Vetrolin Shine by Farnam

I'm going to kick off this blog with one of my favorite grooming products, Farnam's Vetrolin Shine coat spray and conditioner.

***** (5 out of 5 stars)

MSRP: $10.95 (for 32 oz, ready to use spray bottle).

Why I like this product:

I was never a big fan of coat conditioners, primarily because every other coat spray I've come across has alcohol and/or silicone in it. Both alcohol and silicone damage the coat by drying the skin and hair with repeated use, especially in horses not bathed frequently to remove the silicone. Vetrolin Shine has neither, and instead has B-vitamins and sunscreen built in to protect the coat from drying and sun bleaching. Still, like any other coat conditioner Vetrolin Shine will make the hair a bit slick, so it's best not to spray it on the saddle area if you intend to ride bareback.

This product also effectively repels dust and manure stains. After a thorough grooming or bath I simply spray it on my horses then follow up with a finishing brush to work it into the coat. In addition, Vetrolin Shine works well as a mane and tail detangler, without being sticky or slick. And while I know it's relatively unimportant in the grand scheme of things, I like the product's almost minty scent.

The bottle warrants a mention as well. Farnam's no-drip spray head is robust - I've only had one sprayer break in the two years I've been using this product, which with all the flimsy sprayers out there is a huge bonus in my book.

I usually find that a once per week application is sufficient to help limit the dust in my horses' coats and keep the hair and skin conditioned and tangle-free.

Introduction

Welcome to Equine Solutions!

About This Blog

The purpose of this blog is to provide readers with practical suggestions and help in regards to the everyday challenges of owning and caring for horses. I hope to achieve this goal by reviewing a wide variety of products, resources, and services for horses and their owners, as well as by doing my best to answer reader-submitted training and horse-care questions.

I will be using a simple 5-star rating system, following the guidelines below:

* 1 star = Product was of poor quality, effectiveness, or value
** 2 stars = Product was substandard in terms of quality, effectiveness, or value
*** 3 stars = Product was of reasonable or average quality, effectiveness, or value
**** 4 stars = Product was of above-average quality, effectiveness, or value
***** 5 stars = Product was of exceptional quality, effectiveness, or value

Contacting Me/Submitting Products for Review

While readers can leave comments to my posts here via Blogger, you can suggest a product you'd like to see reviewed or ask a question by emailing me at nekomegami.chan@gmail.com But please realize that like most people involved with horses, I have a rather limited budget, and thus big-ticket items like saddles, trailers, and $100 for a 5lb bucket supplements are beyond my ability to purchase simply for the sake of review.

If you represent a company which manufactures or distributes products for horses and/or riders and have a product you would like to submit for review, please feel free to email me at the email address given above. Before you do so however, understand that just because you send me samples for trial does not mean that the product automatically receive a positive review - I am always honest and fair in my assessments.

About Me

My name is Samantha, and I make my living as a riding instructor, horse trainer and assistant farm manager. I have been riding for nearly fifteen years in a variety of disciplines both English and Western. I have studied under several locally respected horsemen and women, and currently continue to apprentice under an accomplished breeder. I recently took about five years off from showing to focus on continuing my education, both collegiate and equestrian, though I will be returning to the show ring this year. First in the spring with my coming two APHA medicine hat filly "Every Girls Dream" (halter and showmanship), and later with my coming four year old Belgian x TB gelding "Avishay" who is now being prepared to begin under saddle work and whom I plan to show Training and First Level Dressage this summer and fall.

I have written reviews for equestrian products before and I have a passion for helping other horse owners by sifting through all the hype and anecdotes and finding the things that not only work, but are a good and consistent quality and value.

In Conclusion

I honestly hope that this blog and the information and opinions I provide will help other horse owners, as well as providing a medium for discussion of other people's experiences with various products and services via reader comments.

Thanks for reading!