Must HAAS Brushes
It’s Saturday. It’s Susan. One word: HAAS.
German engineering has brought us the BMW and the Mercedes, but it has also brought to the equestrian community the best brushes I have ever handled and used. I cannot have too many of these brushes, and each and every one of them has its own magical powers.
The design is impressive because it addresses two important tasks:
- Ease of handling
- Producing a well-groomed, dandruff free, shiny horse
Truth alert: One brush I own, the Lippizaner, was purchased for $38. I am currently typing this blog post with a pair of $12 Target pants on. Perhaps my priorities are a bit skewed, but I have used a variety of cheaper polyester brushes that have not left and had a cheap feel. I have owned some HAAS brushes for 4 years and the bristles remain in superb condition – a tribute to really good engineering and craftsmanship. Honestly, I have a STACK of HAAS brushes and each of those brushes in my groom bag serves a purpose.
The next logical question is “why can’t one brush get things done?” and my response to such a question is “the same reason heels do not look great with sweats.” Each has a job. It is difficult to have 10 HAAS brushes and pick my favorites, but I am going to try and narrow it down.
My workhorse brush that is first up to bat is the HAAS SCHIMMEL. I start any grooming with my EPONA TIGER SPONGE, and once my trusty sponge has started to loosen things up I get to work with the Schimmel. It has a sturdy leather strap that is ergonomically manufactured for easy handling and that allows me to cover most of the horse. Those bristles work to loosen the tough stuff.
Next up is the DIAMOND WURZEL. I have had this brush for nearly four years and it really cleans up the horse. One thing I must mention is horses really like these brushes. Thin-skinned TBs have no issue with these amazing brushes. If you have a mare that does not particularly care for a lot of grooming, these brushes will bring her back around!
Third in the rotation is the HAAS MILITARY DAMEN brush. It has short dense horsehair bristles in the center and longer medium bristles along the edge that flush the dandruff and dust right off their backs, and I never regretted spending $25 on this brush
Last, but certainly not least, the HAAS DIAMOND GLOSS. The Diamond Glass will guarantee removing those last bits of dandruff and dust. This brush is filled with dense horsehair bristles but the horses welcome you rubbing this all over their eyes, muzzles, and ears and can easily cover the remainder of their bodies to get your horse impeccably groomed.
As a person whose garage appears to be running an equine beauty salon, I can say emphatically that NOTHING takes the place of regular good grooming. And if you pay $20, $30, or even $40, you want to know it is money well spent — take it from a HAAS addict I do not regret spending one penny on these amazing products.
Oh! One quick side note: I am going to tell you that HAAS makes a brush for that one patch of dried manure and mud that appears to have been tattooed on your horse’s shoulder. THE HAAS MUSTANG. Tough enough to remove the funk and the grime (and feels it could take paint off your house) but does not bother the horse’s sensitive skin. Summer gives this brush a break, but winter brings it back into the daily rotation. I bring it anywhere Wimpy goes – it is my woobie. Chances are you will not utilize this brush at a horse show, but if your horse enjoys some recreational rolling in the turnout, you will summon the HAAS MUSTANG from your grooming tote.
I truly believe every horse owner should dip their toe into the HAAS brush pond because you really do get what you pay for. I traditionally purchase my brushes at Riding Warehouse, and if I can take advantage of a 15% off, I am all over it.