Well, Christmas came. Christmas left. Did you get what you hoped for? If you're anything like me, your Christmas wish list probably had at least several equine related items. My list was small this year; very small. There was only one thing on it: the Haas Diva Horsehair and Lambswool Grooming Brush.
It's a thing of beauty.
Since I am holding it in my hand, it's clear that Santa (aka as my husband) came through for me. It's as lovely as I knew it would be. I have two other Haas brushes, so I knew what kind of quality to expect.
Left to right: Diva, Parcour, and Fellglanzburste
While these brushes are a little more expensive than your no-name brand brushes, the Diva more than the others, the quality is worth it. They're well constructed and actually do what they say.
Same order as above.
Having used the Fellglanzburste in both summer and winter, I can now say that these are brushes you can actually use year round. In the past, I've had my summer brushes and a separate set for winter. Now, my grooming tools are getting fewer and fewer. I use a human brush for manes and tails, a hoof pick, and my Tiger's Tongue for faces. I still have my grooming gloves for shedding season and my jelly scrubber for scraping off the mud, but after that, the Parcour or Fellglanzburste do the rest.
In hindsight, which only comes with experience, the Parcour (dark bristles) and the Fellglanzburste (white bristles) are essentially the same brush. They both have short, medium-stiff bristles. They're the same size, shape, and have the same handle. The only differences really are the color of the the bristles and the body. Even so, I like them both equally.
The Diva
The Diva is very different from the other two brushes. I wanted it specifically for shows when Speedy's coat is at its thinnest. In the summer, when he's show clean, his coat is particularly fine and silky. The Diva will just help smooth and polish his already fine coat.
Nothing but plush.
I've brushed the dog's face and my face, but it hasn't yet touched Speedy. He's a polar bear right now, so brushing him with this would only serve to get the brush dirty with Speedy looking exactly the same. No, I am saving it for this summer when he's shed out and looking glamorous.
Haas Schimmel
Next up on my list is the Haas Schimmel Body Brush. Neither of my boys are fans of stiff brushes, so this would strictly be a dead of winter brush. Right now, both horses have super thick coats that are difficult to brush out when they're damp, particularly after riding.
Hass Fellburste Noir
I am also considering the Haas Fellburste Noir Grooming Brush to replace my very old finishing brush. It's at least 20 years old. The Fellburste has 2" long horsehair bristles which is nearly exactly like my old one. I am hoping this one might work a little better. That one should complete my set. Because really, how many brushes does a girl need?
Wait. Don't answer that.
Wait. Don't answer that.
