Using a Brush in Horse Grooming

There are multiple brushes that can be used in horse grooming, and the object of the brush is typically to remove dirt, dander or grime from the horse's body. Learn about horse brushes with different bristles with help from an equestrian riding instructor in this video on horse grooming.

Hello, my name is Chelsey Sawtell, Primary Riding Instructor at Black Friar Farm in Kingston Springs, Tennessee. And today, we're going to be discussing use of the body brush and dandy brush for grooming your horse. There are multiple brushes that you can use while grooming your horse. The object of the brush is to remove any dirt, dander or scurf brought to the surface of the hair from your previous grooming with a curry comb and away from the horse's body. Stiff brushes with hard bristles can be used on thick coated horses, horses with winter coats or that have caked mud dirt or grime from their pasture turnout. The medium bristle brushes, the most versatile brush in your grooming cad. It can be used on horses with short coats, long coats or body clipped horses. The medium brushes used in long sweeping strokes with a bit of a flick at the end to fling any dirt and debris away from the horse's coat. Once the medium bristled brush has been used upon the horse's entire body, a soft bristled brush can be used to then polish and remove any fine dust or dirt pile, particles that could have remained on the horse's coat. The soft bristled brush is also preferred on the horse's face, muzzle, ears and any other sensitive areas. Be careful when grooming your horse to use special care in sensitive areas by avoiding the eyes and checking eyes, ears, nose and mucus membranes for any sign of sickness or illness. Proper grooming of your horse gives you time to not only bond with your animal, but, notice any signs of injury or illness. Improper grooming can result to a dull coat, missed lesions, abscesses, scrapes or bruises and an otherwise, unhappy equine. In conclusion, brushing is use to remove any dirt, dander or scurf previously loosen by your curry comb in your horse. Moving a methodical manner in the direction of the hair with long, sweeping, flicking motions starting at the head, proceeding down the body. Take special notice at sensitive areas, being especially delicate around eyes, ears, nose and face.