Grooming your horse:
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When grooming your horse, here are a few things to consider
1. Grooming is akin to a massage for your equine partner; the brushing warms up and relaxes his muscles.
2. While brushing and fussing over him check his body and legs for cuts and scratches. Caught in time a cut can be treated so as not to develop and infection.
3. Grooming your horse creates a bond between the two of you. He likes the attention. It is a great feeling to be close to a horse. This will calm you too.
4. Grooming must never be done when you are agitated or in a hurry. Leave all that stress behind you and concentrate on being calm. A horse will sense immediately when someone is tense or anxious. They too will become stressed. A stressed horse is a dangerous horse. So, for all concerned (especially you) release the tension or put it away for later.
At the end of the ride, chances are you won't remember what you were anxious about anyway.
Grooming Tools
Grooming Mitt :
Molded from a softer, more pliable material to better conform to both you and your horse. Dual Purpose, reversible design for deep cleansing or a relaxing massage for your horse.
Curry Com:
Gets out caked mud and very soiled coats, can also be used to brush the tail.
Rubber Groomer: (next to the curry combs)
This round rubber tool cleanses massages and stimulates blood flow near the surface of your horse's skin, all at the same time. Helps enhance the natural beauty of your horse's skin and coat
Aluminum Mane Comb:
For combing the mane
Body Brush :(Dandy Brush)
Depending on the sensitivity of your horse, a body brush comes in softer or harder bristles. Grooming your horse is mostly a very pleasurable experience for both you and your companion.
Start to groom your horse the same way each time. Always be calm and work slowly and rhythmically, as this will relax both you and your equine companion
First use the curry comb or the rubber groomer, start at the top of the neck and work down to the top of the leg, going in a circular motion Do not use a curry comb or a rubber groomer on the legs. Use instead, a soft bristled brush.
After finishing with the curry comb to loosen the dirt, Use a soft bristled brush and again begin at the neck and brush toward the tail end of the horse, going in the same direction as the hair.
Go down the neck over the withers and continue on the sides and then on the belly. Do not use a curry comb for the belly as it is a sensitive area. Use a soft bristled brush.
Make sure the brush the saddle area well. A piece of grit missed under the saddle will cause discomfort for the horse.
After using a harder bristled brush, I spray my horse with a shine spray and with a soft bristled brush, I use long strokes to bring out the shine and get rid of any dust that might be left.
I like to finish off with brushing the horses head and face with a soft bristled brush.
Important
When you’re moving around the horse’s rump ensure you maintain contact and talk to the horse in a calm reassuring voice. I normally wash down any dirt on the legs and finish them off with the body brush (my favorite is the soft bristled body brush.
After completely brushing the horse, I continue with cleaning the hoofs with a hoof pick.
For more on cleaning the horses' hooves go to:
hoof care
Grooming Tote
Invest in a grooming box or tote. They are made to look like a tool box and you can keep all your grooming supplies in one place. Easy to find and neat.
More Grooming Tips
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