Keeping our horses looking – and feeling – their best is important to every horse owner, and using one of the best horse shampoos is a great place to start. Whether your horse is grey or bay, attracted to mud or has sensitive skin, there is a shampoo out there for him. You’ll find brightening and whitening shampoos, specific stain-removing options, gentle shampoos, all-natural options and medicated shampoos – there is a lot to choose from.
Absorbine ShowSheen 2-in-1 Shampoo And Conditioner
Sizes: 591ml
Washes per bottle: 12–15
This gentle formula deep cleans and conditions hair in one easy step. It contains pro vitamins to help nourish the skin and strengthen hair without the use of harsh chemicals. It has a targeted application cap and safety lid to prevent any spillages.
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Carr & Day & Martin Gallop Conditioning Shampoo
Sizes: 500ml, 1l, 5l
Washes per bottle: 5–10 for 500ml
This shampoo removes dirt, grease and dust from your horse’s coat while adding condition. It’s suitable for regular use and has a low-foaming formula so it is quick and easy to rinse.
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NAF Teatree and Mint Shampoo
Sizes: 500ml
Washes per bottle: 25
This shampoo has been formulated with tea tree for its antibacterial properties, so it can soothe the skin as it cleans.
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Nettex Everyday Conditioning Shampoo
Sizes: 1l
Washes per bottle: Not available
H&HRating: 7/10
This low-foam, easy-rinse conditioning shampoo from Nettex leaves a shine without stripping the coat of its natural oils. It’s gentle and mild for daily use.
Hy Equestrian Magic Sparkle 2-in-1 Shampoo And Conditioner
Sizes: 500ml, 5l
Washes per bottle: 25
This two-in-one shampoo and conditioner includes vitamin B5 to help internally strengthen the hair and repair damage, and wheat germ extracts for a smooth finish.
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Wahl Dirty Beastie Shampoo
Sizes: 500ml, 5l
Washes per bottle: Not available
This concentrated, easy-rinse, vegan shampoo from Wahl is designed for use on dirty, thick or matted coats, leaving them clean, conditioned and manageable.
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Science Supplements Moisturising Shampoo
Sizes: 500ml
Washes per bottle: 20
This shampoo hydrates and strengthens sensitive skin and dry, damaged hair. It is rich in keratin, wheat protein and D-panthenol, which keep the coat, mane and tail glossy and smooth. It can be used as a warm water wash, hot towel wash for a deep clean, cold water wash providing a refreshing cleanse or a concentrated wash for areas requiring specific attention.
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Lincoln Silk Shine 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner
Sizes: 500ml, 4l
Washes per bottle: 40
Contains Pro Vitamin B5 as well as effective moisturising and conditioning agents for long-lasting results.
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Omega Equine Shampoo Perfect With Lavender Oil
Sizes: 1l
Washes per bottle: At least 10
Combines the calming properties of lavender oil with gentle cleansing agents to leave a lasting, lustrous sheen.
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Straight Arrow The Original Mane ’N Tail Shampoo
Sizes: 32oz, 1gal
Washes per bottle: Not available
A great option for sharing – this Straight Arrow shampoo is popular for human hair, too, as it helps to achieve and maintain fuller, stronger, longer and healthier-looking hair.
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Supreme Products Conditioning Shampoo
Sizes: 500ml
Washes per bottle: Not available
This shampoo can be used on all colours and types of coat, leaving it shiny and in good condition.
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Horse Health Brite White Shampoo
Sizes: 500ml, 1l or 4l
Washes per bottle: Not available
This shampoo can be used neat or stains or diluted as shampoo; it leaves the coat soft, shiny and white. Perfect for greys, coloureds and white markings.
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WildWash Equine Ultra Shine Shampoo
Sizes: 300ml, 1l, 5l
Washes per bottle: 10
This shampoo uses the combined natural powers of star flower, myrrh and rosemary to soothe and condition the skin and coat, intensify the natural coat colour and leave a shine. It’s ideal for chestnut, bay and black coats.
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See Change Original Horse Shampoo Bar
Sizes: 230g
Washes per bar: Not available
This super-mild solid shampoo from See Change is enriched with argan oil and scented with pure lemon grass and tea tree oils. It comes in bar form, is 100% biodegradable and vegan.
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Cowboy Magic Shine In Yellowout
Sizes: 16oz, 32oz
Washes per bottle: Not available
This stain-removing shampoo neutralises yellow stains and brightens hair of all colours. It doesn’t contain any bleaches or peroxides but instead uses optical brighteners.
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Equine America Pink My Pony Shampoo
Sizes: 1l
Washes per bottle: Not available
A balanced formula that removes dust, dirt and excess grease to leave the coat glossy. It contains aloe vera and vegetable proteins to strengthen the coat, plus argan oil for a shiny finish.
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Leovet Silkcare Shampoo
Sizes: 500ml
Washes per bottle: 12–14
This shampoo contains silk proteins that bind with the skin and hair to support the natural structure and repel dirt and dust, while herbal substances and vitamins leave the coat looking shiny.
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Smart Grooming Bubblegum Shampoo
Sizes: 250ml, 500ml, 1l, 5l
Washes per bottle: not available
This shampoo is a luxurious conditioning shampoo with a nostalgic bubblegum fragrance. It can be diluted or used neat, and is suitable for all colours, giving a soft, high-shine finish.
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Barrier Kiwi & Lime Conditioning Shampoo
Sizes: 500ml, 1l and 5l
Washes per bottle: 20 for 500ml
Rich, lathering formula made from 100% plant-derived ingredients that leaves the coat conditioned and cleansed, and is suitable for dogs, too.
How to get the most out of the best horse shampoos
The first thing to remember is that even the best horse shampoos might not agree with your horse. Always make sure you conduct a 24-hour patch test before giving your horse a full bath with your chosen product. If your horse needs a gentler option, check out our guide to the best horse shampoos for sensitive skin.
Next, always read the label to make sure you’re using your chosen horse shampoo in an appropriate manner. Pay attention, for example, to the dilution instructions, or apply the formula neat to more stubborn stains if appropriate.
Finally, while less isn’t always more when it comes to applying the best horse shampoos (especially if the formula is high-lather), it might be the case when it comes to value for money. Consider the cost of a larger container – buying in bulk cuts the cost per 100ml – and you might be able to split this with friends on your yard.
Is horse shampoo good for human hair?
Many horse shampoos contain ingredients that are used in products for human hair, such as keratin, vitamin B-5 or oils such as avocado. These ingredients have beneficial properties, such as helping smooth the hair cuticle and aiding in moisture retention.
There are some horse shampoos that have gained cult status in the beauty world. Some people swear by blue and purple whitening horse shampoos, while Mane ’N Tail by Straight Arrow has a huge pool of users who apply it to their own hair, rather than a horse’s. They have reported benefits such as promoting hair growth, shininess and remedying split ends.
While shampoos such as Mane ‘N Tail are intended for use on horses, there’s nothing stopping you trying it for yourself. However, it is important to remember to…
patch test the product first to help manage any potential reaction
monitor the condition of your hair and scalp for any adverse effects
consult a dermatologist or haircare professional if you have a particular issue you are trying to remedy and ask for their recommendations first
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Georgia is Horse & Hound’s deputy website editor and equestrian products expert. She curates content across the website with a particular focus on upcoming equestrian events horse care and buying advice. She also manages all the ecommerce opportunities that allow us to give you easy access to the best products at the lowest prices via our buying guides. Georgia has first-hand knowledge of all the equestrian brands and their ever-evolving product lines, having been working with them closely since she started in equestrian media in 2015.
