Ask an Expert    Grooming Q. I got a shop vacuum for Christmas and my horse loved it - until a very large shock popped him on the nose. He allowed me to vacuum him again but he is more wary. I called the manufacturer and was told that the dry air whizzing through the hose builds up static electricity and if I work on a mat - both me and the horse - that will fix it. I was working in a cement alleyway but could work on the mats in a stall. However, I've had others tell me not to work on a mat either. I want to be able to use the vacuum in the winter - I think it will help with my allergies. Any ideas? A. Racetrack groom Alison Driscoll of Vernon, British Columbia shares some suggestions about using a vacuum as a grooming tool: In places where humidity is low, static build up can be an issue when grooming, especially if you're using electrical or plastic grooming aids. A device such as a vacuum with a plastic hose and plastic curry-attachment is especially prone to cause shocks from static. The problem is, when you're using a vacuum on a horse, you build up a charge that is different from that of the horse. When one object has a different charge from another and the two come into contact, the charge will equalize between them; when you touch the horse, it results in a shock. If you are both on a rubber mat, both you and the equine are building up a charge that is different from objects around you. You are both isolated from grounded objects; if you or the horse touch any grounded thing off the mat when you are charged, a shock ensues. There are several precautions you can take to avoid being shocked. Try moving to a better-grounded surface, such as a dirt floor. Try attaching a wire to the vacuum hose with a clamp and connecting it to something that is grounded. You can also try wearing grounded wrist or ankle straps such as those used by people in the electronics field while working on computers. Do make sure that the outlet that you are using is grounded (ground fault interruption protected types are best) and that it is wired properly. Finally, while vacuuming, keep your free hand in contact with the horse at all times and hold the vacuum nozzle as close to the end as possible, so there isn't a lot of hose between you and the horse to build up a charge. Additionally, you might wipe down the horse with a fabric softener sheet before starting to vacuum. It is a little extra trouble, but this step will cut down the zap potential. Just be aware that fabric softener sheets can cause contact dermatitis in some people; if you are susceptible, handle the sheets with gloves. Another way to decrease static build-up is to apply a light mist of a leave-in conditioning spray (horse or human) to the area of coat you'll be working on. Vacuuming does do a great job of removing dirt and imbedded topline debris and can be a lifesaver for people with allergies or asthma. Shop vacuums work well and even little hand-held ones with beater brushes can be useful, though the bigger the motor, the better. For real convenience or if you have allergies, consider having a central vacuum installed in your barn. It can be used for various cleaning tasks and eliminated the need to handle dusty bags. Besides static electricity, noise and the snake-like hose are vacuum drawbacks that can put make horses object to their use. If your horse is really noise-sensitive, a vacuum canister can be mounted in a tack, feed or utility room and the hose run through a hole in the wall into a grooming area. When introducing a vacuum to a suspicious horse, approach the horse confidently and firmly. Let him listen and adjust to the noise for a minute and let him get used to the hose moving around him. Then move the unit closer slowly. You might start by vacuuming your own pant leg while the horse watches. Once a horse is comfortable with the idea, vacuuming can become part of your grooming routine. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: At westernhorsereview.com our 'Ask an Expert' page is not intended to replace diagnosis or treatment of your horse by your veterinarian or other professionals; westernhorsereview.com does not assume any legal responsibilty.