mane and notice it's getting thick, you might be thinking, "How can I keep those rosebuds looking even?" Well, here's our little secret: The Backwards Plait! As you reach the crest of the neck, your plaits naturally start to lift up. Plaiting backwards comes to the rescue by helping them sit lower on the neck, ensuring the rosebud sits evenly. Plaiting backwards is like hitting the reverse button for your brain! Usually, the outer strands cross over the middle strands, but with the backwards plait, you cross the middle strands over the outer strands. We recommend between 3-4 backwards plaits at the crest of the mane for best results. Step 7: Repeat and Refine Continue this process, working your way through each section of the mane until you've created a row of beautiful rosebuds. Take breaks if needed, allowing both you and your pony to stay relaxed and focused. Congratulations! You've successfully mastered the art of plaiting a thick Connemara pony mane. With patience, practice, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can turn your pony's mane into a work of art that will surely turn heads at any event. Happy braiding from Glas Equine & The Horsey Barber 💈🐴