Vacuum grooming
- FAQs
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How do I use the BackPack Groom/n/vac™?
Grooming is easy - just pass the brush slowly down the
horse's body and let the machine do the work. Don't lean into the brush
or use it vigorously; you just want to slowly separate the hairs of the
coat. Think of applying a quarter marker - brush against the grain of
the hair on one sweep and then with the grain on the
next.
Use the mini brush on the more sensitive or smaller areas
like the head and legs. Use the brush gently so as not to
knock boney areas. Go
gently around his head and ears and if he will not tolerate it at first,
don't force the issue; as he gets more accustomed to vacuum grooming he may
well allow you to groom his
head.
The mane brush is great for thick manes and may also be
used on certain parts of the body if the coat is thick and unclipped. If you
have a thin skinned thoroughbred or similar, it is better to use the body
brush on the mane. Don't use the mane brush on the tail as it will pull too
much hair out.
Will the BackPack Groom/n/vac™ help at clipping
time?
Yes. Use the machine to separate the hairs of
the coat before clipping (avoiding the chilly bath) and then go over the
coat afterwards to get rid of all those annoying little hairs. Then you
can even turn it on yourself to get the hairs off your
clothes!
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I have asthma, will
the machine help me?
The BackPack Groom/n/vac™should help you if you are asthmatic, or suffer from
a dust or horse hair allergy because. Sealed paper bags are available for
purchase if you cannot empty the reusable dust chamber.
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What is the
BackPack Groom/n/vac™
The BackPack Groom/n/vac™ is a powerful new vacuum horse groomer, uniquely worn
on the back like a rucksack, safely out of the way of the horse. It's the ultimate
grooming tool.
What is vacuum
grooming?
Just let the suction lift the dirt! Vacuum grooming is a really effective way to remove dirt
and loose hair from the horse's coat, leaving a silky soft finish and shine.
Will the machine cope with shedding hair?
The BackPack Groom/n/vac™ really comes into its
own at coat change time. It just eats up the loose hair! It has a powerful 1200W commercial
standard motor and large dust chamber with plenty of space for the shed hair. Have a
look at our video demo and you will see how effective it is on loose
hair.
A little plea: when you empty your groomer, please
leave a little out for the birds to use for their spring nests! :-)
How about muddy
horses?
Is you horse related to a hippo?! If the horse is
absolutey plastered in mud, it will probably be quicker to hose him but the BackPack Groom/n/vac™ body
brush will cope with light dried mud. As with shedding hair, use a
rubber curry or shedding blade or block in one hand and the vacuum groomer in the
other to suck up the dust.
Can I use it on a
wet horse?
Definitely not. The BackPack Groom/n/vac™ is strictly for dry use
only.
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Will my horse enjoy vacuum
grooming?
Most horses love vacuum
grooming. Just take a bit of time to get him used to
it. As with
all new experiences, the secret is "de-sensitization". Try some of the natural
horsemanship techiniques - "approach and retreat", "sacking out" or clicker
training (see some of the recommended books above). Take your time, be diplomatic
and build your horse's confidence. It's amazing what you can
achieve!
Even the most cautious horses settle after a gradual introduction. Don't rush
it. If you buy direct, you have the benefit of an extended trial period (terms
apply - see Terms).
If he is
used to clipping your horse is likely to accept vacuum grooming
easily. (Conversely, if he is clipper shy, the BackPack Groom/n/vac™ may well help him with clipping in the
long term as he gets used to having a machine working around his
body).
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What else can I use myBackPack Groom/n/vac™ for?
Horse hair is so hard to
shift from rugs and numnahs! Slide the bristle section off the mini brush and it
doubles up as a tool to remove the loose
hair.
You can also use the
floor kit to tidy the tack room or horsebox living. The backpack mounting makes it safer
to get up a ladder to get rid of stable dust and
cobwebs.
You could even use
the vacuum groomer to groom your dog!
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Safety first
Please note that the
BackPack Groom/n/vac™ is mains operated, with a
cable. Like with
clippers, always use an RCD circuit breaker, unless your socket or extension cable has one built
in.
How heavy is the machine?
In the past machines were often heavy, noisy and cumbersome to use, or not powerful enough to do the
job. Not so with the BackPack Groom/n/vac™? At a fraction
under 5kg, the BackPack Groom/n/vac™ is not heavy to wear. Its ergonomically
designed, adjustable harness, with waist belt and lumbar support is so comfortable you hardly know the
machine is there. We wore the machine constantly for three long days at the BETA trade show with no
problem.
Is the BackPack Groom/n/vac™ noisy?
No, not especially. It sounds
like a vacuum cleaner, because that's essentially what it is! Once they are used to it most horses don't
bother but be careful around the head and ears where they will be more noise
sensitive. It has a similar decibel
rating to some of the quieter clippers but the groomer is at
a constant volume and usually horses get used to it quite quickly.
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