Tack Box

Purchase: Grooming vacuum

The convenience of a grooming vacuum is diminished if it regularly breaks, clogs or simply doesn’t do a good job. You’ll want to purchase a model made specifically for cleaning horses and one with a good reputation for lasting a long time. And while all horses will have to be acclimated to the noise of any vacuum, a quieter model will be more suitable for particularly sensitive horses. There are large, stationary vacuums, as well as small, portable models that can be taken to shows. Many models have a “blow” option that can be helpful for drying horses, and nearly all come with a variety of attachments. Bags that collect the dust may be disposable or a longer-lasting variety, depending on the brand and model. Plan on spending at least $250 and closer to $600 for the top-of-theline models.