Mushy old toothbrushes can be extremely useful tools at the
horse stables. In fact, plenty of equestrians keep cast-off toothbrushes in
their horse grooming kits or tack boxes for a host of practical purposes. (No, most of us don’t brush our horses’
teeth.)
Equestrians and horse lovers probably replace personal
toothbrushes regularly – just like many dentists instruct us to do. In fact,
the American Dental Association recommends individuals toss out old
toothbrushes every three months.
Instead of throwing away those soggy old toothbrushes, smart
horse lovers hold onto them for use at the barn. Following are ten examples of
ways used toothbrushes may come in handy for anyone who cares for horses. Thoroughly
cleaned, soft old toothbrushes can be useful barn equipment for many practical
purposes.
 |
| Adapted by this user from ABSFreePic image. |
1. Applying hoof
polishes and dressings
Hoof dressings (such as hoof blackeners, oils, pine tar,
polishes, and other products) can be quite sticky and messy. An old toothbrush
makes the ideal application tool.
2. Mixing equine
medications
Equine veterinarians often prescribe medicines and
nutritional supplements for horses, and these compounds may arrive in powdered
or concentrated form. Some may even be produced in caplets, which must be
crushed and diluted with water before administering them to horses. An old
toothbrush serves as a super stirring tool for whipping up doses of medicines
for equines, as it fits neatly into smaller containers.
3. Stirring up bran
mash or beet pulp
If a horse owner wants to treat an equine to a bucket of
warm, soupy bran mash or beet pulp, an old toothbrush makes a super stirrer.
4. Cleaning tack
Equestrians invest considerable funds in their bridles,
reins, martingales, girths, surcingles and other leather training and horse
show equipment. Cleaning and polishing this gear helps to keep these items
supple and presentable and to preserve them for long-term use. A soft old
toothbrush can be a useful tool for scrubbing oils, sweat, mildew, and debris
from buckles, loops, and leather straps on horse tack.
This article originally appeared (in an earlier form) on another publisher’s property, which is now closed. All publication rights reside with the author.
5. Scrubbing bits
After use, a horse’s bit can be grimy and tarnished and
covered with gunk. A soft toothbrush is ideal for scrubbing the bit clean. A
dab of whitening toothbrush makes this task even easier – and adds a
horse-friendly minty taste as well.
6. Conditioning a saddle
A quality leather English or Western saddle is a sturdy
investment for any equestrian. Horseback riders tend to guard their saddles
carefully, cleaning and conditioning them faithfully. A brand-new leather
saddle must be conditioned extensively. Leather saddles need to be treated
periodically (after cleaning) with an oil or leather conditioning product. A
clean, but extra mushy, toothbrush is handy for applying these products into
the many nooks and crannies of a well-crafted equestrian saddle.
7. Cleaning stall
buckets
Each horse’s feed and water buckets must be cleaned
regularly. Old toothbrushes are great for scrubbing out food residue, slimy
stains, and other messes from these containers.
8. Polishing
equestrian helmets
A horseback rider’s own head protection gear may become
grimy with repeated use. A clean used toothbrush is super for scrubbing stains
from an equestrian safety helmet.
9. Polishing boots
Equestrian paddock boots, cowboy boots, and tall leather
riding boots can quickly become dusty, muddy or worse at the barn. A ratty old
toothbrush is perfectly suited to cleaning and shining riding boots. The
bristles fit neatly beneath laces and zippers, into tooling, along insole
lines, and under heels.
10. Brushing a barn dog’s
teeth.
Dogs tend to be part of the scene at the horse barn. Pet
owners often find old, soft toothbrushes useful for cleaning their canine
companions’ teeth every once in a while.
Here’s the most
important tip, when using old toothbrushes.
It’s important to mark them clearly for their specific
purposes. Of course, it’s essential to label used toothbrushes (with stickers
or permanent markers), so they will be devoted to their exclusive uses. No one
would want to stick a pine tar or saddle soap toothbrush into a food or oral
medication container or an animal’s mouth.
