| Regular grooming of your horse is a necessary horse | | | | 2. Using a damp sponge, gently clean around your |
| care chore. Whether you view grooming as a "chore" | | | | horse's eyes, muzzle and ears. You can carefully use |
| or an enjoyable activity, bare in mind you're not only | | | | a very soft bristle brush to brush along the face and |
| keeping your horse's coat looking healthy and shiny, but | | | | forelock areas if your horse will let you. I prefer just |
| grooming allows you to further develop trust and | | | | using a grooming mitt and my hand. |
| bonding with your horse. Also, regular grooming can | | | | 3. Using a rubber currycomb, use soft circular motions |
| alert you to any signs of skin diseases, infections, or | | | | from the top of your horse's neck down toward his |
| injuries. Your horse will appreciate the time and | | | | shoulders. Then use a brush to remove the dirt |
| attention he is receiving from you while being groomed, | | | | loosened by the curry comb. |
| and will look great as well. | | | | 4. Use the rubber currycomb to loosen dirt on your |
| Grooming your horse does not have to be long and | | | | horse's body by using smooth circular strokes. Be |
| laborious. With the right tools and established routine, | | | | careful in bony areas such as the shoulders and back. |
| you can be done in no time. For starters, keep all of | | | | To loosen dirt, it is best to go against the grain of the |
| your horse's grooming tools in a carry container so | | | | hair. Next, use a brush in a downward direction to flick |
| they are easy to find and so you don't have to go | | | | away dirt loosened by the currycomb. Once most of |
| running back and forth to look for and fetch the tool | | | | the dirt is removed, use a body brush to flatten out |
| you need. | | | | and smooth the hair using long sweeping strokes. |
| Common items you will want to keep in your horse's | | | | 5. Just as with your horse's face, take care when |
| grooming kit include: | | | | brushing his legs as they are bony and have tender |
| - soft, medium, stiff bristle brushes | | | | skin. Use a soft brush on your horse's legs. I prefer to |
| - mane and tail detangler | | | | simply use my hands or use a grooming mitt. |
| - hoof pick | | | | 6. Using a mane comb, gently comb through your |
| - insect repellent | | | | horse's mane. Using a little bit of detangler first helps |
| - rubber currycomb | | | | when combing out the mane. Don't force out tangles |
| - mane comb | | | | with the comb and pull out hairs, instead remove tough |
| - towel | | | | tangles with your hands. Use a stiff brush from |
| - shedding blade | | | | underneath to further comb out the mane, followed by |
| - sponge | | | | a soft brush to lay it back down. |
| - hoof dressing | | | | 7. Just like the mane, spraying your horse's tail with |
| - grooming mitt | | | | detangler will make brushing it easier. Use a stiff brush |
| - conditioner | | | | to clean and brush the tail. Use your hands to remove |
| Groom your horse in an open area and secure him | | | | tough tangles and avoid breaking hairs. Use a body |
| using a halter and lead rope by tying him loosely to a | | | | brush from top to bottom of the tail a few times to |
| post or railing using a quick release knot. This way, | | | | make it flowing. |
| should your horse panic and bolt, this will lessen the risk | | | | 8. Use a towel and wipe it over your horse's coat to |
| of injury to both of you. | | | | help bring out the shine. You can spray the towel with |
| Where do you begin grooming? Some people start | | | | conditioner to bring out more of the shine. During the |
| with the hooves, while some start with the head, and | | | | summer months, it's a good idea to apply an application |
| others simply start somewhere in between. It really | | | | of fly repellent all over your horse. |
| doesn't matter where you start, it's the fact you are | | | | 9. Apply hoof dressing to help keep your horse's |
| taking the time to care for your horse that counts. | | | | hooves moisturized. |
| | | | Give your horse a small treat when you are done |
| 1. My preference is to start with the hooves. Using a | | | | grooming him to further show your appreciation of him. |
| hoof pick, remove any debris starting with the heel | | | | Regular grooming with the same routine will cut down |
| moving toward the toe. Use a brush to remove any | | | | the time needed and will make it more enjoyable for |
| remaining dirt. | | | | both you and your horse. |