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Grooming is as vital to your horse's health and well being as proper nutrition and regular exercise. Grooming helps a horse and owner bond. The grooming process often alerts a horse's owner to an injury or health problem before it becomes extreme. It also provides stimulation to your horse's coat and muscles resulting in a shiny coat and a better conditioned horse.
The process for grooming a horse will vary depending on the season, the conditions, and what the horse will tolerate. The following steps, when performed in order will result in well-groomed horse.
Equipment needed:
Hoof pick, rubber curry comb, stiff body brush, medium bristled body brush, fine finishing brush, mane & tail brush, rub rags
Process:
1.) Start any grooming session by securing your horse safely and comfortably. Cross ties are best if they are available. If not, tie your horse to a secure object using a quick release knot just in case a problem should arise.
2.) Begin by gently lifting each of your horse's hooves and cleaning out the sole and frog area with a hoof pick. Be sure to remove any packed in dirt, stones, or foreign material. If your horse is shod, check to make sure the shoes are secure.
3.) With a rubber curry comb (never use metal, it's far to harsh on the horse), massage the large, muscled areas of your horse in a circular motion, paying special attention to any areas that are particularly dirty. The rubber curry comb is wonderful at loosening up dead hair and mud. Don't be afraid to put a little pressure behind the brush when you are grooming. A good once over with a curry comb will feel like a massage to your horse! Do not curry the tender "thin skinned" areas of your horse such as the face and below the knees/hocks. Watch for tender spots and look for any injuries or swelling while you are grooming.
4.) With a mane and tail brush, carefully brush any dirt, debris or tangles out of your horse's mane and tail. A spray on detangler can be used for very thick or tangled manes and tails. Start and the base of the mane or tail (close to the body) and gently work the brush through to the ends. If the mane or tail is in real bad shape, separate it into small sections and brush out one small section at a time.
5.) With a stiff bristled body brush, vigorously brush your horse from head to toe using short, upward sweeping motions to flick the dirt off his coat. This brush will remove a finer layer of dirt than the curry comb. Brush with the intent to penetrate the hair and get all the way to the skin to lift out all the dirt and dandruff. Be gentle with your horse's face and legs.
6.) With the medium bristle body brush repeat step 5. This brush will remove the finer dirt and dandruff.
7.) With the soft finishing brush, use long fluid strokes to groom your entire horse. This brush will help bring out the shine in your horse's coat by laying all the hairs in the right direction and removing the last bit of dust.
8.) Take a rag and gently wipe out your horses eyes, ears, and nostrils.
9.) A clean, slightly damp rag can also be used as a final step to buff your horse's coat by gently rubbing it over his entire body.
Your horse should be thoroughly groomed before each riding session. Removing the dirt on your horse's coat will help prevent saddles soars, and will alert you to any potential problems before a ride. You should also cool out and groom your horse when you are done riding.
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