Haas Lipizzaner Body Brush Review

First Impressions

When I tell people I spent nearly £40 on a body brush, the reaction is usually the same: a raised eyebrow and a polite suggestion that I’ve lost the plot. And honestly? Before I used the Haas Lipizzaner, I’d have agreed with them. But this brush converted me within about thirty seconds.

The Lipizzaner is handmade in Germany using natural horsehair bristles. It feels beautifully crafted — the wooden back is smooth and fits perfectly in the hand, and the bristles are dense, soft, and evenly set. It’s the kind of grooming kit that makes you feel like you’re actually taking care of your horse rather than just going through the motions.

Performance

I tested this brush over eight weeks on two horses — my TB who has thin, sensitive skin, and a friend’s cob with a thicker, coarser coat. On both, the results were the same: an incredible shine with minimal effort.

The horsehair bristles glide through the coat and seem to distribute natural oils in a way that synthetic brushes simply don’t. After a proper grooming session, both horses had a deep, healthy-looking shine that lasted well beyond the stable. It’s the kind of finish you usually only see on show horses, achieved with just a standard groom.

My TB, who flinches at harder brushes and has sensitive areas around his flanks, was completely relaxed with the Lipizzaner. He actually leaned into it, which is the best endorsement a horse can give.

What It Won’t Do

It’s important to be clear: this is a finishing brush. It’s not designed to remove heavy mud, dried sweat marks, or caked-on dirt. For that, you still need a dandy brush or curry comb first. The Lipizzaner excels at the final stage of grooming — lifting dust, distributing oils, and bringing up that beautiful shine.

If you try to use it on a muddy horse, you’ll clog the bristles and waste your time. Use it on a pre-brushed coat and you’ll understand what the fuss is about.

Care & Durability

Natural horsehair bristles need a bit more care than synthetic ones. I wash the brush every couple of weeks with lukewarm water and a mild soap, then leave it bristle-down to dry. It takes a day to dry fully, so having a second brush for grooming days is useful.

After eight weeks of regular use, the brush looks and performs identically to day one. The bristles haven’t shed, the wooden back is unmarked, and the craftsmanship is holding up perfectly. I genuinely expect this brush to last years.

Final Thoughts

The Haas Lipizzaner is the best body brush I’ve ever used. Full stop. Yes, it’s expensive compared to a £5 synthetic brush from the tack shop, but the difference in results and horse comfort is stark. If you care about your horse’s coat and want a tool that will last, this is the one to buy. It’s one of those products where the quality genuinely justifies the price.