Getting feathers white

[CMOTdibbler]

So I washed Dhorse for the first time today, and as he hasn't been washed in a v long time, it was overall a very satisfying process, and he looks all black and shiny.

But, his feathers are still distressingly yellow inspite of using shampoo for greys on his white stockings, leaving it on, scrubbing, rinsing, reapplying etc.

Any top tips on ways to improve matters ?

[BeenBeta]

Not a horse owner but my Mum showed dogs.

Springer Spanierls have 'feathers' on their legs and to get them white for show days she used a white chalk block scrubbed and combed into the feathers. Works beautifully. It is commonly used in the show world but obviously will not be a permanent solution.

[dooit]

Chalk, mixed into a paste. Paint onto the feathers and leave overnight to dry. Brush out the next day for spanking pearly white socks.

[MitchyInge]

Cochineal

[Ellielou02]

I second the chalk, my dad used to use it on his Arab before showing him.

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

Chalk definitely. When I used to work with Suffolk punches, we used to use wood flour (very fine fluffy sawdust) which we would work through the feather when wet. I now use talc when wet, then chalk when dry. You could also try this

[CMOTdibbler]

Well, he did look better today than I thought he would, so will have a go with the chalk tomorrow following a bit of stain removing effort. Am only doing the yard show for a laff anyway, since other horses go and win real shows

at the thought of him with pink legs and feathers. Poor lad wouldn't know what to do with himself.

Will report back with pictures tomorrow - thanks for all the tips

[MitchyInge]

Good luck! Am sure you won't regret disregarding my cochineal suggestion!

We only do fun ones too, am surrounded by Olympia and HOYS competitors - ok only a few from our place make it each year, but it's so much work!

[CMOTdibbler]

Well, I came 5th in Senior rider (not last), DS came 4th in Junior rider, 1st in fancy dress (a knight), and jumped a clear round - and was complaining that I wouldn't let him do higher jumps .

Several people said to me how lovely Ben looked, which was nice to hear - and as we left I could see him on the hill shining in the sun

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

Well done to you both.

[Greensleeves]

I used to use the old-fashioned blue-bags on the stubborn bits

it really worked, I have no idea why

[CMOTdibbler]

Have put a pic on my profile of Ben and DS (and, alas, me)

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

Greensleeves, I used to work for a welsh a stud. They used bluebag on all the White ones! That's one of their trade secrets! (oops) you can still get them from the 'carbolicsoapcompany'.

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

CMOT the pictures are great. Ben looks smashing. Your little one looks really good as a knight! (p.s. Glad to see I'm not the only jasper fforde fan in the world)

[CMOTdibbler]

I'll get some bluebag to try - nothing to lose !

Thanks Saggy - DS had a lovely time, and so did I.

I love Jasper Fforde - can't wait for the next colour book

[MitchyInge]

Oh well done! Am at how much Ben looks like my favourite killer behaviourally challenged horse, actually is my absolute favourite to ride in the school (even though have to have several horse lengths from other horses and people). He's just lovely to ride. Barely manageable on the ground.

Anyway hope is first of many fun weekends with Ben for you!

[Pixel]

Think I'll have to get some blue bag myself, you should see the state of dhorse! We don't have much dust at his normal field so when we got to the new place he was gleaming from head to foot with sparkly white feathers. Then I noticed him stamping so I bunged a load of pig oil and sulphur on his legs, not realising the field at the new place is a dust bowl. Arghh! He was a totally different colour when I got him in today, I've spent hours grooming and it's made no difference, except I'm now filthy as well. His feathers are a grey sticky mess. Oh and we treated him to a garlic lick so his white face and pink nose now look like he has been dipped in a vat of marmite. I wanted to create a good impression at the posh yard but it looks as though I've failed already .

On the bright side, he seems to have stopped stamping.

[FiveGoMadInDorset]

Fairy liquid used to work for me.

[Pixel]

Sorry, meant to say your ds looks adorable and you look pretty smart yourself.

[oldernowiser]

Ben is gorgeous, and so is your ds. Isn't life fantastic with horses! Is planet horse really on a different time zone, or does it just feel that way? (popping up to yard, back three hours later)

[CMOTdibbler]

So tell me about the pig oil and sulphur Pixel - I see that it is good for mites, but does it help generally with feathers ?

DS keeps asking when he will get to have a pony to love - I keep stalling. But, my loan officially starts this week, so off to start working Ben on my own . Will start in the menage, and then work up to hacking solo - but we've got plenty to work on. Will be having a go with cavaletti today as he knows he can just kick trotting poles out of the way, so that should help

But, better do some work first !

[Pixel]

Well I don't really think he had mites as the vet and farrier have both checked him and not found anything. The vet said frontline is often good for unexplained itching but it didn't seem to work for us. I read about the pig oil and sulphur (on Mumsnet I think!) and it said good for sweet itch etc so I thought it worth a try and it does seem to have done the trick. As a bonus it is supposeed to make the feathers all lovely and silky and protect the hair from breaking off in the mud. I got mine from ebay but I think this is the same company which gives a bit of info.

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

My friend who is my horse GOD says that the vet told her to use a certain brand of anti dandruff shampoo on itchy feathers, as it's as much use as anything they can prescribe!

[Donki]

Hi! CMOT
I used to use blue bags for the final rinse (make sure it's not too strong ) and then chalk when I was showing a welsh cob for friends. If I needed to fluff up his feathers a bit, then fine sawdust did the trick.

It sounds like you had a thoroughly enjoyable time at the show. I hope you enjoy having Ben on loan.

[Butkin]

Ideally you'd paste them. To be honest we just wash them, then rub in special blue shampoo designed for this job and leave it for a while before rinsing. We then bandage and when we get to the showground we rub in loose chalk (I find it better than a block).

[GrumpyOldHorsewoman]

Daz Ultra powder. Mix it to a paste in your hands and rub in. Leave for a bit and rinse. May take a couple of goes, but works brilliantly (to get your whites white )