HSE Hot Oil Coat Conditioner: How to Use It Effectively
The HSE Hot Oil Coat Conditioner is a highly versatile product designed specifically for horses and the pH of equine skin. This is important because horse skin differs from human skin, which is why human products are not always suitable. Hot Oil is a true deep‑conditioning treatment for both skin and hair, made entirely from natural oils with no silicones or chemicals.
There are no strict rules for using HSE Hot Oil. You can mix it with water at any strength depending on how much conditioning the coat needs. Every horse’s coat absorbs oil differently, and hair length also affects how much product you’ll use.
Deep Conditioning Treatment / After Clipping
For the first application, use 100–250 ml depending on the size of your horse:
- 100–150 ml for a pony
- 150–200 ml for a galloway
- 200–250 ml for a hack
Add the oil to a bucket with 5–6 litres of warm water. The mixture will turn milky white. Sponge or pour it over the horse from head to tail.
About the “Hot” in Hot Oil
The product does not have to be used hot. Warm water is ideal because it opens the pores and helps the oil absorb better. If you don’t have hot water at the barn, bring a kettle or thermos.
If warm water isn’t available, apply the oil to a warm horse after work. This also opens the pores. Cold water on a cold horse will still work, just not quite as effectively.
Top Tip #1
Use an HSE CoolGroom to remove excess water. A sweat scraper removes both water and oil, while a CoolGroom absorbs water but leaves the oil in the coat where it belongs.
Do not rinse the Hot Oil out. It is designed to stay in the coat and continue conditioning. The coat will feel oily afterwards — that is intentional. Because it contains no silicones, it will not make your saddle slip.
General Conditioning Treatment
After the initial deep treatment, or if the coat looks dry, dull, or needs a boost before a show, repeat the same method but with much less oil. Around 30–50 ml is usually enough.
Before, After, or Instead of Washing
Hot Oil helps lift dirt from the skin and hair without stripping natural oils.
- Dilute 125 ml (half a cup) of oil in 5–6 litres of water.
- Sponge it on and allow the coat to begin drying.
- Move the horse for a few minutes to warm the skin.
- Dirt will rise to the surface of the hair.
If you prefer not to shampoo, hose the horse off afterwards. This cleans the coat well without detergents.
If you are shampooing, use Hot Oil first to bring dirt to the surface and make washing easier. After washing, use Hot Oil again for gloss and conditioning. For clipped coats, use 125–250 ml in 5–6 litres of water. For long coats, use only a capful to help lay the coat flat.
Everyday Grooming Spray
This is one of the most practical ways to use Hot Oil.
- Add a couple of capfuls to a spray bottle.
- Top up with water and shake before use.
- The mixture will turn milky.
A high‑volume sprayer (like the NTR Super Sprayer) makes application easier. Use 50–100 ml of Hot Oil for most coats. Increase the strength if the coat is dry or recently clipped.
Spray on and brush or rub into the coat. This replaces natural oils lost through rugging, washing, sweat and weather.
Manes and Tails
Use the same everyday spray mix as a detangler and conditioner. It moisturises and strengthens hair without silicone, which can trap dirt.
For very dry tails, mix Hot Oil 50:50 with water and either:
- dunk the tail in a bucket, or
- spray it on generously
No rinsing required.
This method also helps reduce dandruff and encourages new hair growth.
Top Tip #2
If your horse gets rub marks on the shoulders or elsewhere, spray the area before rugging. It helps prevent further rubbing and supports regrowth. For dedicated hair regrowth, HSE SupaV is even more targeted.
Makeup for Show Day
Hot Oil can also be used as a natural, clean makeup. It melts into the skin and hair, highlighting eyes, muzzle, knees, hocks and other areas without leaving residue or forming beads on the skin.
For a darker look:
- Apply a small amount of oil to the area.
- Rub chalk on liberally.
- Apply more oil over the top using a cloth to blend.
This gives a smooth, polished finish without the mess of traditional makeup products.