How to Care for Your Horse with ZYMOX Grooming and Skin Solutions

Posted - June 17, 2025

• By Carol Bryant, Professional Pet Blogger

  Knowing how to care for your horse is crucial to their overall health and well-being. A soft, well-groomed coat and healthy skin are natural preventatives from parasites, infections, and airborne irritants. Fortunately, ZYMOX offers practical solutions for horses without irritation or harm.

  Modern horse owners deserve long-term solutions that heal and prevent further problems. According to some statistics, the global horse population is around 60 million, with at least 10.3 million horses calling the United States home.

  Whether you own a ranch horse, dressage partner, or high-energy racer, plenty of horse breeds match your lifestyle. With so many horses relying on their owners for proper care, maintaining healthy skin, coats, and ears is essential for their well-being and performance. That’s why ZYMOX® Equine Defense products can help with gentle and effective solutions to support your horse’s overall health.

  Proper Grooming: The Foundation of Healthy Skin & Coat

  Like all animals, horses have unique healthcare needs that require consistent care and attention. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, maintaining a horse’s well-being involves routine veterinary visits, vaccinations, parasite control, dental check-ups, grooming, hoof care, and protection from the elements. While many aspects of equine care mirror those of other animals, horses require specialized products.

  Brushing helps remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria, while hoof maintenance prevents cracks, infections, and discomfort. Choosing the right grooming products is as important as the routine itself—harsh ingredients can strip natural oils and cause dry, irritated skin.

  ZYMOX® Equine Advanced Formula Shampoo and Leave-On Conditioner are specially formulated with soothing oat extract to cleanse without stripping essential moisture. These pH-balanced formulas contain no harsh ingredients, ensuring your horse’s skin and coat remain hydrated, healthy, and resilient.

  Protecting Your Horse from Cuts, Abrasions, and Irritations

  Horses are affected by minor wounds, cuts, and skin irritations from pasture play, tack friction, or environmental exposure. A well-stocked equine first aid kit is handy for caring for your horse.

  Two must-have products for equine first aid are:

  • ZYMOX® Equine Defense Formula Topical Spray – A steroid-free, antibiotic-free formula designed to help support healing and protect wounds naturally.
  •  ZYMOX® Equine Defense Topical Cream – Ideal for targeted relief, this cream soothes irritated or damaged skin while supporting the body’s natural recovery process.

  Preventing & Treating Rain Rot in Horses

  Rain rot is a common health condition affecting the skin of horses. It starts with a bacteria that thrives in wet conditions, hence the name ‘rain rot.’

  “Rain rot or rain scald (also known as dermatophilosis) is caused by bacterial infection, and it often is mistaken for a fungal disease,” Ann Swinker, PhD, says. “The bacteria live in the outer layer of skin and cause from pinpoint to large, crusty scabs.”

  Horse owners can prevent rain rot by:

  • Keeping horses clean and dry.
  • Placing a breathable blank on the horse in wet weather.
  • Groom horses regularly with ZYMOX® Equine Defense Shampoo to protect the skin.
  • Use ZYMOX® Equine Defense Skin Guard for rain rot, scratches, and minor skin irritations.

  Pro Tip: Dr. Lindsey Butzer treated her chestnut mare pony for rain rot and used ZYMOX products to help treat and cure her.

  Final Word on Caring for Your Horse

  Some final pro tips to properly care for your horse include:

  • Incorporating ZYMOX Equine Defense products into your horse care routine.
  • Keep your horse’s stall clean and feed a high-quality diet to maintain overall wellness.
  • Check your horse’s ears for dust, insects, and moisture buildup.
  • Brush daily to prevent matting, remove dirt, and promote oil circulation.
  • Always provide fresh, clean water to support digestion and avoid dehydration.
  • Exercise your horse regularly for proper muscle tone, joint health, and overall good health.

  Whether your horse needs relief from irritation, protection from rain rot, or a healthy, hydrated coat, ZYMOX provides trusted, easy-to-use solutions for equine wellness. Happy trails!