Scratching Brushes & Mats: A Good Scratch Whenever Your Horse Likes

Scratching Brushes & Mats: Self Grooming the Way Your Horse Likes It

Scratching Brushes & Mats give your horse the chance to rub itchy spots by itself, just as horses groom each other in the herd. A firmly mounted scratching brush on the wall or a scratching mat with nubs is much safer than a fence post, a stable door or a tree with rough bark. That protects the coat, mane and tail, and it also spares your stable fittings from wear and tear.

Especially welcome during the moult

In spring and autumn, many horses itch a lot because the old coat is coming loose. A scratching brush helps to remove loose hair and dirt and complements your daily grooming. Many horses also use it after a roll or on warm days when insects are a nuisance. In an open barn, the brush often becomes a popular meeting point where one horse after another enjoys a long, thorough scratch.

The right version for your stable

Flexible scratching brushes with stiff bristles can be fixed to a wall or post and give a little when your horse leans against them. A scratching mat such as the KratzPad is flat, has lots of nubs and suits corners and stable walls. Classic livestock brushes, the kind also used for cattle, are particularly robust and work well in open barns with several horses. A solid fixing without protruding screws is essential.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my horse rub itself so often?
Common reasons are the moult, dirt in the coat or annoying insects. If your horse rubs itself bald or sore, especially on the mane and tail, you should ask your vet. Sweet itch or a fungal skin infection can be behind it, for example.

At what height should I mount a scratching brush?
Most horses prefer to rub their neck, shoulder and hindquarters. Mounting it at roughly the height of your horse's shoulder is a good starting point. In an open barn with horses of different sizes, two brushes at different heights can make sense.

Can several horses share one scratching brush?
Yes, in an open barn that is common and completely normal for the animals. If one horse has a contagious skin condition, however, the brush should not be shared. Clean hair and dirt off it regularly.