I totally splurged on this unit with my end-of-year bonus. I have very expensive saddle pads and abhor putting them on my filthy horse, so am a bit crazy about TRYING to keep her clean. Living in the drought-stricken southwest, I was very attracted to the "2 gallons of water" claim. Our temps get down into the single digits in the winter, so the other attraction for me was being able to clean her in the winter months.
I used it today for the first time and it seems to work just as claimed. I chose to use it with water only (no shampoo) and the resulting photos are posted here. My mare (who tends to be very brave) was a bit uncertain at first, but quickly became accustomed to it. I was even able to do her cheeks.
Here are my tips: I found that there is definitely a learning curve, so don't be in a hurry the first time. I found the unit a bit cumbersome in my hand while trying to reach my mare's mid-back (she's 15.1+hh). I needed to have a stool ready to get the right 'angle' on her back. The other big tip is to release the trigger a second or two before you lift the cleaning head off your horse. Otherwise there will be alot more dripping than you want.
I'm anxious now to use this unit with the low-sudsing shampoo I found on another site. One person commented here that Anivac sells the defoamer and shampoo for this unit on their website. When I inquired about the shampoo, the cost wasn't too outrageous but the shipping from the next state over was going to be $18!!! I chose to find an alternative, and hope it works. I also look forward to SmartPak carrying the shampoo line in the near future.
My Photos
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the mud at the bottom after dumping
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clean and dirty water reservoirs
Review 2 for Anivac
Overall Rating:
2of5
Not worth the money
January 10, 2011
ByFl34683
fromTampa,Fl
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
4of5
Value:
2of5
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I have a couple of issues with this product. When I bought it, I didn't realize that you needed a "defoamer" or special shampoo(both sold on the Anivac website). Regular shampoo might create too much suds and ruin the motor. If I had known this I would have passed. For that amount of money,I was expecting to be impressed,and I just wasn't. Now I can only get credit if I retun it;not a refund,so I have to advise to not buy this product.
Review 3 for Anivac
Overall Rating:
5of5
WOW!!
September 13, 2010
Bysipsi
fromBellville, TX
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Driving
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5of5
Value:
5of5
Ease of use:
5of5
Durability:
5of5
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We breed gypsies and drums. And they are supposed to be pink white. The anivac was just incredible. I managed to clean my 17hh drum without getting wet, in less than an hour and she was snow white in the end. I dragged my feet for a year before I finally purchased this product. Wish I had bought it sooner. Easy to use, easy to clean and store.
Review 4 for Anivac
Overall Rating:
5of5
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Anivac!
May 17, 2010
Byluvayellahorse
fromWichita, Kansas
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5of5
Value:
4of5
Ease of use:
5of5
Durability:
5of5
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Purchased this item to keep my horse clean over the winter months and for easy clean-up at horse shows where warm water is non-existent. The first day I had it, I bathed 3 horses, two of whom had never been vacuumed and one who had. The two who did not have experience with the vacuum gave it a funny look at first - but within 5 minutes I was Anivac-ing their faces. The horse with vacuum experience took a nap. By the time I had finished all three horses - there were only a few drips on the floor and as I cleaned each horse, the first side was almost dry by the time I finished the 2nd side. I absolutely love this machine - can't wait to try it on my dogs!
Review 5 for Anivac
Overall Rating:
5of5
brilliant addition to barn
January 10, 2010
By2muchfun
fromVermont
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5of5
Value:
5of5
Ease of use:
5of5
Durability:
5of5
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Have a boarding facility plus 7 of my own...this product is invaluable as a time saver, water saver. Easy to use, does a fabulous job in much less time. Well worth the investment. BTW, after much research, Smartpak is offering this product for less than other sites; quality at a good price; another example of a company going the distance for the customer...thank you Smartpak!