| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| MirandaToo |
Posted - 22 Apr 2012 : 8:49:11 PM
OK, feel a bit stupid asking for advice on this 
Having a slight breakdown over the small ponio and myself seeming to give each electric shocks  . Wasn't too worried but it is now becoming a bit of an issue  Poor ponio has now obviously decided I am a horrible scary person who is going to zap her every time I go near her and she is getting increasingly tense around me.
It is obviously worse when removing rugs, so I'm being extra careful. Also bad when grooming, but also just stroking her seems to build up huge amounts of static and then we both get a really horrible zap. Interestingly my daughter seems to be able to touch her without a problem, so it's just me....
Sorry, it sounds really silly, but completely genuine question, what can I do to de-electrify myself?! |
| 17 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| MirandaToo |
Posted - 24 Apr 2012 : 9:31:09 PM
Awww. thank you everyone - whilst I wouldn't want anyone else to suffer, it is nice to hear I'm not the only one zapping my poor horse or getting zapped myself.
Lots of good advice to try.... Quite intrigued by the tumble dryer sheets! Think I might have to stop wearing my fleeces that are practically attached to me and go for more natural materials! Might try a cotton sheet under her rug and see if that helps. Hopefully won't be too much longer until we are out of rugs for the summer (tho' looking at the weather this evening I may just be being optimistic!).
Thanks again everyone! |
| MinHe |
Posted - 24 Apr 2012 : 7:47:49 PM
Linda, thanks for that info, most interesting! Many years ago, when designers still used drawing boards, I always used to get zapped if I put my feet on the metal footrest under the board - the office had a nylon carpet!
Keren |
| LesleyH |
Posted - 24 Apr 2012 : 6:30:01 PM
I get zapped with my lad especially when I take off his fly rug in the summer. I have to fold it back really carefully then lift it off and you can hear the electricity crackling. I used to get zapped from my car door until a mechanic gave me a tip. When getting out of the car hold the top of the door before putting your feet on the ground. It really does work.
Lesley |
| stirling321 |
Posted - 24 Apr 2012 : 11:14:35 AM
lol I always get zapped and most recently zapped Stirling right on the backside... lucky for me he just flinches and doesnt kick out! Im going to try touching wooden doors now :p |
| Cinnypony |
Posted - 23 Apr 2012 : 8:17:24 PM
Used to do with Cinny when she was moulting, but only if wore my woof muck boots. Fine in my riding boots |
| Callisto |
Posted - 23 Apr 2012 : 7:56:55 PM
Keren, if I touch something metal I get zapped, if I touch wood I don't - I think it works because wood is not a good conductor and breaks the circuit, that's why I touch wood before touching the metal handles - I've learned the hard way - amazing how long it can take for electric shock aversion therapy to work 
ETA Decided to google it and this is the explanation I found:-
Why donīt I get static shock when I touch something like a wall or a tree or door?
Shocks are usually only felt if your body is charged to over about 4000V, and you touch something conductive (like metals or water, or other people).
If the wall or door is made of wood, concrete or some other material that has low or intermediate conductivity, any static charge on your body escapes slowly and usually does not cause a shock. If you touch metal, water, or another person when your body is highly charged, the charge is discharged quickly as the material is highly conductive. In this case you may feel a shock.
That is from Electrostatics.net, who appear to be obsessed with static electricity Actually the page is very interesting - it explains the whole thing (in a general sense, not horse specific) and gives hints on how to avoid it - including tumble drier sheets!! |
| MinHe |
Posted - 23 Apr 2012 : 7:33:10 PM
I don't think touching wood would help a lot, as wood is a poor conductor. You're better off stouching something metal like a window frame or anti-chew strip.
When it comes to bath time, you could always try an anti-static conditioner on her!
Keren |
| Pheebs |
Posted - 23 Apr 2012 : 09:23:02 AM
Originally posted by Quarabian
Is this where touching wood for good luck comes from I wonder?
I was just thinking the same! |
| Quarabian |
Posted - 23 Apr 2012 : 09:17:45 AM
Is this where touching wood for good luck comes from I wonder? |
| Mrs Vlacq |
Posted - 22 Apr 2012 : 11:50:31 PM
Yup, fellow conductor here too! And living under elec wires, I cannot catch certain horses under the wires. I zap animals, cars, door handles... Natural bristle, fabrics etc should help, avoid fleece at all costs! |
| Vik1 |
Posted - 22 Apr 2012 : 10:31:25 PM
I do the touching wood thing too and use plastic backed brushes. Think the brushes make a big difference. Ive never zapped storm but Velvs body brush is leather backed so shes been zapped a few times..poor girl.
My biggest prob is opening and shutting car doors! lol |
| Sue J |
Posted - 22 Apr 2012 : 9:56:29 PM
I have this problem a lot at this time of year. Particularly when it's very cold and dry. I find that using a brush with a wooden back and bristles best. I also touch wood frequently. I don't know whether it grounds you or not but it seems to help. Someone else suggested rubbing the horse over with the scented sheets you can buy for the tumble dryer |
| Callisto |
Posted - 22 Apr 2012 : 9:36:14 PM
Ground yourself by touching a wooden door or post before you touch her? - I have to do this before I touch doorhandles if I've been walking on a nylon carpet or else I get zapped. Maybe doing this periodically when grooming would stop a charge building up? Would Wooden handled grooming kit help? Do you wear the same footwear as your daughter? I definitely have shoes with synthetic soles that if I wear them I am more likely to build up a static charge.
Agree about avoiding nylon/synthetic clothing, for you and for her. |
| kate b |
Posted - 22 Apr 2012 : 9:21:01 PM
I had this problem in the past with a certain rug. After sliding it off I would always zap my poor mare. I started touching the metal chew strip on top on the stable door after removing the rug and before touching her - getting myself a zap, but not zapping her. Once she had a new rug didnt have the problem again. |
| hazelcat74 |
Posted - 22 Apr 2012 : 9:14:41 PM
Yes had this problem only with one of mine, I actually can't wear nylon and groom her or even take her headcollar off! Have to make sure to not wear certain things when I go to the yard! Poor girl got very upset after it happened a couple of times, but soon forgave me! Not sure why its only her, nevr happens with the other 2! Wear cotton and you should be ok. |
| Kharidian |
Posted - 22 Apr 2012 : 9:06:57 PM
I agree, make sure you're not wearing nylon.
Caryn |
| Dark Angel |
Posted - 22 Apr 2012 : 8:53:00 PM
Just a suggestion but you could make sure non of your clothing is nylon based and try to stick to cotton clothing to see if that helps. Use natural bristle grooming brushes etc. Hopefully it might help |
