It is generally agreed that grooming is an important part of horse care, and proper grooming is essential for horses that are used in competition as well as horses used just for pleasure. Most recommend grooming a horse daily, although this is not always possible. However, regular grooming helps to ensure the horse is healthy and comfortable.
The main reasons for daily grooming include:
You Will Need
Step 1. Secure your horse in cross ties
Remove your hoses from his stall or pasture. Put a halter on him and lead him to the area where you will groom him. I suggest the safest and easiest place to do this is in an area with cross ties so that your horse will not move. If cross ties are not available, you can tie your hose’s lead rope to a fixed object like a fence.
Step 2. Start from the top of the head and work toward the rear
When grooming a horse, start at the top of his neck and work your way to his rear. Start on the left or near side of your horse first.
Step 3. Using the Rubber Curry
Start with the Rubber Curry. The rubber curry should be used in a circular motion to loosen dirt that has settled under the horse's hair. NOTE: be very careful and gentle around bony areas of your horse's body (such as his back or shoulders). DO NOT use a Rubber Curry on your horse's legs or face. It's too easy for your horse to injure his eye on the rubber curry or with stiff bristled brush.
Step 4. Using the Dandy Brush.
When using the Dandy Brush, you use it in the same motion you would use when sweeping a floor with a broom. You 'flick' the brush away and up from the coat so that the dirt comes off of the coat. It is important that you use this flicking motion to get the dirt out from under the hair. Unless your horse is already clean, you should see the dirt coming from the coat with each flick. When you have finished the body with the Dandy Brush, you can used it on the tail to get anything that is lodged in it out.
Step 5. Using the Body Brush
After you have gone over your horse’s entire body with the Dandy Brush it is time for the Body Brush. The body brush is meant to smooth down the hair that has been ruffled by the Dandy Brush as well as to get rid of any dirt that may remain after you have used the Dandy Brush. With the Body Brush, you do not use a 'flicking' motion, instead, you smooth it flat over the horse's coat to flatten the hair. This brush often gives the horse a shiny, clean appearance (but only when the brushes are used in this order!) You can use this brush on your horse’s face. Be careful not to comb over your horse’s eyes with the brush.
Step 6. Using The Mane Comb
Finally, use the Mane Comb to comb the horse's mane.
Step 7. Using a Damp Towel
Use your damp towel to wipe over your horses face and the rest of his body to bring his coat to a bright shine.
