| Every animal looks good when groomed and made to | | | | trying to do something this big and this important. |
| look smart and glamorous. But horse grooming has | | | | If the horse is not used everyday some of the |
| special significance as without regular maintenance the | | | | grooming routines can be skipped. But other routines |
| animal is vulnerable to numerous health problems | | | | must be adhered to every day. Before you begin |
| especially those which are related to his hoofs. | | | | ensure that the halter is secure and he is between the |
| There are some grooming prerequisites which have to | | | | crossties of his stable. His eyes, ears and mouth |
| be kept in mind. A horse is a very large animal and you | | | | should be checked for any irregularity. Scrutinize if |
| have to have full control over him, even when he is | | | | there are any bumps or scrape marks. Then move |
| superbly trained. A sudden and unfamiliar noise can | | | | your hand along his legs, one at a time to confirm that |
| startle him and make him dash out. Hence before you | | | | there are no obvious irregularities. |
| start grooming, ensure that the halter is in its position | | | | Next you have to clean his hooves to remove any |
| and the two cross ties are in their places. Without | | | | foreign element or sharp object which might be lodged |
| crossties, grooming the horse in his stable can be | | | | in the frog area. The hoof area is a very important |
| dangerous, as his movements can crush you against | | | | part of the horse's body, as debris accumulation here |
| walls and other objects. Installing crossties is a | | | | can result in hoof infection which can even maim the |
| requirement before you start the grooming schedule. | | | | horse. The mane and tail also should be cleaned. Use |
| Owners who have several horses usually have a | | | | combs to untangle his mane and tail, to give it a clean |
| couple of employees who take care of the grooming | | | | and well-groomed look. |
| of the horses. However, small owners sometimes | | | | The final most important part of the grooming schedule |
| cannot afford to outsource this activity. For these | | | | is to comb his coat to keep it shiny and lustrous. |
| owners horse grooming for the first time might seem | | | | Combing also helps in the removal of debris, dirt and |
| to be a daunting task. In case you are getting into this | | | | loose matters from his body. Combing of the coat is |
| for the first time, it might be a good idea to consult | | | | very important because otherwise the horse may |
| other fellow horse owners regarding their grooming | | | | develop saddle sores if the saddle is kept above an |
| schedule. This kind of advice is helpful when you are | | | | unclean coat for an extended period of time. |